Manila to Bacolod Ferry Schedule

Map showing Manila to Bacolod travel routes with 2GO ferry and RoRo bus options across Philippine islands


Looking to travel from Manila to Bacolod? Two reliable options connect these vibrant cities: 2GO’s direct passenger ferries from Manila North Harbor, or RoRo buses that travel across multiple islands via the Western Nautical Highway. The journey takes 19-24 hours and showcases some of the Philippines’ most beautiful seascapes and landscapes.

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Travel Options Overview

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

Travel Option Frequency Duration
2GO Direct Ferry 3 times weekly (Sat, Sun, Mon) 19-20 hours
RoRo Bus Daily departures 22-24 hours

Schedules & Departures

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

2GO Ferry Schedule (Manila to Bacolod)

Vessel Departure Time Travel Time
2GO MALIGAYA Tue/Sat 7:00 PM 19h (arrives next day)
2GO MALIGAYA Tue 12:30 PM 19h 30m (arrives Wed morning)
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL Thu 9:30 PM 19h (arrives Fri afternoon)
2GO MASIGLA Fri 5:00 AM 19h (arrives Sat morning)

RoRo Bus Schedules (Manila to Bacolod)

Operator Departure Time Duration
Ceres Liner Daily at 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM 22-24 hours
Alternative Connection Manila-Iloilo-Bacolod (Daily) 24-26 hours

2GO ferry sailing on the sea

Western Nautical Highway Route (RoRo Bus)

🚌
~100 km – Manila to Batangas
Initial drive from Manila via STAR Tollway/SLEX expressway
Duration: 2-3 hours
🚢
~40 km – Batangas to Calapan (Mindoro)
First ferry crossing to Mindoro Island
Operators: Montenegro, FastCat, Starlite
Duration: 2-3 hours
🚌
~120 km – Mindoro Island traverse
Calapan to Roxas (southwest Mindoro) across scenic countryside
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
🚢
~100 km – Roxas to Caticlan (Panay)
Major ferry crossing from Mindoro to Panay Island
Operators: Montenegro, Starlite
Duration: 4-5 hours
🚌
~250 km – Panay Island traverse
Drive across Panay via Kalibo, Roxas City to Dumangas Port
Duration: 5-6 hours
🚢
~40 km – Dumangas to Bacolod
Final ferry crossing to Negros Island
Operators: FastCat, various RoRo lines
Duration: 1.5 hours

This route takes you across four major islands of the Philippines: Luzon → Mindoro → Panay → Negros, with a total distance of approximately 610km by land plus sea crossings. The entire journey is part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway system.

Meanwhile, the 2GO ferry from Manila to Bacolod offers a direct sea route aboard vessels like the M/V St. Michael the Archangel, M/V 2GO Maligaya, and M/V 2GO Masigla for a smoother journey without transfers.

Fare Comparison

Ceres Liner Bus

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

Operator / Class Price Notes
2GO Ferry Options
Mega Value Class ₱1,900 Open-air accommodation, non-aircon
Tourist Class ₱1,900 Air-conditioned space, better bunks
Business Class For 8 Bunk ₱2,100 Premium bunks, more privacy
Business Class For 4 Bunk ₱2,100 Smaller shared cabin
Business Class For 2 Bunk ₱2,100 Cabin for two persons
Stateroom for 2 ₱6,200 Premium private cabin with bathroom
RoRo Bus Options
Ceres Liner / Economy ₱2,800 All-in fare including ferry crossings
Ceres Liner / Deluxe ₱3,000 More comfortable seating
DIY: Multiple Tickets ₱2,400-2,700 Bus + ferry segments booked separately

Departure & Arrival Points

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

Manila Departure Points

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

  • Location: North Harbor, Tondo, Manila
  • Facilities: Modern passenger terminal, check-in counters, waiting lounges, restaurants
  • Access: Accessible via taxi, Grab, jeepneys from anywhere in Metro Manila
  • Terminal Fee: ₱50

🚍 Cubao Terminal (Ceres Liner)

  • Location: EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
  • Facilities: Covered waiting area, ticket counters, food stalls, restrooms
  • Access: Near MRT Cubao Station, accessible via all forms of public transport
  • Terminal Fee: ₱20

Bacolod Arrival Points

🚢 Bacolod BREDCO Port (2GO Travel)

  • Location: Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
  • Facilities: Passenger terminal, waiting area, restrooms
  • Connections: Jeepneys to Bacolod downtown (10-15 minutes), taxis, tricycles

🚍 Bacolod South Bus Terminal (Ceres Liner)

  • Location: Luzuriaga Street, Bacolod City
  • Facilities: Air-conditioned waiting area, restrooms, food stalls
  • Connections: Central location with easy access to city center

Travel & Connection Tips: For 2GO ferries, arrive at least 2 hours before sailing for check-in procedures. If taking the RoRo bus from Cubao, arrive at least 1 hour before departure. From Bacolod port or terminal, the city center is easily accessible by jeepney or taxi (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Travel Experience Comparison

The Manila to Bacolod journey offers two distinct travel experiences, each with their own advantages:

2GO Ferry Experience

2GO Travel operates direct passenger vessels between Manila and Bacolod, offering a cruise-like experience with proper accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment. You’ll spend approximately 19-20 hours at sea aboard vessels like the M/V St. Michael the Archangel, M/V 2GO Maligaya, or M/V 2GO Masigla. See our detailed 2GO ferry guide for complete information on the Bacolod-Manila route.

