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Philippines Ultra-Voyage: Your Guide to Ceres Transport's Cross-Country RORO Routes

cdo to cubao via bacolod negros cdo to cubao via bacolod negros

 Philippines Ultra-Voyage: Your Guide to Ceres Transport's Cross-Country RORO Routes 

The Philippines is an archipelago, but for those seeking an epic journey by land and sea, the Ceres Transport and Ceres Tours lines offer a remarkable solution: true cross-country bus travel via RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) ferry.

From the southern hubs of Mindanao to the bustling metropolitan streets of Cubao in Manila, these routes connect the entire nation. Here is your definitive guide to the longest routes and corresponding fares.


 

The Grand Routes: Connecting Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon

 cagayan de oro cdo to cubao metro manila via bacolod negros

Ceres Transport and its premium arm, Ceres Tours, operate some of the longest and most complex routes in Southeast Asia, utilizing an integrated bus-and-ferry system.

Bus Designation Route Details Noteworthy Route Feature
Ceres Transport BN 11925 Cagayan de Oro (CDO) to Cubao (Metro Manila) via Bacolod The ultimate North-South connection, spanning multiple islands, with an estimated travel time of up to 36 hours.
Ceres Tours BN 55101 Zamboanga City to Bacolod City A major inter-island link connecting the Zamboanga Peninsula (Mindanao) to the sugar capital of Bacolod (Negros Island, Visayas).
Ceres Tours BN 5954 Parking for Departure to Bacolod This route showcases the thorough Negros Island network, passing through coastal and mountain towns like Guihulngan, San Carlos, and Escalante.

 

Fare Matrix: Mindanao to the Nation's Capital and Beyond

 

The fares for these ultra-long-haul trips are all-inclusive (bus transport portions) and offer incredible value for the distance covered. Note that while the bus ticket is paid upfront, passengers are usually required to pay the RORO ferry ticket fees and terminal fees separately at the port.

 

Fares from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) - Northern Mindanao Hub

 

Destination Estimated Fare (in PHP) Estimated Travel Time
CDO to Dumaguete ₱ 1,510 ~12 - 14 Hours
CDO to Bacolod ₱ 2,020 ~18 - 20 Hours
CDO to Iloilo ₱ 2,320 ~20 - 22 Hours
CDO to Caticlan ₱ 2,880 ~25 - 28 Hours
CDO to Cubao (Metro Manila) ₱ 5,166 ~36 Hours

 

Fares from General Santos City (Gensan) - Southern Mindanao Hub

 

Destination Estimated Fare (in PHP)
Gensan to Dumaguete ₱ 2,500
Gensan to Bacolod ₱ 3,000
Gensan to Iloilo ₱ 3,300
Gensan to Caticlan ₱ 3,860
Gensan to Cubao (Metro Manila) ₱ 6,200

 

Fares from Butuan City - CARAGA Region Hub

 

Destination Estimated Fare (in PHP)
Butuan to Dumaguete ₱ 1,980
Butuan to Bacolod ₱ 2,500
Butuan to Iloilo ₱ 2,800
Butuan to Caticlan ₱ 3,350
Butuan to Cubao (Metro Manila) ₱ 5,498

 

Experience the Journey: Amenities and Pro-Tips

 

Ceres Tours buses, particularly on long-haul routes like the journey to Cubao, are designed for maximum comfort.

  • Bus Class: Long-distance services generally use modern, air-conditioned buses, often with a 2x2 seating configuration (two seats on each side of the aisle).

  • Amenities: Look for coaches offering reclining seats, ample under-bus luggage storage, and onboard entertainment (like TV screens). Some premium coaches may also feature an onboard comfort room (CR).

  • The RORO Experience: On a RORO trip, the bus drives onto the ferry. Passengers often disembark to stretch their legs, eat, or enjoy the ferry's own seating/amenities during the sea crossing.

  • Booking: Due to the popularity of these inter-island routes, especially the Cubao link, it is highly advisable to book your tickets in advance through official Ceres terminals or authorized online ticketing partners.

The Ceres Transport network remains the most accessible and adventurous way to travel the entire length of the Philippines, offering a unique blend of land and sea travel that is truly unforgettable.

Last modified onTuesday, 21 October 2025 10:49
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