Manila to Iloilo: Your Ultimate Price Guide for Flights, Ferries, and Cargo

To figure out the best price for your trip from Manila to Iloilo, you really need to consider what’s most important to you: speed, cost, or a bit of both. You’ve got a couple of main options for getting there – flying or taking a ferry – and each comes with its own price tag and experience. This guide will break down the typical costs, travel times, and even give you some insider tips to snag the best deals, whether you’re sending yourself, your family, or even a package. If you’re looking to score amazing discounts on your travel, you can start by checking out 👉 Find the best flight deals to Iloilo.

Manila to Iloilo is a popular route, connecting the bustling capital with the charming “City of Love.” Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or exploring the rich history and delicious food of Iloilo, knowing the costs involved is key. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you can expect to pay for your journey.

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Flying from Manila to Iloilo: Speed and Convenience

When it comes to getting from Manila to Iloilo quickly, flying is hands-down your best bet. A direct flight typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it super convenient if you’re short on time. You’ve got a few major airlines that operate this route regularly, each with its own pricing structure and promotions.

Major Airlines and Their Typical Prices

The main players flying between Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, MNL and Iloilo Iloilo International Airport, ILO are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. Prices can swing quite a bit depending on when you book, the time of year, and whether there are any ongoing sales.

• Cebu Pacific: This airline is often a go-to for budget-conscious travelers. I’ve seen one-way flights starting as low as ₱775 during promotions, but typical one-way fares can range from ₱1,035.80 to around ₱2,763 or even up to ₱5,700 for standard fares. Round-trip tickets can start from about $58 around ₱3,400. The cheapest months to fly with Cebu Pacific are usually June, with an average price of ₱1,827, while December can be the most expensive, averaging around ₱2,684.

• Philippine Airlines PAL: As the flag carrier, PAL usually offers a more premium experience, but they also have competitive fares. You can often find one-way flights starting from ₱1,089 for specific dates, with typical prices ranging from ₱1,354 to ₱3,097, and going up to ₱7,200 for standard bookings. March is often the most affordable month for PAL flights to Iloilo, averaging around ₱1,604, while December tends to be pricier, with an average cost of ₱2,349.

• AirAsia Philippines: Another popular low-cost carrier, AirAsia offers competitive rates similar to Cebu Pacific. One-way flights can start from as low as $10 around ₱580 on specific promotional dates, with more typical fares in the range of ₱1,078 to ₱2,313, or up to ₱5,400. September is often the cheapest month to book with AirAsia, averaging around ₱1,537, whereas April might be more expensive, averaging ₱2,676. How to Score the Cheapest Plane Ticket from Iloilo to Manila

• Cebgo: This is Cebu Pacific’s regional subsidiary, and their flights can sometimes be a bit higher, with typical prices ranging from ₱5,900 to ₱11,000.

Factors Affecting Flight Prices

It’s not just about the airline. several things can make the price of your ticket go up or down:

• Booking in Advance: This is probably the golden rule for getting cheap flights. Booking your tickets at least a month in advance can save you significantly, sometimes up to 24% on domestic flights. Some data even suggests booking around 40 days 6 weeks ahead is ideal.
• Time of Year: Peak seasons like holidays Christmas, Holy Week, long weekends or festivals like Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival in January will almost always see higher prices. The cheapest months to fly are generally September, October, June, or November, while May and December are often the most expensive.
• Day of the Week: Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, can sometimes be cheaper than weekends. Booking on a Sunday might also offer some savings, with tickets potentially 6% to 13% less than those booked on a Friday.
• One-Way vs. Round-Trip: Sometimes, booking a round-trip ticket is cheaper than two separate one-way tickets, but it’s always worth checking both options.
• Baggage Allowance: Low-cost carriers often have very basic fares that don’t include checked baggage. Adding luggage can increase your overall cost, so always factor that in!
• Promo Fares: Keep an eye out for airline seat sales and promotions. These are frequently announced, and if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can grab some incredible deals. Many airlines and travel sites offer promo tickets.

