How to Get to Simala Shrine from Cebu City: Bus, Grab, and Car Guide (2026)
Simala Shrine is located in Barangay Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, approximately 54 to 56 kilometers south of Cebu City. There are four main ways to get there: by Ceres Liner bus from the South Bus Terminal, by Grab or taxi, by private vehicle, and by joining an organized day tour. All routes end at the national highway drop-off point near the 7-Eleven in Simala, where habal-habal riders wait to take visitors up the hill to the shrine entrance. For everything else about visiting Simala Shrine, including what to wear and what to expect inside, see the complete Simala Shrine Cebu visitor guide.
The drive from central Cebu City takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Weekday mornings before 8:00 AM are the fastest. Weekends and the 13th of each month bring significantly heavier traffic along the southern highway as pilgrim volumes increase.
| How to Get to Simala Shrine: Quick Reference (2026) By bus: Ceres Liner from Cebu South Bus Terminal, bound for Oslob, Bato, or Liloan via Sibonga. Fare P80 to P100. Travel time 2 hours. Drop off at the 7-Eleven corner in Simala. By Grab or taxi: P1,500 to P2,000 one way from Cebu City. P2,000 to P2,500 from Mactan Airport. Travel time 1.5 to 2 hours. By private vehicle: Drive south on N. Bacalso Highway through Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, then Sibonga. Travel time 1 hour 4 minutes to 1.5 hours in light traffic. Parking on site P50. By private van (group): P3,000 to P4,000 roundtrip for groups. Includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off. By day tour package: P550 to P850 per person (group rate). Includes hotel pickup, transport, and often a side trip to Carcar or Cebu City heritage sites. Final leg from highway to shrine: Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) from the 7-Eleven drop-off. P20 to P50 per person. 10 to 15 minutes uphill. Simala Shrine opens at 8:00 AM. Daily mass at 12:00 noon. Best arrival time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on a weekday. |
Option 1: By Bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal
Taking the Ceres Liner bus is the most common and most affordable way to get to Simala Shrine from Cebu City. The total cost including the habal-habal final leg is P100 to P150 per person one way, making it significantly cheaper than Grab or private vehicle for solo travelers and couples.
Step-by-step: bus to Simala Shrine
- Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal: Located along N. Bacalso Avenue beside Elizabeth Mall (E-Mall), Cebu City. From central Cebu City, take a Grab or jeepney to the South Terminal. Jeepney routes marked South Bus Terminal or Bulacao pass near the area.
- Board the correct bus: Look for a Ceres Liner bus marked Oslob, Bato, or Liloan via Sibonga. All of these routes pass through Sibonga and will stop at the Simala corner. Do not board a bus marked Barili as that takes a different inland route and does not pass Simala.
- Tell the conductor: Say you are going to Simala Shrine or ask to be dropped at the 7-Eleven in Simala. Bus conductors are familiar with the stop as many passengers visit the shrine daily. They will inform you when to alight.
- Pay the fare: P80 to P100 from Cebu City to the Simala drop-off. Exact change is appreciated but not required.
- Alight at the 7-Eleven: The drop-off point is at the corner of the national highway and the road leading up to Simala Shrine, marked by a 7-Eleven convenience store. This is where habal-habal riders wait for passengers.
- Take a habal-habal to the shrine: From the 7-Eleven corner, hire a habal-habal motorcycle rider to take you up the hill to the shrine entrance. Fare is P20 to P50 per person. Each motorcycle can carry up to 2 passengers. The ride takes 10 to 15 minutes uphill on a narrow road.
| Detail | Information | Notes |
| Bus operator | Ceres Liner | Only Ceres buses run this southern route |
| Departure point | Cebu South Bus Terminal, N. Bacalso Ave beside E-Mall | Open 24 hours, buses depart frequently |
| Route to board | Oslob, Bato, or Liloan via Sibonga | Not Barili route |
| Bus fare | P80 to P100 | As of 2026, one way |
| Travel time | Approximately 2 hours | Longer on weekends and the 13th of the month |
| Drop-off landmark | 7-Eleven at the Simala corner | Tell the conductor Simala Shrine |
| Habal-habal fare | P20 to P50 per person | From 7-Eleven to shrine entrance |
| Habal-habal time | 10 to 15 minutes | Uphill road, narrow |
| Total cost per person | P100 to P150 one way | Budget option |
| Bus departure frequency Ceres buses on the Oslob and Bato routes depart from Cebu South Bus Terminal frequently throughout the day, typically every 15 to 30 minutes from early morning. The first departures start around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. To arrive at Simala Shrine by 8:00 AM when it opens, take the bus by 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Buses are more frequent and less crowded on weekday mornings. |
Option 2: By Grab or Taxi
Booking a Grab or taxi is the most comfortable and direct way to reach Simala Shrine from Cebu City, especially for groups of 3 or more where the per-person cost becomes competitive with the bus. Grab is generally available in Cebu City and can be booked directly to the shrine or to the 7-Eleven drop-off point.
