The Cebu–Bohol crossing is short and the fares are close, so the cheapest ticket is rarely the cheapest trip. What decides your day is which Bohol port the boat lands you at: most beach travelers want Tagbilaran (20 minutes from Panglao), not Tubigon (over an hour away). Here’s the comparison, port-first.
At a glance
| Operator | Type | Cebu pier → Bohol port | Crossing | Transfer to Panglao | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OceanJet | Fastcraft | Pier 1 → Tagbilaran | ~2 hrs | ~20–30 min | Frequency — the default for Panglao |
| SuperCat | Fastcraft | Pier 1 → Tagbilaran | ~2 hrs | ~20–30 min | The close fast-craft alternative |
| FastCat | RORO | Pier → Tubigon | ~2 hrs + 1 hr+ van | ~1 hr+ | Bringing a car; northern/central Bohol |
| Lite Shipping | Ferry | Pier → Tagbilaran / Tubigon | ~4 hrs (Tagbilaran) | varies | Budget and overnight sailings |
| Trans-Asia | Ferry | Pier 3 → Tagbilaran | ~4 hrs | ~20–30 min | Slow-ferry fallback |
Schedules and fares valid as of 2026-06-23 — check 12Go for current sailings. Only OceanJet publishes fixed class fares below; the rest resolve to live pricing at booking.
🚢 Compare all Cebu–Bohol ferry schedules on 12Go
The one thing that decides it: which port
Bohol has two ferry ports that matter, and they are not interchangeable. Tagbilaran, the capital’s port, is about 20–30 minutes from Panglao’s beaches and resorts — served by the fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat) and the slow ferries (Lite Shipping, Trans-Asia). Tubigon, on the northwest coast, is an hour-plus by van from Panglao — served by FastCat’s RORO.
For most travelers heading to Panglao, a Tagbilaran fast craft is the better trip even at a higher headline fare, because the Tubigon route adds a long land transfer the others don’t. Tubigon only wins if you’re bringing a vehicle or specifically heading to northern or central Bohol.
OceanJet — the default for Panglao
We recommend OceanJet for most Panglao-bound travelers. It runs the most frequent fast craft on the corridor — about 20 sailings a day from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran, a flat 2-hour crossing — which is the real advantage: you can catch a convenient boat or rebook a missed one the same day. Fares are fixed and clear: Tourist ~₱790, Business ~₱1,410. A separate OceanJet service runs Cebu to Getafe in northern Bohol in just 1h15m if that side of the island suits you. Full detail on the oceanjet ferry profile.
🚢 Check OceanJet Cebu–Tagbilaran schedules on 12Go
SuperCat — the close fast-craft alternative
SuperCat is the other fast craft to Tagbilaran, same 2-hour crossing from the Pier 1 complex — the natural fallback when an OceanJet sailing time doesn’t suit or is sold out. It runs fewer daily departures, so frequency is the trade-off, not destination. Book for live price on 12Go. One honest caveat from recent riders: SuperCat draws more punctuality complaints than OceanJet — “trip was delayed for an hour” and “the vessel needs maintenance” appear in its reviews — so on a tight day-trip schedule, the more frequent OceanJet is the safer hedge.
🚢 Check SuperCat Cebu–Tagbilaran schedules on 12Go
FastCat — the RORO, and the car ferry
FastCat is the different animal: a RORO (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle ferry from Cebu to Tubigon, not Tagbilaran. The crossing itself is about 2 hours, but Tubigon sits an hour-plus by van from Panglao, so for a foot passenger heading to the beaches it’s usually the slowest door-to-door choice despite a low ticket. Where it wins decisively: if you’re bringing a car or motorbike, FastCat is your operator — the fast craft can’t carry vehicles. It also suits travelers genuinely headed to northern or central Bohol, where Tubigon’s position helps. Book for live price.
