A stunning paradise nestled in the Philippines, Biliran Island is a well-kept secret celebrated for its immaculate beaches and majestic waterfalls.

These enchanting destinations are gradually gaining attention, captivating the hearts of both locals and international visitors alike.

Getting to Biliran Island is easy, with several transportation options available. We’ll be exploring all of them here so that whichever part of the country you’re coming from, you will know which route to take to get to this island paradise.

Choosing Your Starting Point

Your travel experience going to this province will largely depend on your starting point, as it will determine your travel route and mode of transportation.

Consider convenience, available flights or ferries, budget, and personal preferences. 

Some foreign and local vloggers visiting Biliran Island usually come from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. This choice sets the tone for your Biliran adventure, so take the time to plan.

Key Routes to Get to Biliran Island

There are numerous ways to get to this Island Paradise, yet only two main routes stand out.

Regardless of your starting point in the country, making your way to these key routes ensures easy access to Biliran Island.

Route 1: Tacloban to Biliran Island (Naval)

Tacloban to Naval is by far the most common method of reaching Biliran Island. Whichever part of the country you’re coming from, as long as you get to Tacloban, you can always find your way to our island province.

Besides, most people in Tacloban know which bus or van leads to Naval, the capital of Biliran Island.

Here are the vehicles that are available for you.

Van

Van travel to Naval proves to be a convenient choice. In Tacloban, you’ll find numerous van terminals, including well-known options like Duptours, Van Vans, and Grand Tours.

Vans depart on a scheduled basis, or once a sufficient number of passengers have boarded. 

The standard fare is Php 200; an extra charge may apply if you have luggage. The journey typically spans between 2.5 to 3 hours.

Bus

Take a Bus from Robinsons Marasbaras. The journey is relatively longer, around 3 to 4 hours, factoring in some brief stopovers. The fare is less than Php 200. 

There’s also a bus from Manila to Naval stopping over at Abucay Public Terminal, conveniently located in front of Robinsons North Tacloban.

While I don’t have specific fare details for this route, it’s likely to be in a similar price range.

Private Car/ Vehicle

Opting for private car travel offers comfort and flexibility.

If you stumble upon captivating scenery, feel free to make spontaneous stops. Just use the Waze App or Google Maps to guide you to your destination.

Route 2: Ormoc to Biliran Island (Naval)

Ormoc is a well-connected city in Leyte, making it easy to reach from various parts of the Philippines.

It’s also an alternative route that offers convenient access to Biliran Island from the South.

Van

An Ormoc to Naval trip by Van is one of the best options for visiting Biliran Island.

The trip usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the passengers who will alight along the way.

There is also a Van Terminal beside Robinsons Ormoc. The fare is around Php 200. 

Bus

To travel from Ormoc to Naval, you can take a Bus from the City Public Terminal just near the Port of Ormoc.

The journey typically takes around 3 hours, factoring in some brief stopovers. The fare is around Php180 or less.

Buses at the terminal usually depart early in the morning.

Private Car/ Vehicle

Driving from Ormoc to Naval in your car is convenient and allows you to go at your own pace.

The trip usually takes about 2 hours or less. Apps like Waze or Google Maps will quickly guide you there.

Route 3: Manila to Biliran (Naval)

If you’re coming from Manila, you have three options to get to Naval, Biliran. Here are the best ways available for you.

Plane

This mode of transportation is the fastest way to travel from Manila to Biliran Island. The plane lands at Daniel Z. Rumualdez Airport about 1 hour and 35 minutes of flight time.

The fare depends on the season when you book the ticket, but it could range from Php 2,800 to Php 10,000 (or more)! Again, it all depends on the season.

Three airlines are flying to Tacloban: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines. 

Bus and Ferry

Suppose you want to travel to Naval from Manila. In that case, direct buses such as Silver Star, Eagle Star, PP Bus Line, and Philtranco are available.

You can find their terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, and Pasay. The journey lasts 24 to 30 hours, depending on the Ferry Schedule.