How to Find the Best Flight Deals

One of my go-to tricks? Just start typing something into airline or travel agency search bars, those autocomplete suggestions are basically a peek into what people are actually looking for. Then:

• Be Flexible: If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, use flexible date search options on flight comparison websites. You might find significantly cheaper fares just a day or two before or after your initial preference.
• Set Price Alerts: Many travel websites let you set up alerts that notify you when prices for your desired route drop.
• Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just stick to one airline’s website. Use flight aggregators like Expedia, Traveloka, Google Flights, Cheapflights, or Skyscanner to compare prices from different airlines all in one place.
• Consider Early Morning or Late Night Flights: These tend to be less popular and thus sometimes cheaper. For example, more travelers fly between MNL and ILO at 9 PM than at any other point in the day. Going outside those busy times might save you some cash.
• Look for Deals: If you’re ready to find some of the best prices on flights to Iloilo, don’t miss out on potential savings! 👉 Click here to compare and book your flight now!

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Traveling by Sea: Ferries and RORO Services

If you’re not in a rush, or you’re bringing a lot of cargo or even a vehicle, taking a ferry or a RORO Roll-On/Roll-Off bus-ferry combination from Manila to Iloilo can be a great option. It’s definitely a longer journey, but it offers a different kind of travel experience, often at a lower base price, especially for larger groups or if you have a vehicle. How to Score the Cheapest Business Class Ticket from India to USA

2GO Travel: The Main Ferry Operator

2GO Travel is the primary ferry operator for the Manila to Iloilo route.

• Travel Time: A ferry trip with 2GO Travel usually takes about 19 hours 30 minutes to 20 hours. Some sources mention up to 28 hours, particularly if there are transfers involved.
• Schedules: 2GO Travel typically has weekly trips. For instance, ferries from Manila to Iloilo depart on specific days like Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Always check their most current schedule as these can change.
• Accommodation and Fare Rates: Ferry prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. You can go for budget-friendly options like “Super Value Class” non-air-conditioned, shared spaces, “Tourist Class” air-conditioned with bunk beds, or more private options like “Cabin” or “Suite” rooms.
  • Fares can range from ₱1,447 to ₱3,859 for a one-way trip from Manila to Iloilo.
  • For Iloilo to Manila, the passenger fare can range from ₱2,605.56 to ₱9,257.83.
  • Average ferry prices for a foot passenger from Manila to Iloilo City can be around $57 to $176 approx. ₱3,300 – ₱10,200, but can start as low as $18 approx. ₱1,000 during off-peak times. A one-way adult ticket starts from around €58 approx. ₱3,600-₱3,700.
• Booking: You can book tickets directly through the 2GO Travel website or through online booking platforms. They also run promotions, sometimes with base fares starting lower and including meals and generous baggage allowances e.g., 50 kg for students/families in some promos.

RORO Bus and Ferry Services

Another popular option, especially if you want a seamless land-to-sea-to-land journey without handling multiple bookings, is a RORO bus and ferry service. This combines a bus trip with a ferry ride.

• Ceres Transport: This company offers RORO bus services from Manila to Iloilo.
• Travel Time: A bus and ferry trip generally takes around 20 to 22 hours. Some routes, particularly if there are multiple transfers, might extend to 22 hours 31 minutes.
• Schedules: Ceres Transport RORO bus schedules from Manila to Iloilo typically have multiple daily trips, for example, 4 trips daily, with departures in the morning and afternoon.
• Fare Rates: The Ceres Bus fare from Manila to Iloilo can be around ₱861.00+ for air-conditioned buses, but a combined bus and ferry ticket typically costs between ₱2,300 – ₱2,500. Some online booking platforms show prices around ₱1,900+. If you’re looking at the “cheapest way,” a bus and ferry option from Manila to Iloilo can cost around ₱2,600 – ₱2,900. Another service, like Alabang Transit, might offer standard bus options from around US$30 approx. ₱1,700+.

Comparing Ferry Options:

• Cost: Ferries can sometimes be cheaper than flights, especially if you’re traveling during peak flight seasons or if you’re bringing a lot of luggage as checked baggage fees on flights can add up.
• Experience: It’s a much slower journey, but you get to see more of the , and for some, the sea travel itself is part of the adventure. Ferry accommodations can range from basic to quite comfortable with private cabins.
• Vehicle Transport: If you need to bring a car or motorcycle, RORO services are your only option.

