Ferry travel FAQ
The questions travellers ask most — answered from verified data and official rules.
Do I need to book Philippine ferry tickets in advance?
For fastcraft on busy corridors (Cebu–Bohol, Batangas–Mindoro) same-day tickets are usually fine outside holidays. Overnight cabins and vehicle slots should be booked 1–4 weeks ahead, and Holy Week or Christmas travel needs to be booked as early as possible.
What is the terminal fee and why is it separate?
The terminal fee is charged by the port authority, not the ferry operator, so it is paid separately at the terminal — typically ₱20–₱100 depending on the port. It is never included in the ticket price.
What discounts exist on ferry fares?
MARINA MC 2018-07 mandates 20% discounts plus VAT exemption for senior citizens and PWDs, and student discounts with valid ID. Children roughly 3–7 years old travel at reduced fare on most operators. See our discounts guide for details.
Can I bring my car or motorbike on the ferry?
Yes, on RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) routes. You buy a freight ticket for the vehicle in addition to passenger fares, bring the original OR/CR, and arrive 1–5 hours before departure. Vehicle capacity is limited, so book ahead on popular routes.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled by a typhoon?
Sailings are suspended when PAGASA wind signals cover a port. Cancelled tickets are normally rebookable at no charge or refundable. Check our live cancellations page and the operator's announcements before going to the port.
How early should I arrive at the port?
Fastcraft: 45–60 minutes before departure (check-in closes ~30 minutes out). Overnight and RoPax ferries: at least 2 hours. With a vehicle: 1–5 hours depending on the route.
Does Philippines Ferry sell tickets?
No. We verify and publish schedules, fares and advisories, and link out to operators and booking platforms (like 12Go) where you can buy tickets.
How accurate is the data on this site?
An automated update agent re-verifies routes against operator sources on a rolling schedule, and every route page shows its last-verified date. See our methodology page for sources and correction policy.
Looking for a specific route? Search live schedules →