Flights Los Angeles (LAX) - Cebu (CEB)

About flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Cebu (CEB)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) comes second in the list of the busiest airports within the United States. It is also acknowledged as one of the biggest airports worldwide, being the fourth busiest globally. It is located just 18 miles southwest of Los Angeles city.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the second-busiest airport in the Philippines. It is situated in the Central Visayas region, within Lapu Lapu city on Mactan Island. It also handles flights to and from the Central Visayas region, as well as Cebu City.

There are about 60 daily flights available for passengers traveling from Los Angeles to Cebu. More than ten airlines are available for travelers on the route. They include Philippines’ national carrier Philippine Airlines. Other airlines operating on the route are American Airlines, Delta, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

Los Angeles and Cebu are 7,300 miles apart. However, no direct flights currently link the two cities. Most of the flights make one stop during the journey, but others have two layovers. Popular layover cities include Taipei, Iloilo, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

The quickest flight on this route takes 18 hours and 35 minutes. It is offered by Philippine Airlines and diverts at Manila Aquino International Airport (MNL). The flight taking the longest time arrives in Cebu after 37 hours and 20 minutes. It has two diversions in San Francisco and Seoul.

Public transportation, parking, and ride-shares at LAX and CEB

LAX is connected to Los Angeles city by various road and rail transport networks. Metro train and FlyAway bus are the common transportation options for visitors going to the city. The buses operate for 24 hours. Taxis, car rental, and share a van, are other options available to passengers. LAX has spacious parking facilities.

CEB has two main terminals with a nearby 750-car capacity parking space. Public buses such as Mybus operates between the airport and the city. These buses stop at the exit terminal within the airport. One may also opt to take the white or yellow taxis available at the airport.

Practical information

All travelers should have their domestic driving license and an International Driving License to drive through the Philippines. Philippines' local driving permits in non-roman alphabet should be printed. If the licenses are in foreign alphabets, travelers should have additional identification documents.

It is a standard procedure for all non-Philippine citizens to have a passport to enter the country. The passport should have a validity of at least six months at the date of arrival into the country. Travelers with US passports should not be worried about getting a visa because it is not a requirement for short trips.

The city of Cebu is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so travelers should get ready for a red-eye flight. Cebu weather also differs from that of Los Angeles. Rainfall is frequent in Cebu for several months of the year with a short dry spell. Between January and May, the weather is human-friendly and quite similar to that of Los Angeles, a city known for its great weather.

Top travel tips

It is prudent to visit Cebu during the winter season stretching from January to April. In these months, the weather is great with less sun and close to zero rainfall. Travelers also have a chance to catch the colorful Sinulog Festival held in January. However, those who do not mind the summer heat can visit Cebu between March and May.

Those flying to Cebu from Los Angeles should buy the local Philippine Peso before getting out of the airport. As of 4th October 2019, 1 US dollar = 51.79 Philippine Pesos. Travelers can buy the currency at CEB upon arrival. English is the official language in the Philippines alongside Tagalog. Therefore, visitors from LA will have little difficulties communicating with locals.

Travelers should avoid losing their temper in public as Filipinos will perceive them as crazy. They should also avoid calling other people’s wives “hostesses” as the word has a different connotation locally.

What to see in Cebu

Osmena Peak

Travelers can get panoramic views of the jagged landscape and the ocean, especially if one catches the sunrise - a top recommendation!

Cebu Heritage Monument

This monument preserves the rich history of Cebu city, depicting past battles, invasions, and victories. It features mangled ships, churches, and historical figures.

Jesuit House

The 1730 Jesuit house takes visitors 100 years back in history. It has survived earthquakes, typhoons, and even foreign invasions over the years and has a special place in the hearts of Cebu locals.

Read more about Cebu

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