Skip to content
Layover Compass

Manila to Cebu: flying it, and the NAIA terminal change

Last checked

Flying it: nonstop options

  • Philippine Airlines flies Manila–Cebu nonstop, about 15 flights a day in each direction (the exact count varies by day and season), in its domestic winter timetable for Oct 25, 2026–Mar 27, 2027 [S1].
  • Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines also fly Manila–Cebu (not confirmed on an official page; check with your airline).

Which airport or terminal

  • Manila (NAIA): PAL's domestic flights use Terminal 2, and PAL's international flights use Terminal 1 [S3]. Other airlines' domestic terminals change from time to time, so check NNIC's airline-by-terminal list for your date [S4].
  • Cebu: flights use Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).

Connection tips if you're continuing on (international to domestic)

  • NAIA terminals aren't connected airside. On PAL, international (T1) to domestic (T2) means: register on eTravel within 72 hours before arrival, clear immigration, collect bags, clear customs, go to the domestic transfer desk, ride the PAL bus to T2, and go through T2 security [S3].
  • Domestic to international on PAL: ride the PAL bus from T2 to T1 (Gate 4, North Wing), then immigration, security and the pre-departure area [S3].
  • Allow 3+ hours for any international-to-domestic connection in Manila (our guidance, not an official rule), and more on separate tickets or if you're switching airlines.
  • Cebu also has its own international flights, for example PAL Cebu–Tokyo Narita daily (PR434) [S2], so check whether flying out of Cebu directly saves you the Manila connection.

Passport notes

  • US passports: no visa needed for short visits (30 days initially); eTravel registration within 72 hours before arrival (see the Manila hub page).

Manila · Manila to Dallas/Fort Worth · Manila to Los Angeles

Sources

Hubs on this route

Long departure hall with a ribbed ceiling at NAIA Terminal 3, ManilaPhoto: A.C.T. Alejandre · CC BY-SA 4.0

Manila

Philippines

MNL
Get through, don't linger

Frequent flyer take

“Not an airport to spend extra time at”

US passport, leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed

Being verified

Transit Watch

Rule changes, route deep-dives and layover ideas

Coming soon

Last checked