RoRo Manila to Caticlan vs Flying: How to Get to Boracay
Going to Boracay from Manila? Compare flights to Caticlan and Kalibo with the overland RoRo route via Batangas, Mindoro and Caticlan, with pros and cons.
In this article
The RoRo Manila to Caticlan route takes you overland by bus from Manila to Batangas Port, by RoRo ferry to Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, across Mindoro by road to Roxas, then by RoRo to Caticlan, the jump-off point for Boracay. It usually takes 12 to 16 hours door to door, compared with about an hour of flying plus transfers. Below we compare both options, so you can choose based on budget, time and how much luggage you carry.
Quick Comparison: Air vs RoRo to Boracay
| Option | Typical travel time | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Manila to Caticlan | About 1 hour flight, plus short transfer | Mid to high | Shortest trip, limited time |
| Fly Manila to Kalibo | About 1 hour flight, plus 1.5-2 hours by van | Low to mid | Cheaper fares, more flight choices |
| Bus and RoRo via Batangas-Calapan-Roxas | Roughly 12-16 hours | Low to mid | Road trips, cars, heavy luggage |
| Drive your own car on RoRo | Roughly 12-16 hours plus stops | Varies with vehicle | Families, long stays |
Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, sea conditions and ferry schedules.
Option 1: Fly to Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport)
Caticlan airport, officially Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, is in Malay, Aklan, just minutes from Caticlan Jetty Port. From there a short boat ride takes you to Boracay. This is the fastest way to reach the island.
Pros:
- Shortest total travel time.
- Very short land transfer to the jetty port.
Cons:
- Fares are often higher than flights to Kalibo.
- The runway is short, so flights use smaller aircraft and seat availability can be tight in peak season.
Option 2: Fly to Kalibo
Kalibo International Airport is larger and handles more flights, sometimes including international routes. The trade-off is a land transfer of around 1.5 to 2 hours to Caticlan Jetty Port by van or bus.
Pros:
- Often cheaper fares and more schedule choices.
- Easy to book transfer packages that combine van, port fees and boat.
Cons:
- Longer total travel time.
- Adds a road leg after your flight.
Want to save on airfare? Read our guide to finding cheap flights in the Philippines, and check what you can bring on a flight before packing.
Option 3: RoRo Manila to Caticlan by Land and Sea
The overland route follows the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, a system of roads and RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferry links that connect Luzon to the Visayas. It is popular with travellers bringing a car, people who don't like flying, and anyone who wants a scenic road trip.
Step-by-step route
- Manila to Batangas Port. Take a bus from Manila to Batangas Port, usually about 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
- Batangas Port to Calapan (Oriental Mindoro). Ride a RoRo ferry or fast craft, roughly 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel.
- Calapan to Roxas (Oriental Mindoro). Travel south across Mindoro by bus or van, about 3 to 4 hours.
- Roxas to Caticlan. Board a RoRo ferry across the Tablas Strait area, typically around 4 hours.
- Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay. Pay the required port and environmental fees, then take the short boat ride to Cagban Port on Boracay.
Some bus companies have offered through-tickets from Manila to Caticlan that include the ferry legs, which saves you from buying each ticket separately. Availability changes, so ask at the bus terminal or check the operator's official page.
Batangas Pier to Caticlan direct
Ferry operators have at times run direct sailings between Batangas Port and Caticlan, skipping the Mindoro road leg. These are less frequent, and schedules change, so confirm with the shipping line before you plan around one.
Pros and Cons of the RoRo Route
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can bring a car or lots of luggage | Long travel day, often overnight |
| Scenic views of Batangas and Mindoro | Multiple transfers and queues |
| Can be cheaper for groups with a car | Weather can cause delays or cancellations |
| No baggage limits like airlines | Tiring for young kids and seniors |
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs change often, so treat these as rough guides only. A bus-and-ferry trip for one person typically adds up to less than a peak-season plane ticket, but not always less than a promo fare. If you bring a car, RoRo vehicle fares depend on the vehicle's length and type.
Remember to budget for:
- Terminal fees at each port
- Boracay environmental and port fees at Caticlan
- Meals and snacks on the road
- Tricycle or e-trike rides on Boracay
Use our trip budget calculator to compare options, and always confirm current fares with the airlines, bus companies and shipping lines.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Short holiday (3-4 days): Fly to Caticlan to maximise beach time.
- Budget traveller with flexible time: Fly to Kalibo on a promo fare.
- Family with a car or lots of gear: Take the RoRo route and enjoy the road trip.
- Coming from Cebu instead? See our guide to Cebu to Boracay travel.
Arriving in Boracay
Once on the island, e-trikes and tricycles run along the main road. Most visitors stay near White Beach, divided into Stations 1, 2 and 3. Requirements for entering Boracay, such as hotel booking confirmation, have changed over the years, so check the latest rules from the Department of Tourism at philippines.travel or your hotel before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the RoRo trip from Manila to Caticlan?
Via Batangas, Calapan and Roxas, the trip usually takes about 12 to 16 hours depending on traffic, waiting times at ports and ferry schedules.
Is there a direct ferry from Batangas to Caticlan?
Direct Batangas-Caticlan sailings have been offered at times, but schedules change. Confirm with the shipping line before relying on one.
Which is better, Caticlan or Kalibo airport?
Caticlan is closer to Boracay and saves time, while Kalibo often has cheaper fares and more flights but adds a 1.5 to 2 hour road transfer.
Can I bring my car to Boracay?
You can drive to Caticlan using the RoRo route, but private vehicles from outside the island are generally restricted on Boracay itself. Most people park in Caticlan and take the boat across.
What fees do I pay at Caticlan Jetty Port?
Expect a terminal fee and an environmental fee before boarding the boat to Boracay. Amounts change, so check current rates on arrival or with your hotel.
