Getting Around the Philippines: Flights, Ferries, Buses 2025

Discover how to travel across the Philippines in 2025: Cebu Pacific flights, 2GO ferries, long-distance buses, and the Grab app for your urban trips.

Introduction

Traveling in the Philippines may seem complex with its thousands of scattered islands, but transport options are plentiful and suited to every budget. From low-cost flights and ferries connecting the archipelago, to overnight buses and the must-have Grab app in major cities, here’s a practical guide to help you organize your journeys in 2025.

✈️ Domestic Flights: Fast and Affordable

Low-cost airlines such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines cover most major destinations like Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, and Davao. Booking early is recommended to get very competitive fares, often under €30 per flight. Keep in mind that checked baggage usually comes with extra fees.

Cebu Pacific offers a wide range of domestic routes with flexible fares and add-on services like meals, seat selection, and extra luggage. See more reviews and details here: Cebu Pacific – reviews and information.

AirAsia also provides low fares on routes such as Mactan-Cebu to Iloilo, with taxes included in the price. More details here: AirAsia Philippines – cheap flights.

⛴️ Ferries Between the Islands: Authentic and Budget-Friendly

For a more local experience, 2GO Travel ferries are an excellent alternative. They connect Manila to Cebu, Iloilo, Coron, Palawan, and more. For example, the Manila–Cebu trip takes about 22 hours, with several weekly departures. Accommodation ranges from standard bunks to private cabins, allowing travelers to adjust costs to their budget. Prices start around ₱1,700.

🚌 Long-Distance Buses: Perfect for Luzon and the Visayas

Long-distance buses are ideal for reaching mountain regions and the famous UNESCO rice terraces. From Manila, routes to Banaue or Batad are especially popular.

Ohayami Trans is a well-known company for these trips. Night buses leave Manila around 10 PM and arrive in Banaue around 8 AM (about 9–10 hours). They are equipped with air-conditioning and reclining seats, making long journeys more comfortable. Ticket prices range from PHP 648–740.

🚕 Grab: Essential in the Cities

In major cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao, Grab has replaced traditional taxis. It allows you to book cars or motorcycle taxis at fixed prices, avoiding common scams.

Grab also offers food and grocery delivery. The app is available on Apple and Android stores and is easy to use for booking rides and managing payments.

✈️ Flying to the Philippines

Air travel is the most convenient way to reach the archipelago. Several airlines operate international flights to Manila or Cebu. Full-service regular airlines such as Air France, Thai Airways from Bangkok, or Emirates offer long-haul flights with comfort and services included. Low-cost carriers, on the other hand, provide attractive fares but charge extra for baggage or boarding.

🎟️ Air Tickets: Prices and Options

The price of airline tickets depends on the season, type of flight, and journey length. A round-trip ticket is usually cheaper than a one-way fare, especially for direct flights between Europe and Asia. Direct flights are rare, and a stopover in Singapore, Doha, or Bangkok is often required. Some travelers look for last-minute offers through a travel agency, but it’s usually safer to book in advance to get the best fares.

🛫 Passengers and Airports in the Philippines

Philippine airports, such as Manila’s NAIA and Cebu, welcome millions of passengers every year. Local airlines like Cebu Pacific Airways and Philippine Airlines operate regular flights between the islands. With these domestic connections, travelers can easily explore Palawan, Bohol, or Davao. For comfort, it’s advisable to arrive early at airports to avoid stress from queues and boarding delays.

✅ Conclusion

Getting around the Philippines requires a bit of planning, but the options are varied and affordable. Domestic flights save time, ferries offer a more authentic experience, buses are perfect for reaching rural areas, and Grab is your best ally in the cities. With these solutions, you can explore the archipelago with peace of mind and make the most of its treasures.

✈️ FAQ – Flights and Airlines for the Philippines

Which airline should I choose to travel to the Philippines?

Several airlines serve Manila and Cebu. You can opt for regular flights with British Airways, Air France, or Philippine Airlines, or choose a low-cost airline like Ryanair, Vueling, or Hop for regional connections.

How should I manage baggage when flying to the Philippines?

Each passenger must check the airline’s baggage policy. Low-cost carriers often charge extra fees, while regular long-haul flights usually include one checked bag.

Where can I find the cheapest air tickets?

To find a cheap flight, use a flight comparison tool or search engine for all flights. Booking early usually offers better prices than last-minute deals from travel agencies.

Is it possible to get a direct flight to the Philippines?

A direct flight from Paris-CDG is rare. Most international flights include a stopover, often in Bangkok, Singapore, or Doha. For your next trip, compare ticket prices across regular, charter, and low-cost airlines.

What are the best departure airports for booking a flight?

From France, the main departure airport is Paris-CDG, but you can also find cheap flights from Lyon, Marseille, or Nice. Some charter flights to Asia or the Caribbean include stopovers in Majorca or Istanbul.

How can I book a cheap flight to the Philippines?

To book your flight at the lowest price, use a flight comparator like Skyscanner, Liligo, or Opodo. These flight comparison sites let you find cheap tickets by comparing prices from multiple travel agencies and airlines.

Which flight comparators offer the best deals?

Comparators like Skyscanner, Liligo, or Opodo show the best prices for international flights. By launching a flexible flight search, you can compare fares and spot deals on flights Paris–Manila or Paris–Cebu, with or without stopovers in Dubai, Lisbon, Amsterdam, or Marrakech.

Can I find flexible airline tickets to the Philippines?

Yes, some comparators offer filters to find flexible tickets. This allows you to change travel dates without high fees. Being flexible helps you secure the lowest ticket prices or even last-minute promotions.

How do I find the cheapest flights to the Philippines?

To get the cheapest flights, run a search across several days with flight comparison tools. Platforms like Skyscanner display low-cost flights and Paris–Manila fares at different times. The key is to book early or watch for last-minute deals.

Should I use a travel agency to book a flight to the Philippines?

Travel agencies are useful if you want assistance booking a cheap flight ticket, but online comparators often make it easier to find tickets at the best price, by comparing all airlines and highlighting the lowest-cost flights.

What is the average airfare to fly to the Philippines?

The airfare to fly to Manila or Cebu depends on the season, airline, and departure date. Roundtrip airfares from major hubs like JFK or LAX often range between €650–€950. Using tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or other search engines helps you compare flight prices and find the best flight deals.

Where can I find cheap flights to the Philippines?

You can easily find flights and cheap flights to Manila with budget airlines and regular carriers. Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak highlight the cheapest flights, including promotions from United Airlines, American Airlines, and local airlines to Manila’s international airport.

Is it better to book nonstop or with layovers?

A nonstop flight from Europe or the US to Manila is rare. Most itineraries include one or two layovers, often in Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. While nonstop is faster, layovers can reduce flight prices. Compare options carefully to find the best balance between comfort and cost.

Which airlines fly to the Philippines?

Several major carriers operate flights to Manila and Cebu. United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue (via partners) offer connections from the US, while Air France, Emirates, and budget airlines like Cebu Pacific serve Asia–Philippines routes. Always check both roundtrip and one-way flight tickets before booking.

How can I book flights and secure the best travel deals?

To book flights to the Philippines, start your searches early. Use search engines like Google Flights or Kayak to find the best travel deals. Adjust your itinerary, be flexible with your departure date, and check if flight tickets from nearby international airports (like JFK, LAX, or CDG) are cheaper.

Are car rentals available at Philippine international airports?

Yes, once you fly to Manila (NAIA) or Cebu, you can arrange car-rental services directly at the international airport. However, for most travelers, local transport such as Grab, buses, or ferries is more practical than driving yourself in busy Philippine cities.