I’ve been to Cebu City countless of times but I think I haven’t shared yet one tried and tested travel tip: how to avail of cheap taxi service at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. By cheap I mean the regular, metered taxi service rate and not the fixed or coupon-type of taxi service rate. This tip is especially helpful for first time travelers to the Queen City of the South.
But before that, let’s talk a little bit about the Mactan Cebu International Airport. The airport, as the name suggests, is in Mactan Island – meaning it’s NOT within Cebu City proper. Usually, it takes you about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Cebu to reach the airport. To go to Mactan, you need to cross one of the two bridges that connect Cebu to Mactan – the Mactan-Mandaue bridge and the Marcelo Fernan bridge.
The Cebu airport is the second busiest one in the Philippines. Not only does it serve domestic commercial flights, the airport also serves international flights from Cebu to Singapore, Hongkong, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea etc. So don’t be too surprised if you see a lot of foreigners in Cebu City. These days, I spot a lot of Koreans in town. In fact, many of them have already settled in the country and have already started their own business ventures.
Anyways, before I digress even further (LOL), let me now share how you can get cheap taxi at Mactan Cebu airport.
Read on…
As soon as you retrieve your luggage (that is, if you checked some in), head to the exit area. Do not entertain offers from people who claim that they have private cars or vans. Also, do not entertain offers from people who say that they can offer you taxi service but for a “fixed rate.” Chances are, this is the P395.00 service (from the airport to Cebu City proper) which is quite expensive, if you ask me. These people usually stay near the exit so be careful.
What you then do is cross the street (just follow the path from the exit to the arrivals section…where “greeters” or sundo are supposed to stay) and look for the stairs. You’ll hardly miss it as there’s even a sign that says that an airport personnel would be glad to help you carry your luggage up the stairs.
You will then find a small white tent where you can wait for the taxis. NOTE: you are NOT required to pay for the taxi’s parking fee nor are you required to pay more than what’s indicated on the taxi meter (unless of course you want to give a little tip to the driver…that’s your call). Also, an airport personnel will hand you a small piece of paper which indicates, among others, the name of the taxi and its operators, the taxi’s plate numbers as well as the numbers you can call for any concern or complaint you may have.
So there…a little tip for those who want to avail of cheap taxi service at the Cebu airport.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
Thanks for the tips. Will arrive there at 9pm though. I hope there are still cheap taxis available at that time?
Hi Aleah thank you for visiting my humble blog 🙂 Yes, it’s likely that there will still be taxis at that time since there are evening outgoing international flights din 🙂 Also, Waterfront Mactan is just across the street 🙂
Hi, Good Day! Thank you so much for the tip. hope that i could still get more tips though re cheap restaurants /tourist destinations (since we are not in a group for a tour)/ watersports.
thanks much.
Hi Julie! Hope you had a grand time in Cebu. Please feel free to ask questions here 🙂 I’d be more than glad to help
Hi, thanks for sharing, your article is quite informative. Thanks!
how much is the estimate taxi rate from mactan-cebu international airport to ocaenjet terminal (pier1)?
Thank you very much.
Hello, if by regular taxi, around Php 200 🙂
Hi!
I’d be arriving at 4.30 in the morning. And, I’ll have to go to Moalboal… Is there anything I can do to avoid getting ripped off by the exorbitant rate quoted by my Moalboal hotel?
Devon
I left a phone in one of your taxis that i took from mactan airport on fri July 7. 2023
Hi, Phil. I suggest you call the airport to see if the unit was surrendered to the Lost and Found section.