The fare is around Php 2500, and the ferry ticket is already included, so you’ll only need to pay the ferry Terminal Fee, which is Php 25.

Upon arriving in Tacloban City, use our Key Route # 1 to get to Biliran Island.

Private Car/ Vehicle

Traveling from Manila to Tacloban by private car offers a unique adventure with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Utilize navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time updates. The drive takes about 24-30 hours, including the ferry, but it really depends on your pace.

Route 4: Cebu to Biliran (Naval)

There used to be a ferry navigating directly from Cebu to Naval and vice versa. But due to the recent strong typhoons, the boat was damaged.

Bus and Ferry

The only direct route from Cebu to Naval is by bus operated by Ceres Bus Liner Terminal. Their terminal is located at SM Mabolo. 

Bus and ferry fares are sold separately at Php 550 and 400. Purchase a ticket for a bus heading to Naval, including a ferry Ride. The regular fare is Php 520 and Php 400 for the ferry, and the trip operates daily at 6:30 a.m.

Plane

The fastest way is to take a flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban.

Several airlines operate regular flights on this route, such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines. Upon arriving in Tacloban City, use Key Route # 1 to get to Biliran Island.

Ferry

To travel from Cebu to Ormoc by ferry, head to the Cebu City Pier and purchase your ferry ticket.

The shipping companies serving the Cebu to Ormoc route include fast crafts OceanJet, SuperCat, SeaCat, RoRos Lite Ferries, and Roble Shipping.

The ferry operates daily and takes about 6 to 8 hours, with their fare starting from Php 600.00.

Fast crafts will get you there in three hours or less with a starting price of Php 1,100.00.

Upon arriving in Ormoc, use our Key Route # 2 to get to Biliran Island.

Private Car/ Vehicle

You can get to Biliran island in a private car via Ormoc or Palompon; both still have to cross the sea via ferries.

In case you’re wondering, the most common method is Cebu-Ormoc. Upon arriving in Ormoc City, use Key Route # 2 to reach Biliran Island.

Route 5: Davao (or anywhere in Mindanao) to Biliran (Via Ormoc or Tacloban)

Traveling from Davao to Biliran Island Via Bus and Ferry involves several steps.

Remember that travel options and schedules may vary, so checking and planning for the most current information before your trip is a good idea.

Bus and Ferry

To travel from Davao to Tacloban via Bus and Ferry, you can take any bus to Manila, like PP Bus, Philtranco, and Davao Metro Shuttle. Just make sure to disembark in Tacloban.

You can also take Bachelor Express, a reputable bus company that offers trips directly to Tacloban or Ormoc.

These buses make stopovers in Surigao del Norte, and from there, the fare is around Php2,500.

Upon arriving in Tacloban or Ormoc, use Key Route # 1 or 2 to get to Biliran Island.

Plane

To travel from Davao to Tacloban by plane, you can book a flight with several airlines operating this route.

From Davao International Airport to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Tacloban takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Upon arriving at Tacloban City, use Key Route # 1 to reach Biliran Island.

Private Car/ Vehicle

Just like the buses, it’s possible to travel from Mindanao to Tacloban or Ormoc using your private vehicle. 

Ensure all documents are complete and the vehicle is in good condition. 

You can use the Waze App or Google Maps for real-time navigation. 

This journey involves not only land travel but also a ferry ride. When you arrive in Tacloban or Ormoc, use Key Route 1 or 2 to get to Biliran Island.

What’s the Best and Fastest Way to Get to Biliran Island?

The best and fastest way to get to Biliran Island is by catching a flight to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City.

Once you arrive, you can arrange a private transfer or public transportation to reach Naval, the capital Town of Biliran Island.

Our key routes from Tacloban to Naval will get you there quickly with the usual method using vans- Duptours, Van Van’s, and Grand Tours.

This option significantly reduces travel time compared to land-based transportation.

Overall, flying to Tacloban and then proceeding to Biliran by road is the quickest and most efficient way to reach the Island.

Upon arriving, you can start exploring Biliran Island and its scenic places to your heart’s content.

Safe Travels!