Traveling between Zamboanga City and Basilan is relatively quick and convenient, especially for passengers who prefer traveling by sea. Whether you are heading to Basilan for work, visiting family, transporting a vehicle, or simply exploring another part of Mindanao, FastCat provides a practical ferry option connecting Zamboanga Port and Basilan Port.
Based on the latest schedule and fare information provided, FastCat operates several daily trips in both directions, with an estimated travel time of only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Passengers can also choose among Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy accommodations, while motorists have options for transporting motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
This guide covers the FastCat Zamboanga to Basilan schedule and fare rates, return trips from Basilan to Zamboanga, passenger discounts, vehicle and cargo rates, port information, and practical reminders before your trip.
Travel reminder: Ferry schedules, fares, port assignments, and other travel details may change without prior notice. Always verify your trip directly with FastCat before traveling.
FastCat Zamboanga to Basilan Departure Schedule 2026
Travelers leaving Zamboanga have three departure times shown in the current schedule.
| Zamboanga Port Departure | Basilan Port Arrival |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 7:30 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Having morning, late-morning, and afternoon departures makes this route fairly flexible. The 6:00 AM trip is particularly useful for passengers who want to reach Basilan early and still have most of the day available.
Meanwhile, travelers who do not want to wake up quite so early can consider the 10:00 AM departure, while the 3:00 PM trip provides an afternoon option.
FastCat Basilan to Zamboanga Sailing Schedule 2026
For the return journey, FastCat also lists three trips from Basilan Port to Zamboanga Port.
| Basilan Port Departure | Zamboanga Port Arrival |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The multiple departure times are useful for travelers who need to return to Zamboanga on the same day. For example, an early trip from Zamboanga followed by a later return from Basilan may work for some passengers, depending on their plans and ticket availability.
However, avoid building an extremely tight itinerary around ferry schedules. Sea conditions, operational requirements, and other circumstances can sometimes result in delays or schedule changes.
FastCat Zamboanga to Basilan Passenger Fare Rates
FastCat offers three passenger accommodation categories:
- Business Class
- Premium Economy
- Economy
Discounted rates are also listed for students, senior citizens/PWDs, and children aged four to seven years old. Children three years old and below are listed as free.
Here are the passenger fares shown in the provided rate guide:
| Seat Classification | Full Fare | Students | Senior Citizens/PWDs | Children 4–7 Years Old | Children 3 Years Old & Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Class | ₱297.00 | ₱238.00 | ₱212.00 | ₱238.00 | FREE |
| Premium Economy | ₱246.00 | ₱197.00 | ₱176.00 | ₱197.00 | FREE |
| Economy | ₱198.00 | ₱158.00 | ₱141.00 | ₱158.00 | FREE |
These rates make the Zamboanga–Basilan crossing relatively accessible, particularly for passengers who simply need a short sea connection.
Which FastCat accommodation should you choose?
For budget-conscious passengers, Economy offers the lowest full fare at ₱198 based on the supplied rate table.
If you want something between the basic and highest accommodation categories, Premium Economy costs ₱246 for a full-fare passenger.
Meanwhile, business class is ₱297, making it the highest-priced passenger category among the three.
Since the voyage takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, some passengers may prioritize price over accommodation class. Others may prefer paying a little more for their preferred seating category.
Availability can vary, so securing your ticket ahead of your intended departure is a sensible idea, particularly during holidays and busy travel periods.
Student, Senior Citizen, PWD, and Child Fares
FastCat’s published rate table includes discounted fares for several passenger categories.
Student fares
- Business Class: ₱238.00
- Premium Economy: ₱197.00
- Economy: ₱158.00
Students should bring the appropriate valid identification or supporting documents required to qualify for the applicable discounted fare.
Senior citizen and PWD fares
- Business Class: ₱212.00
- Premium Economy: ₱176.00
Economy: ₱141.00
Passengers claiming a discounted fare should carry their valid ID and any documentation required by the ferry operator.
Children’s Ticket Rates
For children aged 4 to 7 years old
- Business Class: ₱238.00
- Premium Economy: ₱197.00
- Economy: ₱158.00
The provided fare table lists children three years old and below as FREE.
