Samar to Cebu — Tickets & Schedules (12Go)
We earn a commission on bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Getting from Samar to Cebu by ferry takes about varies, run by Kho Shipping. Here is the schedule, the ports involved, and how to book.
Samar is the third-largest island in the Philippines and spans three provinces — Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar — so “Samar to Cebu” covers more ground than a single point-to-point route. In practice, the sea link that matters for most travelers is the one out of Calbayog, the province’s main western port and the terminal Kho Shipping uses for this Cebu crossing. If you already know you’re departing from Calbayog specifically, our dedicated Calbayog–Cebu page has the tighter detail; this page is the wider regional view for travelers still narrowing down where in Samar they’re starting from.
🚢 Check Samar–Cebu schedules and book on 12Go
At a glance
| Operator | Departures | Crossing |
|---|---|---|
| Kho Shipping | 00:00, 12:00, 19:00, 22:00 | — |
Schedule valid as of 2026-06-23 — check 12Go for current times.
Check Samar–Cebu ferrys and book on 12Go
Ports and location
- Departs: the Samar terminal (confirm at booking) — Samar
- Arrives: the Cebu terminal — Cebu, Central Visayas
Confirm the exact terminal on your ticket; in larger ports (Cebu, Tagbilaran) more than one pier operates.
On the Cebu side, Kho Shipping’s Samar sailings dock at Pier 3 in the city’s North Reclamation Area, one of several numbered piers along the downtown waterfront that different inter-island operators have used for decades. That cluster of piers reflects Cebu’s long history as the Visayas’ main trading port, a role that predates its current identity as an island-hopping base for tourists.
What to expect
Kho Shipping is the main operator on this route, departing from the Samar terminal (confirm at booking) in Samar and arriving at the Cebu terminal in Cebu, Central Visayas. Fares are not published online for this route; book ahead on weekends and holidays when the popular departures fill, and confirm the exact terminal and time on the day — schedules shift in low season and during weather advisories.
Because “Samar” spans a large island with several possible jump-off points, the departure times listed here (00:00, 12:00, 19:00, 22:00) reflect Kho’s Calbayog schedule specifically — the operator’s only regular Samar–Cebu service. If your trip starts elsewhere on the island, such as Catbalogan or the Allen–Matnog crossing toward Luzon, you’ll need a separate connection to reach Calbayog first; 12Go’s route search is the fastest way to check what’s actually bookable for your exact starting point.
This corridor carries more than passengers. Samar’s economy leans on inter-island shipping like Kho’s to move rice, dried fish, and farm produce toward the larger Cebu market, and that cargo demand — more than tourist traffic — is what keeps sailings running through the slow months. It’s also, historically, the same function this stretch of water has served since well before roads or bridges connected these islands: Samar and Cebu have been trading partners by sea for generations, and an overnight ferry today is doing a version of the same job a sailing vessel did a century ago.
How to book
- Open 12Go and search Samar to Cebu.
- Pick your date and a departure that fits your plan.
- Choose your class and pay for instant confirmation.
- Save or print your ticket — smaller operators do not always accept phone screens.
Book your Samar–Cebu trip on 12Go
Tips
One honest caveat — weather: the June–November monsoon window brings delays and the occasional cancellation; most operators reschedule free, but keep onward plans flexible. Arrive 60–90 minutes ahead and carry small bills for the terminal fee.
Because this is a single-operator corridor rather than one served by several competing lines, a cancelled sailing has more knock-on effect than it would on a busier route — there’s no next-hour alternative to switch to. Build a day of buffer into your Samar-to-Cebu plans if you have a flight or event booked immediately on arrival. On the upside, a slow overnight crossing like this uses meaningfully less fuel per passenger than the equivalent short domestic flight, which is worth weighing if you’re not in a rush.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Samar to Cebu ferry take?
About varies, depending on operator and conditions. The listed departures reflect the Calbayog–Cebu sailing specifically, which runs roughly 10 hours overnight on most slots. Check the live timetable on 12Go for your date.
Where does the Samar to Cebu ferry depart from?
From the Samar terminal (confirm at booking) in Samar, arriving at the Cebu terminal in Cebu, Central Visayas. For most travelers that means Calbayog on the Samar side and Pier 3 in Cebu’s North Reclamation Area. Confirm the pier or terminal on your ticket.
Who runs the Samar to Cebu route?
Kho Shipping. Kho Shipping carries the most departures, and it’s the only regular operator on this specific Samar–Cebu link.
How much is the Samar to Cebu ferry?
Fares are not published online for this route; book for the live price on 12Go. Expect a fare well below the cost of flying the same distance — this is budget inter-island transport built around cargo and local travel, not tourism pricing.
Related on cebu.tips
✈️ Flying in for this trip? Compare flights to the Philippines on Trip.com
Cebu’s city piers and terminal fees are administered by the Cebu Port Authority; confirm your pier and current port charges there.
Schedules, ports and fares reflect operator-published information via 12Go as of 2026-06-23. cebu.tips earns a commission on bookings made through 12Go partner links at no cost to you.