Most visitors fly into Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, about 19 km and 30 to 45 minutes from the city. Others arrive by fastcraft from Bacolod or by overnight ship from Manila and Cebu. Once you're here, the city is compact, flat and easy to get around.
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By air
Iloilo International Airport (ILO) has daily flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa and other cities. International flights to Hong Kong and Singapore returned in October 2024. Check with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia for current routes.
From the airport to the city:
| Option | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle van (UV Express) | About ₱100 per person | Runs between the airport and SM City Iloilo, with a stop at Jaro Plaza on request; leaves when full |
| Taxi | About ₱350–700 | From the rank outside arrivals; agree on the meter or a fixed fare before you go |
| Grab | About ₱500 (4-seater), ₱700 (6-seater) | Fare shown in the app before you book |
| Private van transfer | Varies | Book ahead for late-night arrivals or large groups. See our van rental page. |
Fares change often, so treat these as a guide only.
By sea
| From | Arrive at | Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Bacolod | Iloilo River Wharf / Fastcraft Terminal (Muelle Loney and Lapuz) | About 1 hour by fastcraft; frequent daily trips |
| Guimaras (Jordan, Buenavista) | Parola pump-boat terminal or Jordan RoRo port in Lapuz | About 15 minutes by pump boat |
| Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and others | Iloilo Domestic Port, Fort San Pedro | Overnight ships |
| Bacolod (with a vehicle) | Dumangas port, about 1 hour north of the city | RoRo vehicle ferry |
By land
Ceres buses and vans connect Iloilo City with Roxas City in Capiz, San Jose in Antique, and Caticlan in Aklan, the jump-off point for Boracay (about 5 to 6 hours). Buses heading north leave from the Tagbak terminal in Jaro; buses heading south to Miagao and Antique leave from the Mohon terminal in Arevalo.
Getting around the city
- Jeepneys. The cheapest way to get around. Routes are painted on the side (e.g., "Jaro CPU," "Mandurriao," "Villa"). Pay the driver when you board, and tap the roof or say "para" to stop.
- Taxis. White metered taxis are easy to flag down. Ask the driver to use the meter.
- Grab. Works throughout the city for cars and food delivery.
- Tricycles. Good for short trips within a barangay; agree on the fare first.
- Bicycles. Iloilo is the "Bike Capital of the Philippines," with bike lanes along Diversion Road and the Esplanade.
- On foot. Calle Real, Plaza Libertad and the Esplanade are best explored on foot.