Ferry Booking and Check-In Guide

This guide walks you through a typical Philippine interisland booking without tying you to a single carrier. Return to the Ports & Ferries home page any time you want the full menu, search box, and port shortcuts.

Passengers near a RORO ferry at a Philippine port

Before you buy

Pick your route using the Ferries hub or the site search, then open the schedule article for the line you prefer. Note whether the sailing is fastcraft only or RORO, because baggage rules and vehicle decks change with the ship type.

Seven steps from desk to gangway

  1. Choose a sailing window. Peak weekends and holidays sell out first on popular Visayas links. If your flight or bus is fixed, book the boat that leaves at least half a day of slack.
  2. Purchase from an official channel. Use the company website, app, accredited agency, or pier ticket booth. Keep the receipt or booking code on your phone and on paper.
  3. Prepare IDs. Government photo ID is standard for adults. Minors may need birth certificates on some routes when traveling with only one parent. Corporate or school groups should ask the line for a letter template before travel week.
  4. Arrive early. Fastcraft counters often close thirty to forty minutes before departure. RORO check-in for vehicles needs more time for marshalling and manifest checks.
  5. Pay terminal fees separately when required. Many piers collect a passenger terminal fee after ticketing. Have small bills ready because change desks can be busy.
  6. Clear security and find your gate. Follow pier signs for your operator. If two vessels share one waiting hall, listen for deck announcements rather than assuming the first queue is yours.
  7. Board when called. Stow bags where the crew directs. On RORO, drivers return to vehicles before ramp closing as instructed by deck marshals.

If plans change

Rebooking rules differ by shipping line and fare type. Read the ferry ticket types guide to see how open tickets and promo fares usually behave, then phone the line listed on your receipt.

Questions about a specific pier? Use Contact on this site and mention the route so editors can point you to the right article.

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