I was so surprised to discover that traveling from Bacolod to Cebu by land is very easy. We were used to flying so, it was only last Mother's Day weekend that I decided to give it a try.
Our route was Bacolod to San Carlos Port (by land), San Carlos to Toledo (via RORO or water taxi) and Toledo to Cebu (by land.)
If you plan to bring your own car, the fastest route going to San Carlos Port is through the via Don Salvador Benedicto highway. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours though you might be interested in spending a few hours in the area to enjoy it. You may read about our short Don Salvador Benedicto adventure, here.
If you plan to take the Ceres bus going to Cebu, then you have two options:
A. Take a direct trip (BCD - Cebu)
This means that you don't have to transfer buses and purchase your RORO ticket separately. However, travel time is longer since they take the slower RORO. Estimated travel time by direct trip is 7-8 hours.
Here is the schedule: (subject to change without notice)
1:30 AM
4:00 AM
6:45 AM
9:30 AM
12:00 NN
2:30 PM
9:30 PM
Fare: Php 505.00 and if you have questions, here is the contact number of the Ceres South Bus Terminal - (034) 4329427 / 09177711212
B. Take separate trips
1. Take the bus from Bacolod to San Carlos via Don Salvador Benedicto
Travel time is 2.5 hours
Fare: Php 144.00
They have buses leaving every few minutes.We took this option since we did not make it to the 12NN BCD-CEB direct trip. When choosing this option, inform the driver or conductor that you will be going to the pier. Once you reach San Carlos, they will be dropping you at the tricycle terminal.
Take a tricycle going to the Port and ask the driver to drop you at the Fastcat or RORO ticketing office. Fare is only Php 20.00
2. Ride a water taxi or Fast Cat from San Carlos Port to Toledo Port
There are also several options traveling from San Carlos to Toledo. I highly suggest you take the Fast Cat. (This is not a sponsored post.) It is not your usual "fastcraft" that can only accommodate passengers but cars and motorcycles can take the Fast Cat too. It is new, clean and fast. Travel time is only 1 hour.
Rates start at Php 150 for Economy, Php 200 for Premium Economy (Airconditioned) and Php 250 for the Business Class. I took the Business Class since it's cooler, not so crowded and it comes with a free light snack.
Senior Citizens and children are entitled to discounts and those below 3 years old are free of charge. If you are bringing your car, an SUV/ AUV will cost you Php 1,535.00 while a sedan's rate is Php 1,139.00.
For a complete schedule of trips, you may visit Fast Cat's website.
Also, don't forget to pay the terminal fee is Php 20.00 per passenger.
Additional Tip: If you plan to just leave your car in San Carlos Port, the overnight parking fee is only Php 34.00.
UPDATED on 10/28/17: Due to change in San Carlos Port's Management, overnight parking is no longer allowed.
UPDATED on 10/28/17: Due to change in San Carlos Port's Management, overnight parking is no longer allowed.
3. Ride a passenger van from Toledo - Cebu City
Once you reach Toledo port, take a tricycle going to the bus or v-hire terminal for Php 10.00. Since most of the buses are non-aircon, I highly suggest that you take a passenger van. Fare is only Php 100.00 per person and travel time is 1.5 hours - 2 hours only.
Additional Tip: Mcdonalds is just walking distance from Toledo port in case you're hungry.
If you plan your trip carefully and minimize wait time, you can reach Cebu in 6 hours. It actually has a very minimal difference if you travel by plane. Since BCD-Silay Airport takes 1 hour, the pre-departure wait time is 2 hours, flying time is 1 hour and Mactan Airport to Cebu City takes 1.5-2 hours due to traffic.
Do you have any other questions? Feel free to comment below or send us a message at Facebook.
