Whether it’s your first time or your fifth visit to Boracay, you’ll most likely arrive via Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, better known as Caticlan Airport (Airport Code: MPH). It’s the closest airport to the island and the most convenient gateway to paradise.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to go from Caticlan Airport to Boracay Island — including the current transport options, estimated costs, and helpful tips from my own experience.
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- Hotel Recommendations: Hannah Hotel (Station 1), The Strand Boutique Resort (Station 1)
Caticlan Airport (Airport Code: MPH)
Located in Malay, Aklan, Caticlan Airport is just a few minutes away from Caticlan Jetty Port, the main jump-off point to Boracay Island.
From there, you’ll cross by boat to Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port (depending on weather and sea conditions), and then take another land transfer to your accommodation.
So yes — your Boracay transfer usually involves three parts:
- Land transfer from the airport to Caticlan Jetty Port
- Boat transfer to Boracay Island
- Land transfer from Boracay port to your hotel
Several Ways to Go from Caticlan Airport to Boracay Island
There are a few ways to make the journey, depending on your budget, comfort level, and time. Below are your main options:
1. DIY Transfer (Budget-Friendly)
If you’re traveling light and on a budget, doing the transfer yourself is totally doable. I did this during my first visit back in February 2023, and to be honest, it was a straightforward experience. Expect a few local sellers who will try to offer their services at the port though, claiming that you need to book with them. You may politely ignore them and proceed into the port.
Step-by-step Guide to Follow:
- Walk (or take a short tricycle ride for ₱50–₱100) from Caticlan Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port.
- At the port, pay the following fees:
- Environmental Fee: ₱150 (₱300 for foreign tourists)
- Terminal Fee: ₱150
- Boat Ticket: ₱50–₱100 (depending on operator)
- Once you arrive at Cagban Port, take a tricycle or e-trike to your hotel.
- Fare: ₱150–₱300 depending on distance.
💡 Travel time: Around 30–40 minutes total.
💡 Total cost: Roughly ₱400–₱600 per person
✅ Best for: Budget travelers and backpackers.
⚠️ Downside: You’ll go through queues and handle all tickets, fees, and the logistics.
Shared Transfer Service
Tour companies and even hotels or hostels offer shared transfers from Caticlan Airport to your hotel in Boracay. During my visit this October 2025, I booked a one-way shared transfer via Cebu Pacific (operated by Southwest Travel and Tours) while booking my flight.
What I liked about this option is that everything is already taken care of. The service includes airport pickup, terminal fees (excluding Environmental Fee), boat transfer, and a drop-off at our accommodation (The Strand Boutique Resort).
There's also a dedicated entrance and lane for Southwest Tours travelers.
💰 Rate: Around ₱750.00 per way as of October 2025.
🕒 Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
While there's a short wait for other passengers and a price difference compared to DIY Transfer, it was worth booking for the convenience and comfort of my partner, a foreigner visiting Boracay for the first time. But on our way back, we did the DIY transfer and just paid for the trike to the port, boat ticket, and trike to the airport.
✅ Best for: Travelers who value comfort and don't mind a slightly higher price.
⚠️ Downside: The pricing is higher than when you DIY.
Private Transfer
For absolute privacy, speed, and comfort, consider booking a private transfer through your hotel or a reputable tour company. This includes a private van, boat, and sometimes even a dedicated staff to assist you through the terminals.
Of course, this is the priciest option, and this is suitable for groups or families who want a smoother experience. I haven't tried this before, but as of October 2025, the price range is between ₱1,500 and ₱2,500 per person, depending on the service provider and package.
✅ Best for: Groups & Families.
⚠️ Downside: Steep price if taken alone and not suitable for budget travelers.
From Kalibo Airport
While this post mainly focuses on flights arriving at Caticlan Airport, I also gathered some notes for those landing at Kalibo International Airport (KLO). I actually considered this option myself because of the cheaper flight rates, but I eventually chose Caticlan Airport for its better flight timings.
If your flight arrives in Kalibo, the process is quite similar — the only difference is the longer land transfer to Caticlan Jetty Port, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and costs roughly ₱400–₱500 per person (one way). From there, you’ll still need to add the boat and island transfer costs mentioned above.
✅ Best for: Travelers who are already in Kalibo.
⚠️ Downside: If coming from Manila, it's not cost-efficient to book Kalibo airport just to save a few pesos. It will only be spent on the land transfer cost, and you will only waste your precious time meant to be spent in Boracay.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the hassle, DIY transfer is the way to go.
If you want convenience and don’t want to deal with multiple counters and fees, shared or private transfers are worth it — especially after a long flight (like if you came straight from an International flight).
After booking the shared transfers, it's a perfect balance of comfort and cost. If I travel alone or with friends who are up for an adventure, I might opt to DIY. However, if I get to travel again with my partner, I'm 100% booking the shared transfers once again.
At the end of the day, there's no right or wrong way to get there. The best way to go is your way. Just like any trip, choose what works best for your style and budget. And here's a no-filter photo for your next Boracay inspiration!😉
BOOK YOUR TOURS NOW!
