Planning a trip to Polillo Island in Quezon Province? Whether you’re visiting family, exploring the island, business, or transporting a motorcycle or vehicle, knowing the latest ferry schedules and fares can help you plan your journey.
Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc. has published its 2026 passenger fare information, daily departure schedules, and rolling cargo rates for the Real–Polillo route. The company has also announced the reimplementation of a 20% Required Rate Adjustment (RRA) on passenger fares and rolling cargo rates, citing MARINA Advisory 2026-023 and increasing global diesel fuel prices.
This guide covers the published ferry departure times, passenger ticket prices, vehicle cargo charges, booking information, and practical travel tips for passengers travelling between Real, Quezon, and Polillo Island.
Important fare advisory: The fares below are the amounts displayed in Starhorse Shipping’s supplied September 2026 promotional materials. The company separately announced a 20% rate adjustment. Because the materials do not establish whether that adjustment is already included in every published amount, confirm your final ticket or cargo price directly with Starhorse before travelling.
Starhorse Shipping Real to Polillo Ferry Schedule 2026
Starhorse Shipping has published daily estimated departure times for passengers travelling between Real Port and Polillo Island.
The schedule provides morning, afternoon, and evening travel options, although departure times remain subject to change without prior notice.
Daily ferry departure schedule
Times shown in Philippine Standard Time (PHT)
Real Port to Polillo Island
- 1:00 AM
- 5:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 5:30 PM
- 5:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
- 9:00 PM
Real to Polillo Ferry Departures
Passengers leaving Real, Quezon, have four daily departure options.
The 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM trips may suit travellers who want to arrive on Polillo Island earlier in the day. The 11:00 AM departure provides a daytime alternative, while the 5:30 PM sailing offers another option for passengers arriving in Real later in the afternoon.
If you’re travelling from Metro Manila, consider your bus or private vehicle travel time to Real Port before choosing a ferry departure.
For early-morning departures, arriving in Real the previous evening may help reduce the risk of missing your ferry.
Polillo to Real ferry departures
Passengers returning from Polillo Island also have four published daily departure times.
The 5:30 AM departure provides an early option for travellers with onward journeys. The 10:00 AM sailing may be convenient for passengers who prefer morning travel, while the 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM departures provide later alternatives.
If you’re connecting to another bus or transportation service after arriving in Real, allow sufficient time between your ferry’s expected arrival and your next departure.
Remember that the listed times are estimated departures, not guaranteed arrival times.
Starhorse Shipping Passenger Fares 2026
The published Starhorse Shipping passenger fare schedule for the Real–Polillo route includes regular tickets and discounted fare categories for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and qualifying half-fare passengers.
| Passenger category | Fare |
|---|---|
| Regular | ₱540 |
| Student | ₱435 |
| Senior citizen / PWD | ₱385 |
| Half fare | ₱270 |
Starhorse Shipping Announces a 20% Required Rate Adjustment
Starhorse Shipping has announced the reimplementation of a 20% Required Rate Adjustment on passenger fares and rolling cargo rates.
According to the company’s notice, the adjustment is pursuant to MARINA Advisory 2026-023, Series of 2026.
The company attributes the adjustment to significant and continuing increases in global diesel fuel prices and says it is necessary to maintain safe and reliable operations.
How could the adjustment affect passenger fares?
The following table illustrates what a 20% increase would produce if applied to the published passenger fares as the base amounts.
| Category | Old Fare | New fare after 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | ₱540 | ₱648 |
| Student | ₱435 | ₱522 |
| Senior / PWD | ₱385 | ₱462 |
| Half fare | ₱270 | ₱324 |
These figures are calculations for budgeting purposes only. They are not confirmed replacement fares.
For example, applying a 20% increase to the published ₱540 regular fare gives ₱648. However, if the published ₱540 already incorporates the adjustment, applying it again would incorrectly overstate the price.
Passengers should request the final fare from Starhorse Shipping or an authorised ticketing outlet before making travel arrangements.
Starhorse Shipping Real–Polillo Vehicle and Cargo Rates 2026
Starhorse Shipping also provides rolling cargo transportation for motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, buses, and other eligible vehicles.
This service is particularly useful for residents, businesses, and travelers who need to transport vehicles or commercial goods between mainland Quezon and Polillo Island.
The published cargo rates are organized according to vehicle type and length.
| Vehicle type | Length | Published rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 0.5 m | ₱420 |
| Bicycle with sidecar | 1.0 m | ₱840 |
| Motorcycle | 2.0 m | ₱1,620 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | 2.1–3.0 m | ₱2,520 |
| Eon, Wigo, multicab, owner-type jeep | 3.1–4.0 m | ₱3,360 |
| Car, SUV, L-300 van, 4W Elf | 4.1–5.0 m | ₱4,200 |
| Hi-Lux, closed van, F-150, 6W Elf | 5.1–6.0 m | ₱5,040 |
| Extended passenger jeep, DTJ | 6.1–7.0 m | ₱5,400 |
| Prime mover, Forward, Elf 250 | 7.1–8.0 m | ₱6,240 |
| Minibus, Coaster, 6W truck | 8.1–9.0 m | ₱7,440 |
| Dump truck, 6W Forward | 9.1–10.0 m | ₱8,160 |
| Bus | 10.1–11.0 m | ₱9,360 |
| 8W, 10W, 6W long-body vehicle | 11.1–12.0 m | ₱10,200 |
| 10W long-body vehicle | 12.1–13.0 m | ₱11,400 |
| 12W self-loading vehicle, 20-footer | Not specified | ₱12,600 |
These are the published regular rolling cargo rates in the supplied 2026 advisory. Actual charges may depend on vehicle measurements, classification, cargo conditions, and the applicable rate adjustment.
