How to get to Roxas City

Roxas City is the picturesque capital of the Capiz province, located on Panay Island. Officially recognized as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines," this city is renowned for its culinary traditions and an abundance of the freshest gifts of the sea, which are the hallmark of the region.

Beyond gastronomic delights, Roxas City charms travelers with its cozy atmosphere, clean streets, and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can stroll along the well-maintained promenade, admire colonial architecture, and enjoy a peaceful rest at the popular Baybay Beach. It is a wonderful destination for those wishing to experience the authentic life of the country and feel the sincere Filipino hospitality.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Roxas City is by air. The city is served by its own Roxas Airport (RXS), which receives regular flights from the Philippine capital and other major hubs in the country. The air gateway is located very close to the city limits, allowing travelers to begin exploring the region almost immediately after landing.

If tickets for a direct flight are unavailable, it is worth considering alternative routes through neighboring cities on Panay Island. Tourists most often choose to fly into Kalibo (KLO), located in the neighboring province, from where the destination can be reached by bus or minivan. Travelers also occasionally use the airports of Caticlan or Iloilo as transit hubs, continuing their journey by land transport.

It is impossible to reach Roxas City by rail, as there is no railway station in the city or its vicinity. On Panay Island, where this administrative center is located, passenger railway service is currently not functioning, so tourists must rely on other modes of transport.

A train journey is also not possible through neighboring cities: neither Kalibo, Antique, nor Caticlan are connected to the destination by rail tracks. When traveling through the Philippines, it is better to use the developed network of bus routes or the services of private carriers on minivans to move between these points.

Traveling to Roxas City by bus is an excellent way to see the scenic landscapes of Panay Island. The most convenient and fastest route leads from Kalibo: buses cover the distance of about 85 kilometers in just 1.5–2 hours. For tourists heading from the direction of the famous Boracay resort via the Caticlan port, a longer but no less beautiful journey awaits, lasting about 3.5–4 hours.

There is also regular service from the western part of the island, for example, from the Antique region. The road from there may take from 3 to 5 hours, passing through colorful settlements and the green hills of the Philippines. For maximum comfort, it is recommended to choose air-conditioned buses from major companies or fast minivans that operate between cities throughout the daylight hours.

A trip by car to Roxas City is a great opportunity to view the picturesque landscapes of Panay Island at your own pace. The shortest and most popular route leads from Kalibo: a distance of about 85 kilometers can be comfortably covered in less than two hours. If you are heading from the direction of famous Boracay via Caticlan, the path of about 150 kilometers will take approximately 3.5–4 hours, opening up views of coastal villages and tropical greenery.

An alternative option is the road from the Antique province, which usually takes from 3 to 4 hours and passes through the colorful local countryside. For maximum convenience, travelers often hire a private taxi or minivan; the cost of such a service varies from 2,000 to 4,000 pesos depending on the distance and negotiation skills, while the quality of the road surface makes the trip pleasant and untiring.

Preparing for a trip to Roxas City will help make your vacation carefree and fulfilling. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will be handy for every traveler wishing to comfortably explore the "Seafood Capital" of the Philippines.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so opt for light clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and reliable sunscreen. A light raincoat or umbrella will also be useful, as tropical showers can be sudden.
2. Transport. The main means of transportation around the city are tricycles (motorcycles with a covered sidecar). This is a convenient and inexpensive transport for short trips. It is important to agree on the price with the driver in advance before boarding to avoid misunderstandings at the end of the journey.
3. Finances. The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Cards are accepted in major hotels and shopping centers, but for paying fares, shopping at markets, and in small restaurants, you will definitely need cash, and it is better to carry small bills. ATMs are available primarily in the city center and commercial zones.
4. Health and Safety. It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water; buy only bottled water. It is also worth using mosquito repellents, especially in the evening and when visiting nature parks. The city is considered safe, but standard vigilance regarding personal belongings in crowded places is advisable.
5. Communication. English is widely spoken and is one of the official languages, so communicating in a hotel, restaurant, or with a driver will not be difficult. Locals speak the Hiligaynon dialect but always friendly switch to English when interacting with tourists.
6. Local Etiquette. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and smiling nature. It is customary here to greet people with a smile and show respect to elders. Avoid raising your voice and public displays of anger—in the local culture, this is considered a "loss of face" and extremely impolite behavior.
7. What to Avoid. Do not openly display expensive jewelry or large sums of money on the street. Also, avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics with strangers. Be prepared for unhurried service ("Filipino time") and remain patient if service takes a little longer than you are accustomed to.
8. Additional Tip. While in Roxas City, be sure to visit the Baybay Beach promenade in the evening. This is where the best restaurants with fresh seafood are located, where you can try the famous "diwal" shells (angel wings) at very affordable prices.

Following these simple tips will allow you to avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing—enjoying the colorful atmosphere, delicious food, and natural beauty of the region. Have a pleasant journey!