Parents and guardians should still confirm ticketing requirements for young children before departure, even when no passenger fare is charged.
FastCat Zamboanga to Basilan Vehicle and Cargo Rates
One advantage of a ferry service is the ability to transport more than passengers. FastCat’s rate guide includes several types of vehicles, ranging from bicycles and motorcycles to large trucks and heavy equipment.
Here are the rates shown in the provided information.
| Vehicle / Cargo Classification | Rate |
|---|---|
| Bicycle | ₱262.00 |
| Bicycle with Sidecar | ₱290.00 |
| Motorcycle | ₱494.00 |
| Motorcycle 400cc and Above | ₱508.00 |
| Tricycle | ₱1,597.00 |
| Light Car / Multicab / Owner / Sedan | ₱3,412.00 |
| Van / Pickup / SUV | ₱3,559.00 |
| 4W ELF / Passenger Jeep | ₱3,630.00 |
| 6W ELF | ₱3,775.00 |
| Mini Bus / Coaster / Bonggo | ₱5,227.00 |
| Forward | ₱5,518.00 |
| Forward Long Chassis | ₱5,808.00 |
| 8 Wheeler | ₱6,098.00 |
| 10 Wheeler | ₱7,840.00 |
| Bus | ₱7,986.00 |
| 12 Wheeler | ₱9,365.00 |
| 14 Wheeler | ₱9,438.00 |
| 20 Footer (22M) | ₱12,632.00 |
| 40 Footer (38M) | ₱12,778.00 |
| Heavy Equipment – Small (10–15 Tons) | ₱13,068.00 |
| Heavy Equipment – Medium (15–20 Tons) | ₱14,520.00 |
| Heavy Equipment – Heavy (20–30 Tons) | ₱17,424.00 |
Vehicle owners should confirm the exact classification of their vehicle before purchasing a ticket. Classification can affect the applicable rate, and additional requirements may apply when transporting vehicles or commercial cargo.
Zamboanga to Basilan Motorcycle Rate
Motorcycle: ₱494
Motorcycle 400cc and above: ₱508
Before heading to the port, prepare the appropriate vehicle documents. It is also worth contacting the operator beforehand to confirm the current vehicle acceptance procedures, check-in time, documentary requirements, and space availability.
Vehicle slots can be more limited than ordinary passenger seats, so arriving without confirming availability may be risky during busy periods.
Car, pickup, or SUV to Basilan Fare
For passengers who want to bring a four-wheel vehicle, the listed rates include:
- Light Car / Multicab / Owner / Sedan: ₱3,412.00
- Van / Pickup / SUV: ₱3,559.00
The difference between these two categories is relatively small, but the exact classification will depend on the vehicle.
If you are unsure where your vehicle belongs, verify its category with FastCat before paying. This is particularly important for vehicles that may sit between classifications because of their size, body configuration, or modifications.
Commercial Trucks and Heavy Equipment Rates
The route can also accommodate larger commercial vehicles based on the published cargo rate table.
Rates range from ₱3,630 for a 4W ELF/Passenger Jeep up to ₱17,424 for heavy equipment weighing 20–30 tons.
This makes the ferry route useful not only for tourists and ordinary commuters but also for businesses transporting vehicles, equipment, and goods between Zamboanga and Basilan.
Businesses should coordinate directly with the ferry operator for large vehicles and commercial shipments because loading requirements, documentation, cargo restrictions, and availability can differ considerably from regular passenger bookings.
Zamboanga Port Information
- Address: San Jose Road, Barangay Zone II, Zamboanga City
- Mobile Number: 0966-077-0254
Passengers departing from Zamboanga should arrive with enough time for ticket verification, baggage handling, security procedures, and boarding.
If you are traveling with a vehicle, give yourself additional time. Vehicle check-in and loading naturally require more preparation than boarding as a walk-in passenger.
Basilan Port Information
- Address: MH2 Building, Boulevard, Isabela City, Basilan
- Mobile Number: 0953-584-5007
If you are unfamiliar with the area, confirm your departure point before travel day rather than relying solely on a last-minute commute to the port.
