A long layover in Cebu is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Mactan Cebu International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 90 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of CEB:
- Can you legally enter Philippines? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 90-minute journey each way by MyBus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the PHP. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Cebu
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyBus | ~90 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~110 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the MyBus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your Cebu Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cebu:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $6 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $21 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage at CEB
Luggage storage is available at Luggage storage and delivery services are available in the arrivals area of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, landside.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Cebu.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Cebu, here are two things worth checking out:
Mactan Shrine (Lapu-Lapu Shrine) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
Mactan Island Aquarium is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CEB, check out Plaza Premium Lounge or Aerotel Cebu (Transit Hotel) to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Cebu Layover
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Cebu: Rico’s Lechon (Mactan) and Mactan Alfresco. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Jollibee or Kafe Kamayan. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Taking a Break at CEB
Long overnight layover? Your options at CEB include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Philippines also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CEB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Cebu itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Philippines that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cebu doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 90 minutes from CEB, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.