Grab from Cebu City to Simala Shrine
- Open the Grab app and set your destination as Simala Shrine, Sibonga, Cebu or search Mama Mary Sanctuary Road, Lindogon, Sibonga.
- Estimated one-way fare from central Cebu City: P1,500 to P2,000 depending on traffic and surge pricing.
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Cebu City center in normal traffic.
- Grab drivers can reach the shrine entrance directly via the uphill road, unlike buses which drop you at the highway.
- If using Grab, coordinate with your driver whether they will wait for you or you will book a return trip separately. Waiting fees apply.
Grab or taxi from Mactan Airport to Simala Shrine
- From Mactan Cebu International Airport, a direct Grab to Simala Shrine takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and costs P2,000 to P2,500 one way.
- Alternatively, take a Grab from the airport to Cebu South Bus Terminal (P150 to P250) and then board a Ceres bus as described in Option 1. This is significantly cheaper for solo travelers.
- For groups of 4 or more flying in and going directly to Simala, a direct Grab or private van transfer is the most practical option as luggage can be stored in the vehicle while you visit.
| Detail | Grab from Cebu City | Grab from Mactan Airport |
| One-way fare | P1,500 to P2,000 | P2,000 to P2,500 |
| Travel time | 1.5 to 2 hours | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Drop-off | Shrine entrance (uphill road) | Shrine entrance (uphill road) |
| Best for | Couples, groups of 3 or more, those with luggage | Airport arrivals going directly to shrine |
| Return trip | Book a new Grab or arrange driver to wait | Book a new Grab or arrange driver to wait |
Option 3: By Private Vehicle
Driving your own car or renting a vehicle is the most flexible option for getting to Simala Shrine. The road is straightforward and well-signposted, and the drive through South Cebu passes Carcar, one of the best pasalubong stops in the province, making a private vehicle the best choice for combining Simala with other South Cebu destinations.
Driving directions from Cebu City to Simala Shrine
- Start: Head south from central Cebu City on N. Bacalso Avenue (the main southern highway).
- Pass through: Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, and Carcar City in that order. The highway is continuous and well-marked throughout.
- After Carcar: The next municipality is Sibonga. Pay attention as you enter Sibonga town proper.
- Look for the 7-Eleven: The turn-off to Simala Shrine is marked by a 7-Eleven convenience store on the right side of the highway. You will see a road leading uphill and signage for Mama Mary Sanctuary Road or Simala Shrine.
- Drive uphill: Follow the uphill road for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to reach the shrine entrance. The road is paved but narrow in sections.
- Park: Parking is available on site. Fee is approximately P50 per vehicle as of 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 54 to 56 km from central Cebu City |
| Travel time | 1 hour 4 minutes to 1.5 hours in light traffic |
| Route | N. Bacalso Highway south through Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga |
| Turn-off landmark | 7-Eleven on the right side of the highway in Simala, Sibonga |
| Navigation | Search Simala Shrine or Mama Mary Sanctuary Road, Lindogon, Sibonga on Google Maps or Waze |
| Parking | Available on site. Approximately P50 per vehicle. |
| Best departure time | 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM from Cebu City to arrive by 8:00 AM opening time |
| Traffic warning | Avoid departing after 7:30 AM on weekends and the 13th of each month. Traffic builds significantly. |
| Side Trip: Carcar City on the way Carcar City is approximately 10 to 15 minutes before Simala on the southern highway. If you are driving, Carcar is the best stop for Cebu’s most famous chicharon (P150 to P300 per bag) and heritage pasalubong shopping. The chicharon stalls are directly along the highway on the right side as you enter Carcar. Stop on the way back rather than the way to Simala so your food is fresh when you get home. Carcar is 20 to 30 minutes from the Simala shrine access road. |
Option 4: By Private Van or Group Transfer
For families and groups of 5 or more, hiring a private van with a driver is often the most practical and comfortable option. The van picks you up from your hotel or any point in Cebu City or Mactan and takes you directly to the shrine entrance, waits while you visit, and returns you to your starting point.