How Early Should You Arrive at the Port?
For ferry travel, arriving early is always safer than arriving just before departure.
Your ideal arrival time may depend on whether you are a regular passenger or are bringing a vehicle. Travelers with vehicles should generally expect additional procedures before loading.
Before your trip, contact FastCat to verify the current check-in and boarding cut-off requirements for your sailing.
During peak travel periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, school breaks, and local festivals, allowing extra time is particularly important.
What to Bring for Your FastCat Trip
Preparing your documents before leaving home can save you a lot of unnecessary stress at the terminal.
Regular passengers should have their ticket or booking information and a valid ID when applicable. Students, senior citizens, and PWD passengers seeking discounted fares should bring the appropriate valid identification or documents required to support their discount.
Parents traveling with children should also prepare documents that may be requested to verify the child’s age.
Motorists should carry the necessary vehicle documents and confirm the ferry company’s current requirements before arriving at the port.
Keep important documents in an easily accessible bag rather than burying them underneath your luggage.
Travel Tips for the Zamboanga to Basilan Ferry
Because the crossing takes only about an hour and a half, the journey is manageable even for travelers who do not regularly take long ferry trips.
Still, a little preparation goes a long way.
Check the latest sailing status before leaving for the terminal, especially during periods of poor weather. Bring drinking water and basic personal necessities, but avoid overpacking if you are only making a short trip.
Keep your phone sufficiently charged and save copies of important booking details. If you are sensitive to sea movement, prepare whatever personal travel essentials you normally use for boat trips.
Most importantly, avoid assuming that a schedule you saw days or weeks earlier remains unchanged. Ferry operations are affected by weather, vessel availability, port conditions, and other operational factors.
Why Take FastCat from Zamboanga to Basilan?
For travelers moving between these two destinations, the ferry offers several practical advantages.
The journey is relatively short at approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; there are multiple trips shown in both directions, and travelers have several passenger accommodation choices.
The ability to transport vehicles is another major advantage. A passenger who needs a motorcycle or car after reaching Basilan can potentially bring it along instead of arranging separate transportation.
The published passenger fares are also straightforward, with separate prices for Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy, and eligible discounted passenger categories.
For commuters, families, tourists, motorists, and businesses alike, the Zamboanga–Basilan sea connection remains a useful transportation option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the FastCat trip from Zamboanga to Basilan?
- The provided schedule indicates an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What time does FastCat leave Zamboanga for Basilan?
- The listed departures from Zamboanga are 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM.
What time does FastCat leave Basilan for Zamboanga?
- The listed departures are 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 5:30 PM.
How much is the FastCat fare from Zamboanga to Basilan?
- Based on the supplied passenger fare table, full fares are ₱297 for Business Class, ₱246 for Premium Economy, and ₱198 for Economy.
Are there discounted fares?
- Yes. The provided rate table lists separate fares for students, senior citizens/PWDs, and children aged 4–7 years old. Children three years old and below are listed as free.
Can I bring a motorcycle?
- The supplied cargo rates include motorcycles. A regular motorcycle is listed at ₱494, while motorcycles 400cc and above are ₱508.
Can I bring a car?
- Yes, based on the provided vehicle rate table. A light car/multicab/owner/sedan is listed at ₱3,412, while a van/pickup/SUV is ₱3,559.
Final Thoughts
The FastCat Zamboanga to Basilan route gives travelers a convenient way to cross between Zamboanga City and Basilan without spending an entire day in transit. With an estimated 1-hour-and-30-minute voyage and multiple daily departures shown in each direction, passengers have enough flexibility to choose a sailing that suits their plans.
The availability of economy, premium economy, and business class fares also means travelers can choose according to their budget. Meanwhile, vehicle-carrying capability makes the service useful for motorcycle riders, families traveling with cars, businesses, and commercial operators.
Before heading to the terminal, however, make one final check with FastCat. Schedules and fares can change without prior notice, particularly because ferry operations are affected by weather and operational conditions.
Plan, prepare your documents, arrive early, and enjoy your sea journey between Zamboanga and Basilan.
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