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Sending Packages: LBC Manila to Iloilo Price

Sometimes, it’s not you traveling, but your stuff! LBC Express is a household name in the Philippines for sending documents, parcels, and cargo. If you’re wondering about LBC Manila to Iloilo price, here’s a general idea.

How LBC Pricing Works

LBC uses a zone-based pricing system within the Philippines, dividing the country into Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The further your package travels between these zones, the higher the cost. How to Find the Cheapest Flight Ticket from Manila to Iloilo

• Weight and Size: This is the biggest factor. Prices for parcels are calculated based on their weight in kilograms and dimensions. Small documents or items weighing 500g can start from around ₱45 within Metro Manila, but for a 2kg package from Metro Manila to Visayas where Iloilo is, you’re looking at around ₱330.
• Declared Value: If your item has a declared value, there might be an additional valuation fee. For instance, an extra ₱5 for every ₱500 declared value.
• Service Type: LBC offers various services, including regular mail, parcels, and even “Cash on Delivery” COD or “Cash on Pickup” COP options. They also have time-critical specialty deliveries.
• Delivery Time: Standard delivery times apply, but they also offer a “10 AM branch pickup service” for an additional ₱50 if you need it faster.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Since LBC rates depend on so many specifics, the best way to get an exact LBC Manila to Iloilo price is to:

1. Use their Online Rate Calculator: LBC has a handy tool on their website where you can input your origin, destination, weight, and dimensions to get an estimated price.
2. Visit an LBC Branch: For larger or more complex shipments, heading to an LBC branch and asking for a quote directly is always a good idea. They can also advise on proper packaging.
3. Minimum Requirements: If you bring your own box, there might be a minimum weight requirement, like 5kg, and potentially a surcharge.

Other cargo services like AP Cargo also operate between Manila and Iloilo, offering more options for larger shipments.

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Choosing Your Best Option: Cost vs. Time

So, how do you decide which option is right for you?

• For Speed and Convenience and if you’re traveling solo or light: Flights are king. While they can sometimes be pricier, especially last-minute, promos make them incredibly competitive. Travel time is just over an hour.
• For Budget Travel and if you have more time: Ferries or RORO bus-ferry combos are excellent. They take significantly longer 20-28 hours but offer a unique journey and can be more economical, particularly if you have extra baggage or a vehicle.
• For Shipping Goods: LBC is reliable for parcels and documents, with prices based on size, weight, and distance. For larger cargo, check with LBC or other cargo companies like AP Cargo.

Always compare current prices and schedules on different platforms, as they can fluctuate based on demand and promotions. Remember to factor in not just the ticket price, but also potential costs like baggage fees, terminal fees, and transportation to and from the airport/port. How to Snag the Absolute Cheapest Flights from India to Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a plane ticket from Manila to Iloilo one way?

A one-way plane ticket from Manila to Iloilo can start as low as ₱775 to ₱1,052 during promotional periods, especially with airlines like Cebu Pacific or AirAsia. However, typical one-way fares can range from ₱1,035.80 to over ₱3,000, depending on the airline, booking time, and whether it’s a regular fare or a promo.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Manila to Iloilo?

Based on historical data, the cheapest months to fly from Manila to Iloilo are typically October, September, June, November, or January. Prices tend to be higher in May and December due to peak travel seasons.

How long does the ferry from Manila to Iloilo take?

A ferry trip from Manila to Iloilo typically takes about 19 hours 30 minutes to 20 hours with operators like 2GO Travel. Some schedules, especially those involving transfers, might extend the journey to around 28 hours.

How much does it cost to send a 2kg package from Manila to Iloilo via LBC?

Sending a 2kg package from Metro Manila to Visayas, which includes Iloilo, via LBC would typically cost around ₱330. This is a general estimate, and the final price can vary based on exact weight, dimensions, declared value, and any additional services. You can use LBC’s online rate calculator for a precise quote. Your Ultimate Guide to Flying from India to Dubai

Is there a RORO bus from Manila to Iloilo, and how much is it?

Yes, there are RORO bus and ferry services from Manila to Iloilo, notably offered by Ceres Transport. The bus fare alone can be around ₱861.00+, but a combined bus and ferry ticket typically costs between ₱2,300 and ₱2,500. The total travel time for this option is approximately 20 to 22 hours.