| Detail | Information |
| Roundtrip van rate | P3,000 to P4,000 from Cebu City. P3,500 to P4,500 from Mactan. |
| Capacity | Typically 8 to 10 passengers per van |
| Per-person cost | P400 to P600 per person for a full van of 8 |
| Duration | Full day: 8 to 10 hours including travel and shrine visit |
| Includes | Hotel pickup, shrine drop-off and pickup, return to hotel |
| Book via | Local Cebu tour operators, Klook, or hotel concierge |
Option 5: By Day Tour Package
Several Cebu tour operators offer Simala Shrine day tour packages that include hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and often combine the shrine visit with Carcar City pasalubong shopping, the Cebu City heritage sites, or uphill destinations like Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden. This is the best option for first-time visitors who want a guided, hassle-free experience without arranging their own transport.
| Detail | Information |
| Group tour rate | P550 to P850 per person (group package) |
| Private tour rate | P1,650 to P3,000 for up to 10 people |
| Duration | 8 to 10 hours total including travel |
| Pickup | Hotel pickup available from Cebu City and Mactan Island hotels |
| Common add-ons | Carcar chicharon stop, Cebu City heritage sites, uphill tour |
| Book via | Klook, Viator, Travel Cebu, or directly with local operators |
Getting to Simala Shrine from Other Starting Points
From Moalboal to Simala Shrine
Moalboal is approximately 45 to 60 minutes north of Simala on the highway. From Moalboal town center or Panagsama Beach, take a city-bound Ceres bus. Tell the conductor you are going to Simala Shrine. The bus will drop you at the 7-Eleven corner in Simala. From there take a habal-habal to the shrine entrance. Fare from Moalboal to Simala: P50 to P70. Total travel time: 45 to 60 minutes.
From Oslob to Simala Shrine
From Oslob, take a northbound Ceres bus toward Cebu City. Tell the conductor your stop is Simala Shrine in Sibonga. The bus will drop you at the 7-Eleven corner. From there take a habal-habal uphill. Fare from Oslob to Simala: P60 to P80. Travel time: approximately 1 hour. This route is popular for visitors combining Oslob whale shark watching in the morning with a Simala visit in the afternoon.
From Bohol to Simala Shrine
From Tagbilaran in Bohol, take a ferry to Cebu. The fast craft to Pier 1 in Cebu City takes approximately 2 hours. From Pier 1, take a taxi or Grab to Cebu South Bus Terminal (10 to 15 minutes), then board a Ceres bus to Simala as described in Option 1. Total journey from Tagbilaran to Simala: 4 to 5 hours.
Transport Comparison: All Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost (one way) | Travel time | Best for | Door to door? |
| Bus + habal-habal | P100 to P150 | 2 to 2.5 hours | Solo, budget travelers | No |
| Grab from Cebu City | P1,500 to P2,000 | 1.5 to 2 hours | Couples, small groups | Yes |
| Grab from Mactan | P2,000 to P2,500 | 2 to 2.5 hours | Airport arrivals | Yes |
| Private vehicle | Fuel only + P50 parking | 1 to 1.5 hours | Flexibility, own car | Yes |
| Private van (group) | P3,000 to P4,000 total | 1.5 to 2 hours | Families, groups of 5+ | Yes |
| Day tour package | P550 to P850/person | 8 to 10 hour full day | First-time visitors | Yes |
Practical Tips for Getting to Simala Shrine
- Leave early. The shrine opens at 8:00 AM and the best visit experience is before 10:00 AM when crowds are smallest. For the bus, depart from Cebu South Bus Terminal by 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. For Grab or private vehicle, leave by 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM.
- Avoid the 13th of the month if possible. The 13th is a special Marian devotion day that draws very large pilgrim crowds. Traffic on the southern highway can add 30 to 60 minutes to your travel time and the shrine itself is significantly more crowded.
