Iloilo to Manila Schedule

Looking to travel from Iloilo to Manila? Two reliable options connect these cities: RoRo buses that travel across multiple islands via the Western Nautical Highway, or 2GO’s direct passenger ferries. The 610km journey takes 18-27 hours and crosses stunning Philippine landscapes.

BusTickets makes booking simple with instant confirmation for all operators on this popular route.

Travel Options Overview

There are two main ways to travel between Iloilo and Manila:

Travel Option	Frequency	Duration
RoRo Bus	Multiple daily departures	18-31 hours
Direct Ferry	Twice weekly (Tue, Sat)	20-27 hours

Schedules & Departures

Both RoRo buses and direct ferries operate regular services between Iloilo and Manila:

RoRo Bus Schedules (Iloilo to Manila)

Operator	Departure Time	Duration
Ceres Liner	Daily at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM	18-20 hours
RRCG Transport	Daily at 4:00 AM	29-31 hours
Philtranco	Daily at 11:00 AM	20-22 hours
Alabang Transit	Daily at 6:00 AM	22 hours

2GO Ferry Schedule

Route	Schedule	Travel Time
Iloilo to Manila	Tuesday, Saturday at 7:00 PM	20-27 hours
Manila to Iloilo	Wednesday, Sunday at 6:00 PM	20-27 hours

Fare Comparison

Choose from various fare options based on your budget and comfort preferences:

Operator / Class	Price	Notes
RoRo Bus Options
Ceres Liner / Economy	₱2,100	Standard reclining seats, aircon
Ceres Liner / Deluxe	₱2,600	More comfortable seating
Ceres Liner / Premium	₱2,800	Extra legroom, priority boarding
RRCG Transport	₱1,950 + (₱600-800)	Ferry fees paid separately
Alabang Transit	₱1,550 + (₱600-800)	Ferry fees paid separately
2GO Ferry Options
2GO / Super Value Class	₱1,500	Dormitory-style bunks
2GO / Tourist Class	₱2,000	Air-conditioned space, better bunks
2GO / Cabin for 4	₱2,800	Private cabin with bathroom
2GO / Deluxe Cabin	₱4,000	Premium 2-person cabin

Departure & Arrival Points

Knowing exactly where to board and alight makes your journey smoother. Here are the key details for your Iloilo-Manila travel:

Iloilo Departure Points

📍 Tagbak Terminal (Ceres Liner)

• Location: Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City
• Facilities: Covered waiting area, ticket counters, food stalls, restrooms
• Access: Accessible via jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles from Iloilo City proper
• Terminal Fee: ₱50

📍 Iloilo Port (2GO Travel)

• Location: Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
• Facilities: Passenger terminal building, waiting lounges, cafes, restrooms
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from city center
• Terminal Fee: ₱50

Manila Arrival Points

📍 Cubao Terminal (Ceres Liner)

• Location: EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Facilities: Air-conditioned waiting area, restrooms, nearby food options
• Connections: MRT Cubao Station, buses to provinces, jeepneys throughout Metro Manila

📍 Manila North Harbor – Pier 4 (2GO Travel)

• Location: North Harbor, Tondo, Manila
• Facilities: Modern passenger terminal, cafes, shops, waiting areas
• Connections: Taxis, Grab, jeepneys, and buses to downtown Manila and beyond

Notes on Other Operators: RRCG Transport departs from Tagbak Terminal and arrives at Robinsons Antipolo in Manila. Alabang Transit serves routes between Iloilo City Terminal and Starmall Alabang Transport Terminal in Manila.

RoRo Bus & Ferry Experience

The RoRo bus journey from Iloilo to Manila combines overland travel with ferry crossings, creating a unique island-hopping experience.