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Comparison of ferry accommodations
2GO Ferry Accommodations: Tourist Class (left) and Business Class (right)\

RoRo Bus Experience

Ceres Liner (Vallacar Transit) operates integrated RoRo bus services on this route with air-conditioned coaches featuring reclining seats. The journey takes you across multiple islands, with the bus boarding ferries at key crossing points. Passengers disembark the bus during ferry transits and re-board when reaching each new island. This adventure includes stops for meals and rest breaks throughout the 22-24 hour journey.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Feature 2GO Ferry RoRo Bus
Schedule Multiple weekly departures Daily departures
Journey Time 19-20 hours 22-24 hours
Price From ₱1,900 From ₱2,800
Sleeping Proper beds/bunks Reclining seats
Luggage 50kg free 15-20kg free
Meals 2 meals included Not included
Experience Cruise-like journey, direct Island-hopping adventure

Best For:

  • Comfort Seekers: 2GO Ferry (proper beds, more space, included meals)
  • Budget Travelers: 2GO Mega Value/Tourist Class (lowest starting price)
  • Flexible Schedule Needs: RoRo Bus (daily departures)
  • Adventure Travelers: RoRo Bus (unique four-island crossing experience)

2GO Accommodation Classes: 2GO offers multiple accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Mega Value and Tourist Class provide budget-friendly options with open-plan bunks. Business Class cabins offer more privacy with 2, 4, or 8-bunk configurations. For premium comfort, Staterooms feature private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. All fares include at least two meals served in the ship’s dining areas.

Booking Information

Secure your tickets for this popular journey through one of these methods:

Where to Book

Operator Online Booking Terminal Booking
2GO Travel BusTickets.ph Manila North Harbor Passenger Terminal
Ceres Liner BusTickets.ph Cubao Terminal, Manila
DIY: Bus + Ferry BusTickets.ph Multiple terminals

Note: When booking online through BusTickets.ph, you’ll 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

Peak Season Travel: Book 1-2 weeks ahead during Christmas/New Year (December 15 – January 15), Holy Week, and Summer (March – May). 2GO ferry tickets in particular sell out quickly during these periods, especially for the more comfortable accommodation classes.

Essential Travel Tips

Before You Travel:

  • For 2GO ferries, check-in closes 1 hour before departure – arrive at least 2 hours early
  • For RoRo buses, arrive 1 hour before the scheduled departure time
  • Bring valid ID for ticket verification and any applicable discounts
  • Download offline maps/entertainment for areas with poor signal

What to Pack:

  • For 2GO Ferry: Light clothing (ships can be warm), sweater/jacket for air-conditioned areas, toiletries, motion sickness medication
  • For RoRo Bus: Travel pillow, light blanket (buses are often cold), snacks, hand sanitizer
  • For Both: Power bank, water bottle, essential medications, entertainment (books, downloaded shows)

Route-Specific Tips:

  • 2GO ships depart on time – don’t risk being late for boarding
  • The best views on 2GO ferries are from the Sun Deck (early morning arrival into Bacolod offers beautiful views)
  • On RoRo buses, keep valuables with you during ferry transfers
  • Consider taking overnight departure options to save on accommodation

Baggage Allowance

Operator Free Allowance Excess Fee
2GO Ferry 50kg ₱50 per kg
Ceres Liner 15-20kg Varies

Vehicle Transport Options

Need to bring your vehicle from Manila to Bacolod? Here are your options:

Option Vehicle Type Estimated Rate
2GO Ferry Motorcycle ₱6,000 – ₱10,000
2GO Ferry Car/Sedan ₱15,000 – ₱20,000
2GO Ferry SUV/Van ₱21,000 – ₱27,000
RoRo Segment by Segment All Types Multiple tickets required

Frequently Asked Questions

• Philippine Coast Guard may cancel ferry sailings
• 2GO typically informs passengers 6-12 hours before scheduled departure
• RoRo bus schedules adjust to available crossings
• Check BusTickets.ph for updates on your booking
• Both operators offer rebooking for weather cancellations

• 2GO ferry: Yes, 2 meals included (usually dinner and breakfast)
• Additional snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard
• Ceres RoRo buses: No, purchase meals during rest stops
• The RoRo bus typically stops at roadside eateries every 3-4 hours

• Yes, 2GO accommodates vehicles (advance booking required)
• Driver must purchase a separate passenger ticket
• Required documents: Registration papers, insurance, driver’s license
• Check-in at least 3 hours before departure for vehicles
• Alternative: Drive on RoRo ferries segment by segment (more complex)

• For 2GO: Saturday evening (7:00 PM) departures are popular for weekend travelers
• Tuesday afternoon (12:30 PM) sailing works well for business travelers
• For RoRo buses: Evening departures (6-7 PM) allow sleeping during travel
• Weekday departures typically have better seat/accommodation availability

• Restaurants and snack bars serving meals and refreshments
• Entertainment areas with live music or karaoke (ship dependent)
• Sun deck for sightseeing
• Tourist information desk
• Clean restrooms and shower facilities (in some accommodation classes)

Planning Your Bacolod Journey & Return Trip?

Explore specific operator details or plan your travel from Bacolod back to Manila:

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