Overview
Cebu is the Philippines' second city and the main gateway to the Visayas, pairing a busy urban centre with some of the country's best diving, island-hopping and beaches within easy reach. For UK travellers it works either as a destination in its own right or as a launchpad for Bohol, Malapascua and Bantayan. Flights to Cebu from the UK always involve at least one stop, but connections are frequent and the journey is very manageable. Check the price charts on this page to see how live fares are moving before you book.
Best time to fly to Cebu
Cebu is warm all year, with the driest, sunniest weather generally from December to May. The wetter months run roughly June to November, and while Cebu is more sheltered than parts of Luzon, typhoons can still disrupt travel between July and October.
January is busy thanks to the Sinulog Festival, and Easter (Holy Week) and the Christmas and New Year period bring higher demand and fares. For a good balance of weather and value, the late spring and early-summer shoulder weeks often work well. Use the When to book chart above to time your booking.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights between the UK and Cebu, so you will connect through a hub. Common one-stop options include Qatar Airways via Doha and Emirates via Dubai, both flying on to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, while Singapore Airlines and Scoot connect via Singapore and Cathay Pacific routes through Hong Kong. Alternatively, Philippine Airlines flies non-stop from London Heathrow to Manila, with a domestic hop of about 90 minutes on to Cebu.
Typical total journey time from London is around 16 to 20 hours depending on the routing and layover; times from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh are similar once you add the feeder flight to the hub.
Things to do in Cebu
Cebu rewards travellers who mix a little history with plenty of time on the water. A few highlights:
- Basilica del Santo Niño and Magellan's Cross: the historic heart of Cebu City and home to the country's oldest Catholic relic.
- Kawasan Falls, Badian: turquoise spring-fed pools and the launch point for Cebu's famous canyoneering trips.
- Moalboal: a relaxed coast known for the sardine run and sea turtles just off Panagsama Beach.
- Malapascua Island: a small island off the northern tip, celebrated for early-morning dives with thresher sharks.
- Sirao Flower Garden and the Temple of Leah: cool hilltop views and photo stops in the mountains above the city.
At Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
The airport sits on Mactan Island, linked to Cebu City by two bridges. The city centre is around 15 km away, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.
- Taxi: white metered taxis are the cheaper choice; the airport's yellow taxis cost more but wait right outside arrivals.
- Grab: the ride-hailing app is widely used and shows the fare in advance.
- MyBus: an inexpensive airport shuttle runs to SM City Cebu and other points in the city.
- Hotel transfers: most resorts on Mactan and in the city can arrange a private pick-up.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cebu
- Book ahead for peak dates: aim several months out for travel around Sinulog, Easter and Christmas; the price charts on this page show how fares typically build.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday to Thursday departures and the wetter shoulder months are usually cheaper than weekends and school holidays.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a few days, or comparing a Manila routing against a Gulf hub, can make a real difference.
- Compare carriers and baggage: weigh the total cost including checked bags and seat selection, not just the headline fare.
Travel essentials
British passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, provided the passport is valid for at least six months and you hold an onward or return ticket. Most arrivals also need to complete the online eTravel registration within 72 hours of departure.
The currency is the Philippine peso; pounds are not generally accepted, so use ATMs or exchange on arrival and carry some cash for the islands. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but check the latest NHS and FCDO travel advice before you travel, as dengue is present and some routine jabs may be recommended.
