The city of Cebu is fondly known as the Queen City of the Southern part of the Philippines. This highly urbanized city is economically competitive and over the past couple of years has seen tourism rising up the ranks of revenue generators for the local government. If one is planning a trip to Cebu, aside from reading up on all the tourist spots that can be visited, get the know-how on Cebu transportation. Knowing about Cebu transportation will not only help one get around the city but it will also give one an opportunity to appreciate how far this city has gone.
First, let’s figure out how to get to Cebu and the fastest way to do so is to hop on a plane. If one is coming from Metro Manila, the good news is there are several air carriers that fly to Cebu more than once a day. Cebu Pacific is a domestic airline that makes 2 trips everyday to Cebu and there are also other airlines to choose from. If one chances upon promotional offers then one has a good chance of getting the lowest possible rates to get to Cebu. The plane lands at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and this facility can accommodate both local and international flights.
Another mode of Cebu transportation is to travel by sea and it is a fact that the domestic port of Cebu is second to the busiest in the entire country. Large shipping lines dock at Cebu City’s ports and if one wants to travel using this type of Cebu transportation, then check out WG&A, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines. These ferries can accommodate up to 4000 passengers per trip. Departure points include Manila, Davao, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Butuan City.
Once in Cebu City, one will immediately notice the different types of Cebu transportation available from metered taxis, buses, jeepneys and tricycles. For those who don’t want to take public Cebu transportation, there are several rent-a-cars in the city. However, take note that public Cebu transportation are not only affordable, they are perfectly safe and because there isn’t that much traffic here, one will surely get to one’s destination quicker. A metered taxi can cost about Php60 per trip and this is for the air conditioned one. There are also the jeepneys which charge less than Php10 per head and these vehicles have designated routes.
The modes of transportation in Tacloban include land, water, and air. Depending on where your destination is, you can choose among the following:
If you choose Tacloban transportation by air, you will be landing at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, also known as DZR Airport for short. All flights to and from Tacloban City are here. The Air Transportation Office (ATO), responsible for airport operations has classified DZR Airport to be a trunk line airport. It is a joy to see improvements in the airport and we hope to see more. There are daily flights from different airlines from going to Cebu and Manila. You can check out the schedule of the flights and choose which appeals best to you.
Tacloban marine transportation before was very popular. There is even a direct trip from Manila to Tacloban and vice versa. However, when the Dona Paz tragedy happened, together with other accidents that cost the lives of many, traveling by sea was not appealing anymore and it was discouraged. However, there are some indications that the port of Tacloban may again be opened to long distance transportation. People say that marine transportation in the city is starting to pick up.
If you are planning to around Tacloban City, the transportation available are jeepneys, tricycles, and the Spider. Jeep fares vary depending on how far you will go. Fares start at around Php6.00. As for the tricycles, they cost Php6.00 as long as you are going within downtown area. There are no taxis in Tacloban unless you are going to call and hire them. But the Spider serves as the taxi, although it is not air conditioned. This Tacloban transportation operates on a 660cc Daihatsu engine, and can accommodate up to 8 people. Fares start at Php10 per head and Php5 additional for every succeeding kilometer. This is the closest to a taxi that you can get. With a low rate like that, you even get a door-to-door service. This is considered the taxi for the masses because it is affordable.If you want to go around the city, you can also rent a vehicle. There are also buses which you can take if your destination is the provinces in Leyte.
Tacloban transportation is convenient with these available modes of transportation. Although there may be no trains that will make the journey faster, you can enjoy the trip as you look around you surroundings. There is not much traffic in Tacloban City so you have really nothing to worry about. You will reach your destination in just a short while.