Planning to travel between Lucena City, Quezon, and Balanacan Port in Marinduque? Starhorse Shipping Lines has published its passenger fares, daily ferry departure schedules, and rolling cargo rates, along with an announcement about reimplementing a 20% Required Rate Adjustment (RRA).
This guide covers the published ticket prices, student and senior citizen discounts, motorcycle and vehicle shipping rates, ferry schedules, booking information, and practical travel tips.
IMPORTANT FARE ADVISORY
Starhorse has announced the reimplementation of a 20% RRA on passenger and rolling cargo rates under MARINA Advisory No. 2026-023. The fare tables below reproduce the September 2026 promotional materials. Confirm whether the adjustment is already included in the published prices before purchasing tickets.
Starhorse Shipping Lucena to Balanacan ferry schedule 2026
The company’s published timetable lists daily sailings in both directions between Lucena and Balanacan.
| Lucena to Balanacan | Balanacan to Lucena |
|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | 6:30 AM |
| 5:30 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 2:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 10:30 PM | — |
Starhorse Shipping Lines 2026 schedule; all times are Philippine Standard Time. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
Passengers should arrive early, particularly when traveling with a motorcycle, car, or other rolling cargo. Weather, port congestion, and operational requirements can affect actual departure times.
Starhorse Shipping passenger fares 2026
Lucena to Balanacan passenger fares
| Passenger category | Fare |
| Regular | ₱550 |
| Student | ₱440 |
| Senior citizen / PWD | ₱393 |
| Half fare | ₱275 |
These are the amounts shown in the operator’s supplied fare announcement, not independently confirmed post-adjustment prices.
Students should bring a valid school ID or other accepted proof of enrollment. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities should carry their applicable identification. Passengers seeking half-fare tickets should confirm eligibility and documentary requirements with the ticketing office.
Starhorse Shipping 20% fare adjustment
Starhorse announced that the 20% Required Rate Adjustment would apply to passenger fares and rolling cargo rates, citing sustained increases in global diesel fuel prices.
The announcement references MARINA Advisory No. 2026-023, Series of 2026. It does not establish whether the fare graphics already incorporate the adjustment or specify an effective date.
For budgeting purposes, the following figures illustrate a 20% increase applied to the advertised passenger prices. They are calculations, not confirmed selling prices.
| Category | Old fare | New Fare (20% increase) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | ₱550 | ₱660 |
| Student | ₱440 | ₱528 |
| Senior / PWD | ₱393 | ₱471.60 |
| Half fare | ₱275 | ₱330 |
The actual payable fare may differ depending on implementation, discount calculations, and applicable charges. Verify the amount directly with Starhorse.
Lucena to Balanacan RORO cargo rates 2026
Starhorse’s published cargo schedule covers bicycles, motorcycles, private vehicles, vans, trucks, buses, and larger commercial cargo.
| Vehicle type | Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 0.5 m | ₱565 |
| Bicycle with sidecar | 1.0 m | ₱815 |
| Motorcycle | 2.0 m | ₱1,625 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | 2.1–3.0 m | ₱2,435 |
| Eon, Wigo, multicab, owner-type jeep | 3.1–4.0 m | ₱3,245 |
| Car, SUV, L300 van, 4W Elf | 4.1–5.0 m | ₱4,060 |
| Hilux, closed van, F150, 6W Elf | 5.1–6.0 m | ₱4,870 |
| Extended passenger jeep, DTJ | 6.1–7.0 m | ₱5,680 |
| Prime mover, 6W truck | 7.1–8.0 m | ₱6,490 |
| Minibus, coaster | 8.1–9.0 m | ₱7,300 |
| Dump truck | 9.1–10.0 m | ₱8,115 |
| Bus | 10.1–11.0 m | ₱8,925 |
| Long-body trucks | 11.1–12.0 m | ₱9,735 |
| 12W self-loading, 20-footer | 12.1–13.0 m | ₱14,400 |
| 40-foot cargo | Not specified | ₱21,600 |
| 40-footer loaded with heavy equipment | Not specified | ₱30,000 |
Vehicle owners should confirm the applicable classification and final quotation before departure. The operator’s advisory also covers rolling cargo, so the published prices may be affected by the 20% adjustment.
For example, applying 20% to the advertised ₱1,625 motorcycle rate produces ₱1,950, while applying it to the ₱4,060 car and SUV rate produces ₱4,872. Neither figure should be treated as a confirmed ticket price.
Traveling from Lucena to Marinduque
Balanacan Port serves as a gateway to Marinduque. Travelers from Metro Manila or other parts of Luzon can travel overland to Lucena before continuing by ferry.
Before leaving home, confirm the operating departure, available passenger accommodation, and current weather conditions. Travelers bringing vehicles should also ask about cargo acceptance cutoffs, required documents, and whether booking is available.
For the return journey, the published Balanacan–Lucena timetable offers five daily departure times, beginning at 6:30 AM and ending at 6:30 PM. Travelers connecting to onward buses should allow extra time in case of delays.
Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc. Contact Numbers
- 0995 515 9149
- 0995 515 9319
- 0948 548 0767
- 0915 951 0581
When contacting the operator, provide your intended travel date, departure port, passenger count, and vehicle details, if applicable. Ask for the final fare inclusive of any applicable rate adjustment, the latest sailing schedule, and the required arrival time.
Requirements and practical travel tips
Passengers should bring valid identification and keep their booking details accessible. Those traveling with vehicles may need registration documents, proof of ownership, or authorization, depending on the circumstances. Check the precise requirements with Starhorse before arriving at the port.
Travelers should also monitor weather bulletins and shipping advisories. Ferry operations may be suspended or rescheduled during unfavorable sea conditions, and the published timetable does not guarantee that every sailing will operate on a particular day.
For a more comfortable trip, pack essential medication, drinking water, charging cables, and personal necessities in an accessible bag. Keep important documents separate from luggage that may be stored away during the crossing.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Starhorse Lucena to Balanacan regular passenger fare?
- The supplied fare announcement lists ₱550. However, the company has separately announced a 20% required rate adjustment. Confirm the final payable amount before traveling.
What is the first ferry from Lucena to Balanacan?
- The published first departure is 2:30 AM, with the final scheduled departure at 10:30 PM.
What is the last ferry from Balanacan to Lucena?
- The published last departure is 6:30 PM.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
- The advertised rate for a 2.0-meter motorcycle is ₱1,625 before accounting for any separately applicable rate adjustment.
Can I bring my car or SUV?
- The operator publishes a rate of ₱4,060 for vehicles in its 4.1–5.0-meter category, including cars and SUVs. Confirm your vehicle’s classification, availability, and final rate.
Are the schedules guaranteed?
- No. Starhorse explicitly states that schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
Final travel reminder
The published Starhorse Shipping timetable offers multiple daily sailings between Lucena and Balanacan, with passenger and rolling cargo options. Because the operator has announced a 20% rate adjustment, travelers should verify the current fare and operating schedule directly before making their journey.
For more Philippine ferry schedules, passenger fare guides, RORO rates, and transport updates, follow 2Go Bus and Ferries on Facebook and visit 2gobusandferries.com.
