Mactan-Cebu International Airport serves Cebu, the Philippines' second metropolitan area, on the island of Mactan connected to the main city by bridges.
It is the most convenient access point to Mactan's beaches, whale shark diving at Oslob, and nearby islands such as Bohol.
How to get to Mactan Cebu International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CEB
Parking near Mactan Cebu International Airport
A multi-level parking structure is adjacent to the terminal building.
Rates are in line with Philippine standards.
How to get to Lapu-Lapu City from CEB
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Cebu: Private One-Way Airport Transfer
Mactan-Cebu Airport to Moalboal Private Transfer
Cebu: Airport/Hotel to Moalboal Private Transfer
Cebu: CEB Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center
Car rental at Mactan Cebu International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring Cebu Island independently.
Keep your driver's license, passport and credit card handy.
Hotels near Mactan Cebu International Airport
Mactan and the beaches
About 6 km and 15-20 minutes by car along the eastern coast of Mactan to Punta Engaño; the Mactan Newtown condos are closer, about 15 minutes from the terminal.
Best for: Those who want the sea without crossing the bridge, or a convenient layover near the terminal.
- Beaches and resorts just minutes from the terminal, without crossing the bridge traffic towards Cebu City
- Mactan Newtown has a private beach club reserved for complex residents
- Outside the resorts the area is residential: for city life you still need the bridge
- The Mactan Newtown condos are run by different hosts, with cleaning and service standards that vary from listing to listing
Recommended hotels
- Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort On Punta Engaño Road, on the eastern coast of Mactan about 30 minutes from the terminal according to Marriott; private beach, kids' club and spa with six treatment rooms. View availability
- 1 Bedroom Beach Condo in Mactan Newtown Near Airport - 17F In the private Mactan Newtown complex, about 15 minutes from the terminal; beach club with kayaking, snorkelling and water sports reserved for residents. View availability
Mandaue, the first bridge
About 7 km and 15 minutes from the terminal, crossing the first of the Mandaue-Mactan bridges; another 10-15 minutes separate Mandaue from the centre of Cebu City.
Best for: Those wanting a base halfway between the airport and Cebu City, handy for work or shopping at the large malls.
- Halfway between the airport and Cebu City, useful for those with commitments in both directions
- A less touristy area but with large malls and good road connections
- Little neighbourhood life on foot: you mostly get around by car or Grab
- Not the right area for those seeking a beach or Cebu City's historic centre
Cebu City, across the bridge
About 10 km and 20-40 minutes from the terminal depending on bridge traffic, up to almost an hour during peak hours.
Best for: Those wanting the historic centre, Ayala Center and city life, accepting the bridge traffic to get back to the airport.
- Fort San Pedro, the historic centre and big malls like Ayala Center within easy taxi reach
- More choice of restaurants and evening life than Mactan or Mandaue
- The trip to the airport is the longest and most unpredictable of all those in this guide, because of the bridge traffic
- An office area (Capitol Site): little neighbourhood life in the evening outside the hotels themselves
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, rebuilt in recent years, is modern and appropriately sized for its role as the country's second hub.
Before boarding, it's wise to allow 2.5-3 hours for international flights.
Map of Mactan Cebu International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it better to stay at a resort in Mactan or in Cebu City?
Mactan, where the airport itself is located, offers beaches and resorts directly on the sea with short transfers; Cebu City is better suited for business or those wanting an urban experience.
Q. Where can I see whale sharks near Cebu?
In Oslob, in the south of the island, about a 3-hour drive from Mactan: one of the few places in the world where you can regularly swim with these gentle giants.
Q. Is Cebu a good starting point for Bohol?
Yes, a fast ferry connects Cebu to Bohol in about 2 hours; Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, among the smallest primates in the world.
Q. Do I need to fill out eTravel before landing in Cebu?
Yes, it is mandatory for all international arrivals in the Philippines, including Mactan airport: the online registration must be completed up to 72 hours before the flight and generates a QR code to show at immigration control.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
