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How to get from Boracay to Manila
The fastest way from Boracay to Manila is a short boat to Caticlan and a flight of about 1 h from Caticlan airport, roughly 3 to 4 h door to door. Flights from Kalibo, about 1 h 30 to 2 h by van from the Caticlan jetty, are often cheaper. Overland by bus and ferry takes 12 hours or more.
Best option: Flight. Flying from Caticlan, a few minutes from the Boracay boat jetty, turns a long overland trip into a few hours.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Boat from Boracay (Cagban jetty) to Caticlan, then a flight from Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos) or Kalibo airport to Manila | about 1 h flight; 3 to 5 h door to door | several flights a day from each airport | about PHP 2,000–6,000 | Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific group airlines fly the route; Caticlan is closer, Kalibo often cheaper. |
| bus Buses and roll-on roll-off ferries via Mindoro and Batangas to Manila | about 12 to 16 h | daily | about PHP 1,000–2,000 | Long and tiring; only for travellers on a tight budget or with time to spare. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Allow time for the boat crossing and the environmental and terminal fees at the jetty.
- Caticlan airport is a short tricycle ride from the jetty; Kalibo is about 1 h 30 to 2 h by van.
- Book flights early around holidays and in the dry season, when they fill up.
- Check which Manila terminal your flight uses at NAIA.
Common questions
Which airport is better for Boracay, Caticlan or Kalibo?
Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos airport) is a few minutes from the boat jetty, so it saves a lot of time, but flights are often pricier. Kalibo is about 1 h 30 to 2 h away by van and has more and sometimes cheaper flights. If the price difference is small, choose Caticlan.
How long does it take from Boracay to Manila?
By air, about 3 to 4 hours door to door via Caticlan: boat to the mainland, check-in, a flight of about one hour, and time at Manila airport. Via Kalibo, add about two hours. Overland by bus and ferry through Mindoro takes about 12 to 16 hours.
Is there a ferry from Boracay to Manila?
There is no simple direct passenger ferry used by most travellers. The overland alternative combines buses and roll-on roll-off ferries via Mindoro and Batangas, which takes about 12 hours or more. Flying is far quicker and usually not much more expensive once you include meals and a long day.
Do I need to book flights ahead?
Yes, especially in the dry season and around Christmas, Holy Week and other holidays, when flights from Caticlan and Kalibo sell out. Fares rise close to the date. Book the boat and van transfers on the day or through your hotel; they run frequently.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.