- Dress before you leave. The Simala Shrine dress code is strictly enforced at the entrance gate. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Wearing the correct clothing before you travel saves time at the entrance. See the full dress code guide at /simala-shrine-dress-code/.
- Bring cash. There are no ATMs at the shrine. The habal-habal riders, candle sellers, and food vendors outside all operate on cash only. Bring P500 to P1,000 per person for transport, candles (P35 each), and food.
- The 7-Eleven is your landmark. Whether arriving by bus, Grab, or private vehicle, the 7-Eleven at the Simala corner is the reference point everyone knows. If you are confused about where to alight from the bus or where to turn from the highway, the 7-Eleven is your signal.
- Return transport: If you came by bus, habal-habal riders outside the shrine can take you back to the highway where you can flag down a northbound Ceres bus back to Cebu City. Wait on the right side of the highway for a bus marked Cebu City or Carcar. Fare: P80 to P100 back to Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to get to Simala Shrine from Cebu
How do I get to Simala Shrine from Cebu City by bus?
Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal beside E-Mall on N. Bacalso Avenue. Board a Ceres Liner bus bound for Oslob, Bato, or Liloan via Sibonga. Tell the conductor you are going to Simala Shrine. The bus will drop you at the 7-Eleven corner in Simala after approximately 2 hours. From there, hire a habal-habal motorcycle for P20 to P50 per person to take you uphill to the shrine entrance in 10 to 15 minutes. Total cost from Cebu City: P100 to P150 per person.
How much is Grab from Cebu City to Simala Shrine?
A Grab from central Cebu City to Simala Shrine costs approximately P1,500 to P2,000 one way as of 2026. From Mactan Airport, the fare is P2,000 to P2,500 one way. Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours from Cebu City and 2 to 2.5 hours from the airport. Grab can drop you directly at the shrine entrance via the uphill road, unlike buses which drop you at the highway junction.
How far is Simala Shrine from Cebu City?
Simala Shrine is approximately 54 to 56 kilometers from central Cebu City by road. The drive takes 1 hour 4 minutes to 1.5 hours by private vehicle in light traffic, or approximately 2 hours by Ceres bus. The shrine is located in Barangay Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, in the southern part of Cebu province.
Is there a habal-habal from the highway to Simala Shrine?
Yes. Habal-habal motorcycle taxis wait at the 7-Eleven corner at the Simala highway junction and are the standard final leg for visitors who arrive by bus. The ride from the 7-Eleven up the hill to the shrine entrance takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs P20 to P50 per person. Each habal-habal carries up to 2 passengers. The road is paved but steep and narrow, making habal-habal the fastest and most practical option from the highway.
What is the best time to travel to Simala Shrine to avoid crowds?
The best time to arrive at Simala Shrine is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. This means departing Cebu City by 6:00 AM. Weekends bring significantly more visitors, and the 13th of each month is the busiest day of the month due to a special Marian devotion that draws large crowds of pilgrims. September 8, the feast day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is the single busiest day of the year and should be avoided by anyone who wants a peaceful visit.
Can I visit Simala Shrine and Oslob in the same day?
Yes, and this is a popular South Cebu day combination. The most practical sequence is: whale shark watching in Oslob in the early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM), then drive or take a northbound bus to Simala Shrine (approximately 1 hour from Oslob), visit Simala from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, then head to Carcar for chicharon and lunch before returning to Cebu City. A private vehicle or hired van makes this itinerary significantly smoother than relying on buses, as bus timing between Oslob and Simala can add unpredictable waiting time.
More Simala Shrine and South Cebu Guides
- Simala Shrine Cebu: Complete Visitor Guide (2026). Opening hours, what to see inside, candle colors, mass schedule, and full visitor information
- Simala Shrine Dress Code: What to Wear (2026 Guide). What is and is not allowed, recommended outfits for men and women, the balabal cover-up, and footwear rules
- Carcar Cebu Pasalubong: Price List and What to Buy (2026). Carcar is 15 to 20 minutes before Simala on the highway. Best stop for chicharon P150 to P300 and heritage pasalubong on your way back
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching: Complete 2026 Guide. Combine Simala with whale shark watching in Oslob, 1 hour further south
