How to get from Caticlan International Airport to Boracay? In this article, we’ll take you through the transfer process one step at a time. We’ll also discuss the travel requirements, transfer fees, and other important details you need to know before your trip to Boracay.
The first thing you need to understand about Boracay is that there is no airport within the island. Instead, it is served by two airports that are both located in mainland Aklan: Kalibo International Airport (KLO), situated roughly 2.5 hours away; and the much closer Caticlan International Airport (MPH), less than 10 minutes away.
Caticlan Airport is more formally known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport but is now being marketed as Boracay Airport. Because of its proximity to the island, it is the preferred gateway by most Boracay-bound travelers. Thankfully, it underwent major renovations and the runway was extended to accommodate bigger aircraft and more passengers.
Distance of Boracay from Kalibo Airport and Caticlan Airport
Over the years, the Boracay entry protocol has changed quite a lot, no thanks to the pandemic. But here’s the latest, as of July 2023.
By the way, the DIY guide below is for budget travelers and it involves tricycle rides. If, for whatever reason, you want a more comfortable journey, a good option is to book Klook’s packaged transfer service. Aside from the air-conditioned van transfer from Caticlan Airport to the jetty port, you will also be assisted through the port processes and the driver can help you with your luggage. The price already includes the van airport transfer, boat crossing, and multi-cab hotel transfer.
RESERVE OR CHECK RATES HERE!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
As of this writing, there are only three documents you need to present:
- Valid ID. For Filipinos, any government ID is accepted. For foreigners, a valid passport.
- Confirmed hotel booking or voucher from a DOT-authorized accommodation establishment. You’ll find the list here: List of Accredited Resorts & Hotels!
- Tourist Arrival Form. You can find this form at Caticlan Jetty Port and accomplish this on the spot. If you’re a group, one person may submit this on behalf of the whole party.
Upon landing at Caticlan Airport, you’ll be directed to the Arrivals Terminal, which is a separate building from the Departures Terminal and is located on the far end of the runway.
Caticlan Airport’s ARRIVALS TERMINAL is located on the far end of the runway.
Caticlan Airport Arrivals Terminal
Caticlan Airport Tricycle Fare
- CATICLAN AIRPORT TO JETTY PORT
Tricycle Fare: PHP 75 (USD 1.40) per person
Travel time: 10 minutes
When you arrive at the Caticlan Jetty Port, enter the building and undergo a security check.
Caticlan Jetty Port Building
Caticlan Jetty Port Building
Caticlan Jetty Port Building
You need to settle the following fees separately:
- TERMINAL FEE
Regular: PHP 150 (USD 2.75)
Seniors/PWDs/Students: PHP 120 (USD 2.20)
Children 5 years and below: EXEMPTED (FREE) - ENVIRONMENTAL FEE
Filipinos: PHP 150 (USD 2.75)
Foreigners: PHP 300 (USD 5.50) - BOAT FEE: PHP 50
You don’t have to pay at this point. Just get a sticker. Then exit the building and cross the street until you reach the tricycle terminal. Queue up to settle the fare, and you’ll be given a tricycle number. Find the assigned trike.
Caticlan Airport Tricycle Terminal
To Station 3: PHP 20
To Station 2: PHP 25
To Station 1: PHP 30
To Fairways/CityMall: PHP 35
To Diniwid/NewCoast Entrance: PHP 40
To Puka Beach/Yapak: P50
- To Station 3: PHP 100
- To Station 2: PHP 150
- To Station 1: PHP 150
- To CityMall: PHP 200
- To Diniwid/Hagdan: PHP 250
- To Yapak: PHP 350
- To New Coast/Shangri-La/Crimson/Movenpick: PHP 400
That’s it! Welcome to Boracay!
To go back to Caticlan Airport after your stay, you just need to trace your steps back.
- Hail an e-trike for Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port. The driver knows which port is operational at any given time. Just let them know you’re going back to Caticlan and they’ll take you to the right port.
- Pay terminal and boat fees. At Cagban/Tambisaan Port, enter the building and queue up to settle the fees. Terminal fee is PHP 150 and boat fee is PHP 50. Again these are 2 separate lines. For the boat fee, you’ll see various transfer package options. Just ignore them and say you’ll be paying the boat fee only.
- Board the boat to Caticlan. The staff will collect your ticket and exchange it with a boat card with your seat number. Find your boat and seat. Boat journey takes 15 minutes.
- Make your way to Caticlan Airport. Because the airport’s Departures Terminal is very close to the jetty, you may simply travel on foot. Walking should take 6-10 minutes. If you wish to ride a tricycle, turn right and you’ll eventually reach the trike terminal. Travel time is 2 minutes. Fare is PHP 25.
When you reach the airport, prepare your flight booking because it will be checked upon entry.
No, not anymore. Previously, at the height of the pandemic, Boracay visitors must register online and get a QR code prior to the trip. But that’s no longer implemented.
But to be honest, we prefer the pandemic version of the process. I’d rather complete a form online before the trip than on site, which adds a couple of extra steps. At the height of the pandemic, we only needed to fall in line once, to settle the fees, and then just show the QR code. Now that the process is back to normal, there are again a number of queuing to do and forms to accomplish, dragging the transfer process much, much longer.
We’re looking forward to the day when the system would be automated and centralized.
Not exactly. The staff ensures that PWDs are prioritized, especially those on wheelchairs. But the infrastructure still leaves a lot of room for improvement.
For example, on our most recent trips, we noticed that when boarding or disembarking, the boardwalk connecting the boat to the port were a bit narrow, impossible for wheelchairs to fit.
On some days, when the waves are strong, disembarking can be a challenge even for the physically fit.
That said, on our last trip, we noticed that the boatmen did their best to be attentive and considerate of PWDs. One passenger was on wheelchair and they made sure she was the first to alight. (I just didn’t see how they assisted her when crossing.)
We’ve also tried the pre-arranged transfer packages offered by resorts and travel agencies before, and yes, they are more PWD-friendly. Not perfect, but I think it offers a much easier, faster and overall better experience for people with mobility issues.
2023 07 20 • Updated to reflect airport tricycle fare increase from P50 to P75
2023 04 14 • First uploaded
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