Ceres Liner Experience

As the dominant operator on this route, Ceres provides a consistent experience with these key features:

• Bus Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats (2×2 configuration)
• Travel Pattern: Morning departures arrive in Manila the next morning; evening departures travel overnight
• Services: Onboard attendant, occasional movie entertainment
• Overnight Travel: Sleeping in your seat during the journey – bring a travel pillow and light blanket

2GO Ferry Experience

Unlike the RoRo bus option, 2GO offers a more cruise-like experience with proper accommodations and onboard amenities:

2GO Accommodation Options

Choose from various accommodation types based on your budget and comfort needs:

• Super Value Class (₱1,500): Basic non-AC space with bunk beds in dormitory-style arrangement
• Tourist Class (₱2,000): Air-conditioned room with better positioned bunks
• Cabin for 4 (₱2,800): Private air-conditioned cabin with bunk beds and private bathroom
• Deluxe Cabin (₱4,000): Premium air-conditioned cabin for two with private facilities

Onboard Amenities & Entertainment

2GO ferries offer numerous facilities to make your journey enjoyable:

• Dining: Complimentary meals included in your ticket (typically dinner and breakfast)
• Entertainment: Evening shows, live music, karaoke sessions
• Recreation Areas: Lounges, sun deck for ocean views, game areas
• Convenience: Shops selling snacks, essentials and souvenirs
• Services: Medical clinic, prayer room, information desk

Baggage Allowance

Operator	Free Allowance	Excess Fee
Ceres Liner	15-20kg	Varies by weight/size
RRCG Transport	20kg	Additional per kg
Alabang Transit	7kg	Additional per kg
2GO Ferry	50kg	₱50 per kg

Booking Methods & Policies

There are several ways to secure your tickets for Iloilo-Manila travel:

Where to Book

Operator	Online Booking	Terminal Booking
Ceres Liner	12Go Asia, PHBus	Tagbak Terminal, Iloilo
RRCG Transport	12Go Asia	Tagbak Terminal, Iloilo
2GO Travel	2GO website, 12Go Asia	Iloilo Port (Fort San Pedro)

Cancellation Policies

• Ceres: Limited rebooking options, minimal refunds
• RRCG: 50% refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure
• Alabang Transit: 80% refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure
• 2GO: 50% refund for cancellations more than 48 hours before sailing

Note: When booking online through 12Go Asia, you’ll typically receive an e-voucher that needs to be exchanged for an actual ticket at the terminal before departure.

Passenger Discounts

All operators offer discounts for eligible passengers (bring proper ID to qualify):

Passenger Type	Discount	Requirements
Senior Citizen	20% off	Senior Citizen ID
PWD	20% off	PWD ID
Students	20% off	Valid school ID
Children (3-11)	50% off	Birth certificate
Infant (0-2)	Free	Birth certificate

Note: For RRCG and Alabang Transit, children under 5 years travel free on the bus if seated on their parent’s lap, but ferry tickets must still be paid for children to the bus conductor.

RoRo Bus vs 2GO Ferry: Which Should You Choose?

Each travel option has distinct advantages. This comparison will help you decide which best suits your needs:

Feature	RoRo Bus (Ceres)	2GO Ferry
Best for schedule flexibility	✓ Multiple daily departures	× Limited (twice weekly)
Best for sleeping comfort	× Reclining seats only	✓ Proper beds/bunks
Best for travel with large luggage	× 15-20kg allowance	✓ 50kg allowance
Best for budget travelers	× From ₱2,100 all-in	✓ From ₱1,500
Best for families with children	× Limited space	✓ More freedom to move around
Best for fastest travel time	✓ As quick as 18 hours	× 20-27 hours
Best for onboard amenities	× Basic	✓ Restaurants, entertainment
Best for vehicle transport	× More complex	✓ Simplified vehicle shipping

Traveler Scenarios

Vehicle Transport Options

Need to bring your vehicle from Iloilo to Manila? Both options offer solutions:

Option	Vehicle Type	Estimated Rate
2GO Ferry	Motorcycle	₱5,000 – ₱10,000
2GO Ferry	Sedan (Standard Car)	₱15,000 – ₱20,000
2GO Ferry	SUV/Large Vehicle	₱21,000 – ₱27,000
RoRo Segment by Segment	Motorcycle	₱3,000 – ₱5,000 total
RoRo Segment by Segment	Car/SUV	₱9,000 – ₱14,000 total

Note: Vehicle transport requires advance booking and documentation. For 2GO, the driver must purchase a passenger ticket separately in addition to the vehicle fare.

Smart Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions