There are no direct flights from Iloilo City to Bacolod City. The only means to get to Bacolod City from Iloilo City is by sea. The fastest, most convenient and most practical option is by a fastcraft ferry. Geographically, both cities are just 43.78 kilometers apart. Distance is equal to 23.63 nautical miles. With a fastcraft ferry, travel time is only 1 hour to 2 hours.

From Iloilo City, hail a taxi  going to Iloilo River Wharf. Note that there are three seaports in Iloilo.  The Dumangas Port, Iloilo port and the Iloilo River Wharf. The latter is where fastcrafts to Bacolod are docked. Just inform the taxi driver to bring you to the port.

There are three fastcraft ferry companies serving passengers from Iloilo going to Bacolod (vice versa). Weesam Express, SuperCat by 2GO and OceanJet. Here are their trip schedules, travel time, fares and contact numbers:

Note that the below information are based on what I have gathered during my recent trip from Iloilo to Bacolod. These may be subject to change. I highly advise to at least contact the ferry operators before going to the port.

SuperCat 2GO

SuperCat 2GO Iloilo to Bacolod Departure Schedule

• 7:30 AM
• 10:30 AM
• 2:00 PM
• 5:00 PM

SuperCat 2GO Iloilo to Bacolod Fare

• Tourist – 260 Php
• Deluxe – 230 Php
• Economy – 190 Php

SuperCat contact number: +63 9423909945

OceanJet

OceanJet Iloilo to Bacolod Departure Schedule

• 6:05 AM
• 7:35 AM
• 9:05 AM
• 10:35 AM
• 12:30 PM
• 2:15 PM
• 3:45 PM
• 5:15 PM

OceanJet Iloilo to Bacolod travel time: 1 hour

OceanJet Iloilo to Bacolod Fare

• Opern Air/Tourist class – 230 Php
• Business class – 365 Php

OceanJet Iloilo contact number: +63 33 3353255
OceanJet Bacolod contact number: +63 34 4335359

Weesam Express

Weesam Express Iloilo to Bacolod Departure Schedule

• 6:30 AM
• 8:30 AM
• 9:50 AM
• 11:30 AM
• 1:10 PM
• 2:50 PM
• 4:35 PM

Weesam Express Iloilo to Bacolod travel time: 2 hours

Weesam Express Iloilo to Bacolod Fare

• First Class – 300 Php
• First Class (student) – 255 Php
• First Class (senior citizen) – 240 Php

• Tourist – 230 Php
• Tourist (students) – 200 Php
• Tourist (senior citizen) – 185 Php

• Economy non-aircon – 200 Php
• Economy non-aircon (students) – 170 Php
• Economy non-aircon (senior citizen) – 160 Php

Weesam Express Contact Number: +63 3373282 / +63 9253496250

My Weesam Express Experience

Oceanjet has the earliest daily trip, for some reason, they do not have the 6:05 AM trip going to Bacolod that day.  I had a chance to book the earliest trip (6:30 AM) to Bacolod via Weesam Express. Terminal fee is 30 Php but I only paid 24 Php, PWD discounted rate.

There is a security check in the terminal. Unlike in Batangas port where there is a baggage x-ray machine, guards manually check the bags in Iloilo Wharf port.

I wanted to seat in a non-air-conditioned area, unfortunately the 6:30 AM fastcraft ferry bound to Bacolod did not have the economy non-aircon seats. I bought a first class ticket instead (at a PWD discounted rate).

The first class seats are located on the first level of the ferry. There are 3 LCD flat screen TVs, a mini store selling snacks and drinks, and a comfort room. The seat is comfortable for a 2 hour cruise from Iloilo to Bacolod.

Since I do not have a first class seat ticket, I am not allowed to enter the first class seats at the second level. I still managed to take a photo of the area. Well, it appears that first class seats are more comfortable.

The entire Weesum Express trip from Iloilo to Bacolod was a breeze.  I felt safe throughout the trip. I just did not realize that among the three fastcraft ferries, at 2 hours, Weesum Express has the longest travel time from Iloilo to Bacolod. Nonetheless, it has the cheapest rate and is ideal for slow budget travelling.