Get around Cebu with ease using these helpful ride-hailing apps.
What is your preferred mode of transportation in Cebu?
Whatever it may be, you should definitely have some ride-hailing apps at your disposal.
Most people are familiar with Uber, arguably the world’s number one ride-hailing platform with an estimated 161 million monthly users worldwide, according to an article on Demandsage. (2025)
Unfortunately, Uber pulled out of Southeast Asia in 2018, and their service is still unavailable in the Philippines, leaving other alternatives to fill in the gap.
So, with no Uber in the Philippines, what ride-hailing apps should you have on your phone? Luckily, there are plenty of reliable ones you can download for free.
The Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) system provides a variety of services, from four-seater and six seater vehicles to the now ubiquitous motorcycle taxis.
CEBU’S TOP RIDE-HAILING APPS
- Grab
Originating from Singapore, Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, with close to 38 million users monthly.
While primarily focused on online transportation services, it has since converted into a “superapp”, now offering online food deliveries and a built-in e-wallet.
Initially, you could only book taxis on the app, but now you have the option to select private cars. It also continues to be the most reliable Cebu taxi app, with plenty of drivers accepting bookings even late at night.
Some of its best features include being able to book two ride types simultaneously, allowing users more options during rush hour.
- Angkas
When you’re in Cebu, it’s easier to take motorcycle taxis, locally called habal-habal. While more convenient, they are highly unregulated, making passengers susceptible to being overcharged.
Enter: Angkas.
This is the oldest motorcycle taxi-hailing service in the country, operating in busy cities like Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu. This offers more transparency by offering fixed rates for motorcycle rides.
Angkas drivers are also properly trained in traffic rules and safety regulations, resulting in a reported 99.97% safety record. Each driver is given complimentary helmets, and they undergo special training programs.
Angkas ensures the appropriate ride option for its passengers as well by providing the right kind of motorcycle based on the passenger’s height and weight. It also provides several promos and discounts, especially during important events in the city.
- Move It
A new competitor in the ride-hailing scene, Move It is Grab’s answer to Angkas, providing a cheaper option for motorcycle taxis. As of 2023, BusinessWorld reports that it has over 1,000 drivers in Cebu. (2023)
The Move It app claims to have the fastest booking service, with some users saying they can book a ride in a few minutes. This will of course take into account the time of day, demand for riders, and distance of the trip.
They offer cheaper fixed rates, but also have a “Long Distance Saver” option where passengers get a discount for longer rides.
Move It has its fair share of promos and discounts as well, but based on experience, these are usually applicable for cash transactions.
- inDrive
Have you heard about the newest player in the ride-hailing industry in Cebu? inDrive officially unveiled their services in the city in 2024.
The Russian-based company is known for providing passengers with the flexibility and freedom to choose their drivers.
inDrive is the only app that allows passengers and drivers to negotiate prices, providing a more budget-friendly alternative. Users can also choose their drivers based on their ratings and even the model of their car.
The app is still in its soft launch stage, only having around 500 accredited drivers, so getting an offer may take a while. They allow cash and manual GCash transfers as of this time.
It only operates around the busier parts of the city, including Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, with a few operating in Consolacion, Liloan, Talisay, and Minglanilla.
- Maxim
Maxim is primarily a goods delivery service, which explains its rather affordable prices compared to other ride-hailing apps. Unfortunately, it isn’t accredited as a ride-hailing service by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
However, they are currently working their way into becoming a legitimate Cebu taxi service. Users can book a taxi ride through Maxim, which will include the cost of the metered taxi price plus its flag down rate.
One of its most interesting features is the ability to pay an extra amount in order to book a ride faster. You can add around Php 10 to 50, and it’s applicable to both taxis and motorcycles.
Maxim motorcycle drivers still accept passengers, but make sure to consider your own safety, especially since they reportedly don’t offer accident insurance to passengers.
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Ride-hailing apps offer a more convenient travel experience, as it brings a ride to you rather than having to wait for one to come around. As long as you have them installed on your phone, you can book a ride anytime, and the nearest driver will be on their way.
There are many other applications you can use, but the aforementioned five have gained the trust and reliance of many of its users.
When traveling in Cebu gets tough, these ride-hailing apps are here to save the day.
REFERENCES:
Kumar, Naveen. 2025. “How Many Uber Drivers In USA (2025 Statistics & Data).” Demandsage.
https://www.demandsage.com/uber-statistics/#:~:text=Uber%20Statistics%202025%3A%20Top%20Picks,drivers%20currently%20work%20at%20Uber.
Tabile, Justine Irish. 2023. “Move It targets 1M users.” BusinessWorld.
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2023/05/31/525922/move-it-targets-1m-users/#:~:text=Move%20It%20is%20said%20to,around%201%2C000%20riders%20in%20Cebu.
