There’s no single “best” way to get to Capiz province — it depends on your budget, how much time you have, and whether you’d rather spend money or spend hours. Here’s every real option, laid out honestly, including the one nobody mentions until you’re already looking at a 17-hour ferry ride.
A note before you read further: flight schedules, ferry timetables, and fares change constantly. Every number in this guide was accurate at the time of research, but treat this as a starting point for your own search, not a final answer — always confirm current pricing and schedules directly with the airline, ferry operator, or a booking site before finalizing your trip.
Option 1: Fly Direct (Fastest, Most Convenient)
Three airlines operate direct flights from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) to Roxas Airport (RXS) in Roxas City: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia. Combined, there are roughly 17 to 20 flights per week on this route, so you’re rarely stuck waiting days for the next available seat.
- Flight time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Distance: about 373 kilometers
- Typical fares: these swing widely depending on how far ahead you book and which promo period you catch — anywhere from roughly PHP 1,200 to PHP 5,500+ one-way, with occasional promo fares dipping even lower. Booking a month or more ahead and flying outside peak season (avoid major holidays and the Capiztahan/Halaran festival weeks unless that’s your intended timing) generally gets you the better end of that range.
- Best for: anyone prioritizing time over cost, or making a shorter trip where losing a day or more to travel doesn’t make sense.
Once you land, Roxas Airport is close to the city center — a short tricycle or taxi ride gets you into Roxas City proper, including Baybay Beach.
Option 2: Ferry from Batangas (Slow, Budget, and an Experience in Itself)
Multiple operators — including 2GO Travel, Starlite Ferries, and Super Shuttle Ferry — run RORO (roll-on/roll-off) ferry service between Batangas Port and Culasi Port in Roxas City, Capiz.
- Travel time: roughly 15 to 17.5 hours, depending on the operator and route (some sail via Sibuyan and Romblon, extending the trip slightly)
- Frequency: typically just a few sailings per week per operator, not daily — schedules commonly run Monday/Wednesday/Friday departures from Batangas, with return sailings on alternating days. This is not a spontaneous same-day option; you need to plan around the sailing days.
- Typical fares: roughly PHP 1,000 to 2,200+ for standard economy/tourist seating, with premium cabin options running significantly higher (up into the PHP 8,000+ range for private suites)
- Cars: most operators on this specific route do not carry private vehicles — check directly if you need to bring one
- Best for: budget travelers with flexible schedules, or anyone who genuinely wants the overnight ferry experience as part of the trip rather than a means to an end
Because this is an overnight sailing, you’ll want to book a bed or reclining seat rather than assume you’ll manage on a bench seat for 15+ hours.
Option 3: Bus or Van via Iloilo or Kalibo (For Travelers Already on Panay Island)
If you’re coming from elsewhere on Panay Island, or flying into Iloilo or Kalibo (Aklan) instead of directly into Roxas, buses and vans run regularly between those cities and Roxas City.
- From Iloilo City: approximately 2 to 3 hours by bus or van, departing from terminals like the Iloilo North Bus Terminal in Jaro
- From Kalibo: a similar bus/van transfer option exists, useful if you’re already routing through Boracay’s gateway airport
- Best for: travelers combining a Capiz trip with a stop in Iloilo, Boracay, or elsewhere on Panay, rather than flying to Capiz as a standalone destination
Quick Comparison
| Option | Time | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | ~1h 15m | ₱1,200–5,500+ | Speed, convenience |
| Ferry (Batangas) | 15–17.5 hrs | ₱1,000–2,200+ (economy) | Budget, flexible schedule |
| Bus/van (from Iloilo/Kalibo) | 2–3 hrs | Low | Combining with other Panay stops |
Our Recommendation
For a first trip, especially if you’re coming specifically for Capiz rather than combining it with other Panay stops, flying direct is worth the extra cost. You reclaim more than a full day compared to the ferry, and that’s a day you can spend at Baybay Beach or Sta. Monica Church instead of in transit. Save the ferry for when the journey itself is part of what you’re after, not when you’re trying to maximize time at the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct flight from Manila to Roxas Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering about 373 kilometers.
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia all operate direct flights between Manila and Roxas City.
There’s no direct ferry from Manila itself, but ferries run from Batangas Port to Culasi Port in Roxas City, operated by carriers including 2GO Travel, Starlite Ferries, and Super Shuttle Ferry, taking roughly 15 to 17.5 hours.
The ferry from Batangas is generally the cheapest option, with economy fares often under PHP 2,000, though it takes significantly longer than flying and only sails a few times per week.
Related reading: Capiz Province, Philippines: Complete Travel Guide | Baybay Beach, Roxas City: The Complete Guide
As a versatile digital strategist, the author brings a wealth of technical and creative expertise to the table. He is a “Certified Content Marketing Specialist” with several years of experience navigating the complexities of “digital marketing” and “SEO” to drive meaningful engagement. Beyond the screen of analytics, he is deeply passionate about the intersection of form and function, maintaining an active practice in both **web design** and **web development** to build seamless, high-performing digital experiences.
