Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is Cebu’s main gateway to the world and the world’s main gateway to Cebu. The 797 hectare airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City in the island of Mactan, Cebu giving easy access to both the island’s beautiful resorts and beaches and business centers and the plentiful shops and restaurants in the city.

In this article, we will give you important helpful information when you arrive and depart MCIA and what you can do inside while waiting for your flight.

Direct Flights

Mactan Cebu International Airport has various direct flights for different countries and Philippine cities. We list down both international and domestic flights from most occurring flights to the least for you to familiarize.

International:

MCIA currently has direct international flights to South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Qatar, Thailand, and USA.

Domestic:
  • MCIA has lots of direct flights to all major cities and popular destinations in the Philippines such as Manila, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Caticlan (Boracay), Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, and Palawan.
Terminals

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 serves all arriving and departing domestic flights while Terminal 2 serves all departing and arriving international flights.

Sim Cards

Local sim cards can be bought outside of Terminal 2. For terminal 1, some agents can be seen standing on the ground floor of the baggage claim area. 

Money Exchange

Money Exchangers are conveniently located near the entrances and exits of the two terminals.

Restaurants and Shops

There are plenty of shops and restaurants in both terminals especially after getting pass the final security check. We have to take note that not all of these shops operate 24 hours so here are some businesses that can cater to your hunger, thirst, and shopping needs before your flight. The list is as of September 2023.

Smoking Area

In Terminal 1, you can find the smoking area near the drop off area on the left side. When entering the departure area, there is a smoking area on the left side of the airport. In Terminal 2, there are plenty of smoking areas to choose from when you enter the departure area.

Access

Arrival

If you have just arrived from the airport and want to find transportation right away, the taxis are ubiquitous all around the airport. The taxi stands are located on the farther right side in Terminal 1 while taxis are waiting in line just in front of the entrance of Terminal 2.

Grab is an alternative to Taxis. Just download the Grab app and book a car going to your destination. If you are not carrying heavy luggage, the ride hailing motorcycle taxi app Angkas will provide you a faster option that can navigate through heavy traffic.

If freedom to drive going around the city without worrying about a running taxi meter is your preference, car rentals are also available both in terminal 1 and terminal 2. The car rentals in terminal 1 are just a walking distance from the taxi stands.

If you want something cheaper, buses also go around the airport. In Terminal 1, they are located at the same location as the Taxi Stands. In Terminal 2, the buses will pass by in front of the entrance. The route of the buses go to Mandaue City and Cebu City so it’s convenient if your destination is among the route.

The cheapest of all the transportations found in the airport is the yellow jeepney. Their route is from the airport to Marina Mall where you can ride other jeepneys and buses to your destination. Buses and Jeepneys plying to Cebu IT Park and Mactan Newtown pass by here.

Departure

Going to the airport via taxi, Grab, or Angkas is the easiest and fastest way to go. Always take note which terminal you will drop off as it takes a long walk to get to the other terminal.

If you do have your own car and want to come back to Cebu after a vacation, the airport provides overnight parking. Make sure to save the receipt and pay using the autopay machine for your parking fees before leaving the airport as the exit will not let you out without the fully paid receipt.

The MyBus terminal in SM City Cebu has buses going to and from the airport. It’s only 50 pesos for a one way trip.

If you prefer the cheapest alternative, jeepneys from Marina Mall to the airport is your best option.

Future Development

Mactan Cebu International Airport is currently constructing the second runway which will make travel time faster and prevent too many flight delays. The second runway is set to be fully operational by December 2023.