Planning a trip to Carles, Iloilo — the stunning gateway to Islas de Gigantes, Bantigue Sandbar, and Cabugao Gamay — begins with one question: How do I get there?
Carles is located in the northernmost tip of Iloilo province, facing the Visayan Sea. It may look remote on the map, but getting here is easier than most expect — and the scenic journey through rice fields, coastlines, and friendly towns only adds to the adventure.
This guide breaks down every travel route: from Iloilo City, Roxas City, Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Boracay, and even international arrival options. Whether you prefer public transportation, private vans, or organized tour transfers, you’ll find the best route here.
Grab your notebook or bookmark this page — let's make your Carles travel smooth, worry-free, and exciting from the moment you leave home.
Where Exactly is Carles?
Carles sits in the northern part of Iloilo province, a peaceful coastal town known for fishing communities, crystal-clear waters, and the breathtaking Islas de Gigantes.
Nearby popular islands and destinations include:
- Sicogon Island (via Estancia or Carles)
- Guimaras (via Iloilo)
- Roxas City (Capiz)
- Iloilo City (main gateway)
Travel time from Iloilo to Carles averages 3.5 to 5 hours depending on your transport choice.
Let’s walk through your options.
How to Get to Carles from Iloilo City
Step 1: Travel to Iloilo City
Most travelers enter via Iloilo International Airport. From the airport, you can take:
- Airport taxi
- Grab (when available)
- Shared shuttle vans to SM Iloilo / City Proper
Step 2: Ride a Bus or Van to Carles
From Iloilo City, the most common route is via:
- Ceres Bus Terminal (Tagbak Terminal) – buses to Carles or Estancia
- GT Express Van Terminal – vans to Carles / Balasan / Estancia
Typical travel time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Recommended: Leave as early as possible so you can arrive in Carles by late morning and settle down before island activities.
How to Get to Carles from Roxas City (Capiz)
If you're flying into Roxas, great news — the travel time to Carles can be shorter than from Iloilo.
From Roxas Airport:
- Take a tricycle or taxi to Roxas Transport Terminal
- Ride a van or bus bound for Balasan / Carles
Approx travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours
This is a popular route for travelers coming via Manila with cheaper flights to Roxas.
How to Get to Carles from Manila or Cebu
Option 1 — Flight to Iloilo City
The most convenient option:
- Daily flights from Manila & Cebu to Iloilo
- Follow Iloilo City to Carles route above
Option 2 — Flight to Roxas City
Then take land trip to Carles.
Option 3 — Ferry Routes
From Cebu or Manila to Iloilo port (for long-haul travelers or those avoiding flights).
How to Get to Carles from Boracay
Carles is a great add-on if you're hopping around the Western Visayas region.
Route:
- Boat from Boracay to Caticlan
- Van or bus to Kalibo or Roxas
- From Roxas, ride van/bus to Carles
Travel time varies: 5–7 hours total
How to Get to Carles from Bacolod
Another scenic regional route:
- Fastcraft from Bacolod to Iloilo (1 hr)
- Bus or van to Carles
Total estimated time: 4–6 hours
Arriving in Carles — Which Port for Gigantes?
Carles has two main jump-off points:
✅ Bancal Port (Most Popular)
Modern, organized, main entry point to Gigantes.
✅ Estancia Port (Alternative)
Useful if staying near Estancia or coming from Capiz area.
Most tours leave early morning, so aim to arrive in Carles the day before island hopping.
Do-It-Yourself Travel vs. Tour Transfers
DIY Transport Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Flexible schedule
- Local travel experience
Tour Transfer Pros
- No commuting stress
- Direct ride to port or your accommodation
- Saves time
- Guaranteed slot for island tour
Transfer & tour booking options:
These operators typically offer pick-up from Iloilo City or Roxas.
Accommodation Tip Before Your Island Tour
Most travelers stay:
- Near Bancal Port
- In Carles town proper
- On Gigantes Island itself
If you plan to island hop early, staying close to the port saves time.
Find stay guides at CarlesIloilo.com.
Estimated Budget: Getting to Carles
As of 2026, approximate one-way costs:
- Bus/Van from Iloilo: ₱300–₱500
- Van from Roxas: ₱150–₱300
- Ferry from Bacolod to Iloilo: ₱350–₱550
- Airport taxi to terminal: ₱200–₱400 / Grab pricing varies
Bring cash — rural transit stops often don't accept cards. For online booking and travel expenses, a travel credit card helps streamline payments.
Carles Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- 🏃 Travel early morning — smoother transit
- 💸 Carry cash — limited ATMs in town
- 📱 Download offline maps ahead
- 🧴 Pack sunblock & dry bag for island tours
- 🛶 Confirm boat schedules for Gigantes
- 📞 Signal may be limited in remote areas
- 🛡️ Get travel insurance
Optional add-on: combine Carles with Sicogon Island or Iloilo City to maximize your Visayas trip.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Carles is peaceful, coastal, and wonderfully slow-paced. You won't find malls or giant hotels here — what you will find are:
- Fresh seafood stalls
- Friendly locals and fishermen
- Affordable homestays and beach cottages
- Sunsets so soft they feel unreal
- Coconut trees swaying along quiet beaches
It feels like stepping into a postcard — only realer, warmer, and simpler.
Turn Travel into an Experience
Getting to Carles isn't just transportation — it's part of the adventure. The road trip, the sea breeze as buses slow by coastal roads, the glimpses of daily life in small Iloilo towns — they all prepare you for the calm island days ahead.
And once you finally arrive? The reward is pure paradise — white sand, calm waters, fresh scallops, and the gateway to the spectacular Islas de Gigantes.
Reminder Before You Go
Travel light, travel early, and travel with curiosity. Carles isn't just a destination — it's a feeling, a rhythm, a quiet breath away from the world. Take it slow, eat well, talk to locals, and savor every kilometer of the journey.
Now that you know how to get here, it’s time to explore — starting with your first morning by the sea.
Ready to plan the rest of your adventure? Find routes, itineraries, island hopping tips, and accommodation guides only at CarlesIloilo.com.
See you in Carles — the waves are waiting. 🌴🛶🌊
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