🛣️ How to Get to Marinduque: Budget Travel Guide via Bus, Ferry & More

Getting to Marinduque might not be as quick as a flight to Cebu or Palawan—but trust me, the journey is part of the adventure. Whether you're a budget traveler chasing sunsets, a balikbayan returning home, or a first-timer curious about this heart-shaped island, this guide will walk you through the most practical, affordable, and up-to-date ways to reach Marinduque.

From navigating Metro Manila bus terminals to catching ferries in Lucena and spotting dolphins en route to Balanacan Port, I’ve laid out all your options—complete with fare breakdowns, contact info, and local tips. Let’s make your trip smoother, whether you’re riding solo, traveling with family, or just chasing your next island escape. 🌴🛳️ 

For now, sailing remains the primary option, as no commercial airlines currently operate in Marinduque.

 
OPTION 1: Commute via Bus + Ferry: This is the most budget-friendly and adventurous option.

🚌Step 1: Take a Bus to Dalahican Port (Lucena)
You can take a taxi, jeepney, or Grab to any of the following terminals that offer bus rides to Lucena:
     
Jac Liner
Buendia Terminal: Donada St. corner Buendia, Pasay City
📞 (02) 404-2073
    Regular Trips: 2 AM – 10 PM
    Midnight Trips: 11 PM & 12 AM
    Door-to-Door Trip to Marinduque: 6:00 PM (₱880.00)

    Kamias Terminal: 2 Mapagmahal St., Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City
    📞 (02) 928-6140
    24-hour operation

 
    Jam Liner
    Buendia Terminal: 2124 Taft Avenue, Pasay City
    📞 (02) 831-8264 / 831-0465

    Kamuning Terminal: 831 EDSA, Kamuning, QC
    📞 (02) 990-1289
    🌐 www.jam.com.ph


🚢Step 2: Take a Ferry to Balanacan Port (Marinduque)
Buy your ticket and pay the ₱30.00 terminal fee at Dalahican Port. 
 
Currently, there are two shipping lines that operate from Lucena to Marinduque. Travel time is about 3–4 hours.
Montenegro Shipping Lines
📍 2F Old PPA Admin Bldg., Sta. Clara, Batangas City
📞 (043) 740-3201
🌐 www.montenegrolines.com.ph
Regular Fare: ₱470.00
Student: ₱400.00
Senior: ₱335.00
Child (3–7 y/o): ₱235.00

 
Starhorse Shipping Lines
📍 20 San Antonio St., Brgy. Isabang, Lucena
📞 (02) 710-7403
📧 starhorse_01@yahoo.com
Regular Fare: ₱470.00
Student: ₱400.00
Senior: ₱335.00
Child (3–7 y/o): ₱235.00

You can rent a mattress for ₱25.00 at the port.

🛠️ Port Update: As of late 2024, Dalahican Port renovations are complete. The ticket counters are now back inside the main building, and the passenger terminal is more spacious and cleaner than before.

🌊 Why I Prefer Day Sailing? Nothing beats watching dolphins play in the sea or catching the sunset over the water.

🚐 Step 3: From Balanacan Port to Your Destination
You’ll know you're near Balanacan when you see islets and the Virgin Mary statue.
    🚍 From the port exit, ride a jeepney or van to your destination.
     Fare: Maximum of ₱100.00/person
     Jeepneys are labeled and announced by destination.
⛔ If no jeepneys are available, hire a tricycle to Boac town proper (₱200–₱300, haggle if needed).

OPTION 2: Door-to-Door via Jac Liner Bus
This is the most convenient option for families or those with a lot of baggage.
    Fare (as of May 2024): ₱1,300.00/person
    Includes bus + RoRo + local jeepney fare to your town
    Discounts apply for students, senior citizens, and PWDs
    Booking required: www.jacliner.com
    Travel time: Expect 10–14 hours

OPTION 3: Door-to-Door via Van
Some private van services also offer pick-up and drop-off at your home.
    Fare: Approx. same as Jac Liner
    Ideal for families or groups
    📝 List of van providers coming soon!

OPTION 4: Air
This was the fastest option—flight from Manila Bay to Marinduque Airport in under an hour.

🚫 As of now, no airlines are operating in Marinduque. Stay tuned for updates.



  • If you want a cheaper trip, go for Option 1 (Commute via Bus).
  • For convenience, especially with kids or elderly companions, go for Option 2 or 3.
  • Be patient during peak season (Holy Week, holidays)—ferry and jeepney schedules get tight.
  • Typhoon season can disrupt ferry services, so always check weather forecasts before traveling.

If this guide helped you, please like and share it with your fellow travelers! 😊
 
Need help planning your Marinduque itinerary? Drop a comment and I’d be happy to help!

9 Comments:

  1. You are a Blessing..Many thanks for your Blog,,ako si Mila Jalac from Nangka,Mogpog,tagal na kong di nauwi,,so this is very Helpful..Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are welcome, Mila! Glad I could be of help. If you are going home ngayong undas, you need patience kase dami umuuwi. Ingat!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So Helpful. Thank you Mench. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are welcome, Mariel! :) Confirm nyo sa akin by Wednesday kung sa bahay kayo stay when you visit Marinduque! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. we have a mass hiring of Marinduquenos this month for our client CEBU Pacific based in Boac Airport.. if you have any referrals/candidates please email updated resume at lheng_aoki@yahoo.com for our initial screening and we will schedule them of an interview when we get there at Boac. thank you.. Erwin 09185473065

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Erwin, thank you for this! Can I post this in Facebook for all Marinduquenos to read? Thanks

      Delete
    2. Sorry I forgot to ask if you have a deadline for the submission? Thanks

      Delete
  6. Hi. Thank you for this post. I'm going to visit Poctoy Beach (end of month). I'm wondering if I should take Balanacan or Cawiw to get to Poctoy Beach? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Andrei, you might want take Cawit Port. Mas malapit sia compare sa Balanacan Port. However, please note that the beach is located sa farthest town in Marinduque, which is Torijos. It might take you more or less than 3 hours travel (estimated only) from Cawit Port.

      I'm not sure if there are vans going to Torijos, but if there is, take that one as it's more convenient than jeepney.

      Otherwise, just a tricycle or walk hanga sa highway. There are jeepneys that pass by, take the one bound for Buenavista. Then ask the conductor to drop you off sa terminal ng jeep papuntang Torijos or Sta. Cruz. Please note that most of the jeepneys going to the farthest town ay hanga 6 pm lang ang biyahe.

      For a more convenient travel, you might want to just take the Jac Liner door to door bus service. It will take you directly sa Torijos. It leaves the Kamias Terminal at exatly 4:00pm and the fare is Php880.00. You will be dropped off sa town ng Torijos and from there you can just take a tricycle going to Poctoy Beach.

      I hope this helps. Just message me again if you have questions, or if you need help while you are there.
      Enjoy!

      Delete

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