Flag-down starts around ₱70 on Yellow Airport Taxis at CEB
These Yellow Airport Taxis line up outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Mactan Cebu International Airport, with a dedicated rank just past the arrivals exit doors. They run on a metered system that starts around ₱70 for the flag-down, then adds per-kilometer and per-minute charges, so short city hops stay under roughly ₱300–₱400 in light traffic.
At Terminal 2 (international), follow the “Taxi” signs after customs for about 150–200 meters to reach the official yellow queue beside the private car pickup zone. Staff direct passengers into the next available cab, and you pay the driver in cash (Philippine pesos only) at the end of the ride; most drivers do not accept cards, so withdraw cash at the ATMs in arrivals before you exit.
From CEB to central Cebu City or IT Park, expect 30–60 minutes by Yellow Airport Taxi depending on traffic on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and along Mandaue. A typical daytime fare into IT Park lands between roughly ₱350 and ₱500, while a run down to the city’s downtown area can hit ₱450–₱600 during rush hour with waiting time at choke points.
Compared with the regular white city taxis, Yellow Airport Taxis usually cost a bit more per kilometer but are easier to find late at night when flights land after 22:00. Drivers queue 24/7 in front of both terminals, and dispatchers keep the line moving even around midnight bank-in times for major international carriers, so you rarely wait more than 10–15 minutes.
Step-by-step from Terminal 2: 1) Clear immigration and customs, then turn left following “Public Transport/Taxis” signs. 2) Walk about 3 minutes to the curbside area and join the Yellow Taxi line, which sits next to the private car bay. 3) Tell the dispatcher your destination; they may write it on a slip for the driver. 4) Once inside, check that the meter starts around ₱70 and is running before the car leaves. 5) On arrival, pay the metered fare in pesos and add a small tip (₱20–₱50 is common) if service is smooth.
One practical tip: keep your hotel’s name and address written down with a nearby landmark (for example, “near Ayala Center Cebu”) so the driver can choose the right route and you avoid a 10–15 minute detour through the wrong side streets.