Cebu City Mactan Intl Airport (CEB) Flights & Flight Status

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the second biggest airport in the Philippines and is known as the gateway to Cebu, an island-heavy province in the Philippines. This region of the country is just gorgeous, filled with culture and sunny beach adventures. I have explored these islands a few times and am always eager to return for more.

Although the airport is locally known as the Cebu City airport, it is actually in the City of Lapu-Lapu on Mactan island in the Central Visaya region. Conveniently, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is still located a mere 9 miles from the center of Cebu City.

Getting to CEB by taxi

There are a few ways to get to Mactan-Cebu International Airport but I find the taxi options to be the easiest.

24 hours per day you will find a white taxi located at Terminal 1 domestic arrivals and also at the Terminal 2 international link bridge arrivals area. They are metered and are a great way to get to Cebu City and beyond.

The official airport taxis are the yellow ones, and they are located in the same areas as the white ones. They have a set rate to the city, so they are not metered, and they also run at all hours. This is the easiest way to get to Cebu City, and I have used this a few times. You can always rent a car later when you are ready to head out to the islands.

Getting to CEB by bus

If you prefer the most inexpensive option of getting around, the local bus, MyBus, is a great way to get to the city center. The bus stop is located at the taxi bay area of Terminal 1 domestic arrivals and there is another bus bay in Terminal 2 international arrivals.

MyBus offers daily connections to Cebu City, plus a few other stops. Approach a ticket desk right outside the terminal building to find the most updated schedule with all available stops. The buses do not run all night, usually stopping around 9 pm and starting again around 7 am. During operating hours, they are usually scheduled in 30-minute intervals.

Car rentals and parking

The airport has an official secured parking area. It is located at Terminal 2 as you walk out of the terminal. You can easily walk to the parking area from Terminal 1, too.

Car rental agencies are located inside the terminal before exiting the building and they will send you to the same parking area to pick up your rented vehicle. There are a few international brands here, but also several local rental agencies. It's a busy vacation destination so I recommend booking before you arrive to avoid being left without a car.

I love this area with so many magical places to discover, and most of it is accessible by car. I tell everyone to rent a car and go explore here, as public transport will only get you so far and it might be harder to get a taxi to drive you to all the less explored spots around the islands.

Terminals

Mactan-Cebu International Airport has just 2 terminals. Terminal 1 is dedicated to domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves all international flights at CEB. There is a complimentary bus shuttle (Premium Airport Bus) that connects the domestic and international terminals in case you’re connecting or arrive at the wrong one. It runs 24 hours per day and every 15 minutes.

Shopping at the airport

It’s a big airport and it’s rather new, so it is very well equipped with things you might want to buy both landside and airside.

There is a convenience store, WH Smith, if you need a book, a pack of gum, a local plug or maybe a neck pillow. The airport also has all the fun extras, like toys, electronics, clothing, jewelry and more. CLN is a local favorite for the fashion forward – you’ll find it in Terminal 1 in the north wing of the departures area. I love popping in there to see what’s new.

In addition to what you’d expect at the extensive duty-free area, there is also District Fiesta, selling all kinds of modern souvenirs that showcase Filipino delicacies and crafts. You’ll find this at Terminal 1 in the south wing. I love their beautifully crafted handmade bags, necklaces and unique hats, all of which are perfect for gifts for yourself or those back home.

Eating and drinking at the airport

Right in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, a collection of shops called Airport Village is home to a great spot to eat called Casa Verde. This is my favorite spot for a full meal and drinks. The south wing of the terminal also has a great spot with local cuisine called Filipino Delights.

There are also multiple coffee shops and bars if you’re in a hurry. Bo’s Coffee serves local beans and I love chatting to the baristas here. Finally, if you need food fast, there are quick grab and go places like Jollibee in Terminal 1 for good burgers.

Airport hotel and airport lounges

If you happen to have a very early flight and need to stay at the airport, I would recommend the Aerotel, located right in the airport. You can also book this hotel by the hour if you just need a nap or a place to rest or work more comfortably. It’s located in Terminal 2 on level 1. They have both single and double rooms and are fairly inexpensive.

I have visited the Philippine Airlines lounges at CEB – there’s one in Terminal 1 in the north wing and another in Terminal 2 – but my favorite lounge at this airport is the newer Mabuhay Lounge. It’s located on the ground level of the domestic terminal, and I especially enjoy the buffet.

Special features at the airport

One of the great cultural elements of the Philippines is the friendly and wonderful massage offerings everywhere. CEB is no exception, with several opportunities available. Stress-Away (in both the domestic and international terminals) is my ultimate, – they have incredible staff (all licensed) and I love nothing more before a flight than to have a long foot massage. You may also see, Rest N Go, but these are just massage chairs.

I also love that this airport has a great salon at the Airport Village in Terminal 1. Salon De Rose does hairstyling, nails and cosmetic services, but I love having my haircut here and gossiping with the staff who are all so friendly. It’s inexpensive and a great way to pass time at the airport.

Some more airport services

The airport has a K2 pharmacy for any last-minute or urgent medical needs. There is also a prayer room, money exchange (Lulu Money is available in both terminals) and sim card services (Globe and Smart, both in the arrivals area).

The airport has designated facilities for people with disabilities and also for families. There is an area where parents can breastfeed in privacy, including comfy seating with privacy curtains, a microwave, a sink and a changing station. You will find this airside and it is open 24 hours per day.

If you want to travel around a bit without all of your baggage in tow, a luggage storage service is available in the domestic arrivals area. It is called Ibales Luggage Handling and it is also open 24 hours. It is inexpensive and they will store luggage from short periods up to a few months.

Though it’s not quite an airport amenity, I recommend heading outside and crossing the street to Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino if you have a lot of time to spare before your flight. If you book a stay here, you can use their pool to enjoy the beautiful Cebu weather while you wait for your departure.

Back at the airport. there is free Wi-Fi and you can connect to the network with no password.