🚢 Check FastCat Cebu–Tubigon (RORO) schedules on 12Go
Lite Shipping — budget and overnight
Lite Shipping runs a conventional ferry — slower than the fast craft (about 4 hours to Tagbilaran) but cheaper, with sailings that include a useful overnight departure (a 10 PM run that lands you in Bohol in the small hours, saving a night’s accommodation). It also serves Tubigon in about 2 hours. Riders rate it well for what it is — “pleasant experience, highly recommend” and “a very cool ferry” recur in its reviews. Choose it if the budget or the overnight timing matters more than speed. Book for live price.
🚢 Check Lite Shipping Cebu–Bohol schedules on 12Go
Trans-Asia — the slow-ferry fallback
Trans-Asia runs a slow ferry from Cebu Pier 3 to Tagbilaran, around 4 hours, typically one daily midday sailing. It lands you at the convenient port, so it’s a reasonable budget fallback when the fast craft are full — but manage expectations on comfort: recent reviews flag “central aircon not functioning” and cleanliness gripes on some vessels. Fine for a daytime crossing if price is the priority; not the pick for an overnight. Book for live price.
🚢 Check Trans-Asia Cebu–Tagbilaran schedules on 12Go
Which should you choose?
Going to Panglao and want the easiest trip? OceanJet from Pier 1 to Tagbilaran — most sailings, convenient port, fixed fares. SuperCat if the OceanJet time doesn’t fit.
On the tightest budget, or want to save a hotel night? Lite Shipping’s slow ferry, including its overnight sailing — you keep the convenient Tagbilaran port and trade speed for price.
Bringing a car or motorbike? FastCat to Tubigon — the only RORO of the group; the vehicle is the deciding factor, not the fare.
Heading to northern or central Bohol rather than Panglao? FastCat to Tubigon suits that side of the island better.
Day-tripping from Cebu? Any Tagbilaran fast craft — and the real planning move is confirming the last sailing back before you go, so a full day in Bohol doesn’t end in a missed boat.
Tips for the crossing
Mind which pier in Cebu. The fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat) and Lite Shipping sail from the Pier 1 side; FastCat’s RORO and Trans-Asia use Pier 3. Same port complex, different buildings — check your ticket.
Arrange the Panglao transfer before you land. A resort pickup or pre-booked van beats negotiating at a crowded Tagbilaran port; a tricycle is cheaper but slower.
Book ahead on peak dates. Weekend mornings, holidays and Sinulog fill the fast craft — reserve rather than risk it.
One honest caveat for everyone: June through November is the rougher-sea window. Fast craft reschedule free on weather cancellations, but keep onward bookings flexible and pack motion-sickness tablets for the afternoon crossings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest ferry from Cebu to Bohol?
Lite Shipping’s slow ferry is typically the lowest fare to Tagbilaran, and its overnight sailing can save a hotel night on top. FastCat’s RORO ticket to Tubigon can look cheap too, but it lands you an hour-plus from Panglao — so for beach-bound travelers the total trip often costs more than a Tagbilaran sailing. Compare door-to-door, not just the fare.
What is the fastest ferry from Cebu to Bohol?
A fast craft to Tagbilaran — OceanJet or SuperCat — at about two hours, plus a 20–30 minute transfer to Panglao. OceanJet’s Cebu–Getafe service is quicker still at 1h15m, but it lands in northern Bohol. FastCat’s RORO to Tubigon is the slowest door-to-door option for Panglao despite being a ferry.
Which Cebu pier do the Bohol ferries leave from?
The fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat) and Lite Shipping sail from the Pier 1 side of the Cebu City port complex; FastCat’s RORO and Trans-Asia use Pier 3. They’re in the same port estate but different buildings, so check your ticket for the pier and arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
Do I need to book the Cebu–Bohol ferry in advance?
On ordinary weekdays you can often buy at the pier, but weekend mornings, holidays and Sinulog fill the fast craft, and any same-day round trip is safer reserved. Booking ahead also lets you compare sailing times across operators in one place.
Can I bring a car from Cebu to Bohol?
Yes — on FastCat, the RORO ferry to Tubigon, the only one of these that carries vehicles. The fast craft take passengers and luggage only. If you’re bringing a car or motorbike, FastCat is the operator regardless of fare.