Last updated on November 26th, 2023 at 06:45 pm
How to get to Iloilo City: By Plane, Ferry and Overland
Iloilo City is one of the highly urbanized cities to visit in the Philippines and is easy to get to by international flights and also by ferry and bus. Different Iloilo tourist spots and things to do in Iloilo City are waiting for you.
Iloilo City is located at the western part of Panay Island and is composed of approximately 1,721 barangays in its 43 towns. But you might be wondering and dying to ask us why should visit Iloilo City, Philippines?
The city boasts of modern infrastructures such as malls, bars, hotels. On the other hand, well-preserved old buildings, churches, and houses from the Spanish era also abound in Iloilo. It is also surrounded by numerous beaches and resorts that will satisfy your wanderlust. It´s perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax.
Read here how to get to Gigantes Island and where to stay in Iloilo City!
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO
There are plenty of hotels, inns and resorts in the city and all around the province. For as low as 1,000 PHP, you can book modest rooms at dorms, pension houses and B&Bs. Staying at a nice hotel is also inexpensive at 1,300-2,500 PHP. That’s only $24-47 USD per night!
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HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY BY PLANE
The fastest way to get to Iloilo City is definitely by plane. There are domestics flights from Manila, you can fly to Iloilo for around 3,000 PHP or so for a round trip ticket that lasts an hour and a half. There are also flights coming from Davao, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro y General Santos.
You can purchase cheaper flights online if you decide to book usually 2-3 months before your planned date of visit, go ahead and check out Cebu Pacific.
Also, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It could be boiling hot during the summer, or too rainy around December to January. So it’s better if you mentally prepare yourself ahead of time, unless those are the type of climates you’re used to then, welcome!
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM ILOILO AIRPORT
You can hail a cab and ask to be dropped off at your destination. You can search in advance some rental cars and transportation services you can avail in Iloilo City. The Grab app is widely used in the city as well. Iloilo International Airport is located 20 kilometers far from the city.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM THE AIRPORT BY TAXI
The taxi fare going to Iloilo City from the airport is 400 PHP using the taximeter. The trip is around 30 minutes by taxi. This is the most comfortable way to get to the city. Just make sure they are using the taximeter to avoid higher prices.
HOW TO GET FROM ILOILO AIRPORT TO ILOILO CITY BY VAN (SHUTTLE)
There are shuttle services from SM City Iloilo Mall and Jaro Distric Plaza going to the airport. Prices are around 70 PHP and it will take you 30-40 minutes to reach the airport.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM THE AIRPORT THE CHEAPEST WAY
By Jeepney and Multicab
There are multicabs from the airport to Bangga Dama in Santa Barbara town and it costs 10 PHP and it takes 10 minutes. You have to wait until the multicab is full. Once in Santa Barbara ride the jeepney to SM City and it will cost you 16 PHP. It will take longer but you will be able to save a few pesos.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM BORACAY
If you are coming from Boracay overland the trip can take around 5 to 6 hours. First you have a short ferry crossing from Boracay Island to Caticlan Jetty Port. From there you can ride a bus or a van to Iloilo City to Tagbak Terminal, in Jaro District. The bus from Caticlan lasts around 5 hours and it costs 360 PHP.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO BY FERRY
There are regular trips to and from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod that are headed to Iloilo. The schedule and the trips can be modified and canceled because of weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Make sure you take a look at the weather in the rainy season.
Check out the weather forecasts for the latest updates on Iloilo’s weather.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM BACOLOD BY FERRY
The fastest way to travel from Bacolod to Iloilo City is by fastcraft ferry. Travel time on a fastcraft ferry from Bacolod to Iloilo takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also ferry RO-RO services and the trip can last 2-3 hours to reach Iloilo.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM GUIMARAS BY FERRY
The most popular way to travel from Guimaras to Iloilo City is by ferry. From both Buenavista Wharf and Jordan Wharf to Iloilo City takes around 15 minutes. There are ferries leaving at 5 30 am until 7 30 pm and it costs 20 PHP.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM MANILA BY FERRY
If you are coming from Manila, there are weekly ferries going to Iloilo from Manila and RO-RO (roll-on roll-off) but it will take up 24 hours to reach there. I think is too long when there are available regular flights from Manila.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM CEBU BY FERRY
If you are coming from Cebu, there are ferries going to Iloilo 6 times per week and it will take 14 hours to get there. A combination of ferries and buses or vans. I think is too long when there are available regular flights from Cebu.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN BY FERRY
If you are coming from Palawan and El Nido. You have to get to Puerto Princesa and from here it will take up to 24 hours RO-RO and it´s leaving a few times per week. I think is too long when there are available regular flights from Puerto Princesa.
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY FROM CAGAYAN DE ORO BY FERRY
If you are coming from Cagayan de Oro, there is a weekly ferry from Cagayan de Oro to Iloilo and the trip lasts 15 hours. I think is too long when there are available regular flights from Cagayan de Oro.
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About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.