When traveling from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Cebu City, you have options like taxis, public buses, or jeepneys. For taxis, it is highly recommended to use a ride-hailing app like Grab instead of hailing an unauthorized taxi.
This article shares my experience visiting Cebu in October 2023 and details how to use the public bus service, “MyBus,” to get to the city.
From the Airport to SM City
The MyBus service from the airport terminates at the bus terminal next to SM City shopping center. From here, you’ll transfer to a taxi or jeepney to reach various other destinations within Cebu City.
Airport Bus Stop
Exit the arrival lobby of the airport and walk to your right for a short while. You’ll find the bus stop and a MyBus ticket counter (just a table). Purchase your ticket there in advance. They will also inform you of the next bus’s departure time. The fare was 50 pesos (approximately 123 yen at the time).
Travel to the City
Buses to the city generally depart once an hour, depending on the time of day, and the journey to the final stop takes about an hour. However, during evening hours, traffic can be severe, and the bus might barely move once it crosses from Mactan Island to Cebu Island, slowing significantly until the bus terminal. Upon alighting at the SM City terminal, you’ll find a large shopping mall right next door, surrounded by several high-rise hotels.
Transferring to Jeepneys for Various City Destinations
The jeepney stops for various city destinations are located at the end of the SM City shopping mall building. From the MyBus terminal, move into the shopping center building, walk along its side to the end, and you’ll find several jeepney routes parked there.
Use Google Maps to find the jeepney route number for your destination, then board the jeepney with that number. If it’s unclear, show your destination or route number to someone nearby, and they will likely direct you to the correct stop. While there are bus stops, if there are no passengers getting on or off, the bus may pass by. So, keep Google Maps open while moving, and once you pass the stop before yours, say “Para” or “Parapa” to signal the driver to stop.
If there’s a conductor, pay the fare to them. In October 2023, when I traveled from SM City near Magellan’s Cross, the fare was 15 pesos (36 yen).
From the City to the Airport
The return journey is the reverse. Take a jeepney to SM City, then purchase your MyBus ticket in advance at the ticket counter (a small booth) at the SM City terminal. There are multiple jeepney routes that go to the SM City area. Research in advance which route is most convenient, confirm the stop with locals, and reconfirm with the driver when boarding to ensure you don’t make a mistake. Also, allow plenty of time for transfers and airport check-in.