Motorcycle shipping from Real to Polillo
Travelers bringing motorcycles to Polillo Island should budget for the published motorcycle cargo rate of ₱1,620.
For motorcycles with sidecars measuring between 2.1 and 3.0 meters, the published rate is ₱2,520.
Before traveling, contact Starhorse Shipping to confirm the final motorcycle rate, required documentation, loading procedures, and whether the rider’s passenger ticket must be purchased separately.
Car and SUV shipping rates
For cars, SUVs, and other vehicles within the 4.1–5.0-meter category, the published cargo rate is ₱4,200.
Smaller vehicles classified in the 3.1–4.0-meter category have a published rate of ₱3,360.
Vehicle owners should confirm their vehicle’s applicable length category before booking. A vehicle’s make or model alone may not determine its final cargo classification.
Trucks and commercial cargo
For businesses transporting merchandise, supplies, or equipment, Starhorse Shipping’s published rate table includes several commercial vehicle categories.
A 5.1–6.0-meter vehicle is listed at ₱5,040, while a 10.1–11.0-meter bus is listed at ₱9,360.
Operators of larger trucks and commercial vehicles should inquire about cargo acceptance, loading availability, documentation, and any additional charges before arriving at the port.
How to Book a Starhorse Shipping Ferry Ticket
Passengers travelling between Real and Polillo should check the latest departure schedules and ticket availability directly with Starhorse Shipping.
For booking inquiries, passengers can contact the shipping company using the contact information below.
Starhorse Shipping contact information
- 0995 515 9149
- 0995 515 9319
- 0948 548 0767
- 0915 951 0581
These numbers appeared in the company’s Lucena–Balanacan promotional material. Confirm whether they handle Real–Polillo reservations and cargo inquiries.
When inquiring, provide your intended travel date, route, number of passengers, and vehicle details, if applicable.
For vehicle shipments, ask about the latest cargo rate and required arrival time at the port.
Travelling from Metro Manila to Real, Quezon
For passengers coming from Metro Manila, Real, Quezon, serves as the mainland departure point for this ferry route.
Travellers can reach Real by available provincial transportation or private vehicle. The appropriate journey will depend on your starting location, traffic conditions, and the transportation services operating on your intended travel date.
If you’re planning to catch an early-morning ferry, consider leaving Metro Manila well ahead of your intended sailing.
Passengers bringing vehicles should also allow additional time for cargo processing and loading.
Avoid planning your journey around the ferry’s exact departure time without first confirming the operator’s required check-in period.
Things to Do in Polillo Island
Explore the coastline
Polillo Island offers coastal scenery and a quieter island atmosphere. Visitors can explore accessible beaches and coastal communities, depending on local conditions and available transportation.
Visit Polillo town
Explore the municipality’s local establishments, community spaces, and historical surroundings. Visitors can also experience everyday island life and sample locally available food.
Discover nature
If you’re visiting for leisure, consider spending more than one day on the island, so your plans are not entirely dependent on the ferry’s departure schedule.
Check local transportation availability before travelling to attractions outside the main town.
Travel Tips for Real–Polillo Ferry Passengers
Traveling by ferry requires some preparation, especially when weather conditions or cargo requirements may affect your journey.
First, confirm your departure time before leaving home. Even though Starhorse Shipping publishes daily trips, operating schedules may change without prior notice.
Second, bring a valid identification document and any documents required for discounted tickets.
Third, if you’re transporting a motorcycle or another vehicle, verify its cargo classification and the paperwork required by the operator.
Fourth, keep important belongings and travel documents in a bag you can easily access during check-in and boarding.
Finally, monitor weather advisories before your journey. Sea conditions may affect ferry operations, and passengers should follow instructions issued by the shipping company, port authorities, and t
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Starhorse ferry fare from Real to Polillo in 2026?
The supplied fare advisory lists a regular passenger ticket at ₱540. However, Starhorse Shipping has also announced a 20% Required Rate Adjustment. Confirm the final applicable ticket price before purchasing.
What time is the first ferry from Real to Polillo?
The earliest published daily departure from Real is 1:00 AM, followed by 5:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM.
What time is the last ferry from Polillo to Real?
The latest published departure from Polillo to Real is 9:00 PM.
How much does it cost to transport a motorcycle?
The published cargo rate for a standard motorcycle in the 2.0-meter category is ₱1,620, subject to confirmation of the final applicable rate.
Can I bring a car to Polillo Island?
Starhorse Shipping publishes rolling cargo rates for several vehicle categories, including cars and SUVs. Contact the operator to confirm vehicle acceptance, loading availability, and documentation requirements for your intended sailing.
Are there daily trips between Real and Polillo?
The supplied Starhorse Shipping schedule lists daily departures in both directions. Actual sailings may change because of weather, operational requirements, or other circumstances.
How long is the ferry trip from Real to Polillo?
The supplied advisory does not specify an official crossing duration. Ask the operator for the estimated travel time on your intended sailing, particularly if you have onward transportation arrangements.
Where can I buy a Starhorse ferry ticket?
Contact Starhorse Shipping to confirm its authorized ticketing outlets and available reservation methods for the Real–Polillo route.
Final Reminders for Passengers
Starhorse Shipping’s published 2026 Real–Polillo schedule provides several daily departure options for passengers traveling between mainland Quezon and Polillo Island.
With published rates covering regular passengers, discounted ticket categories, motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles, travelers can use the company’s advisory as a starting point for planning their journey.
However, the announced 20% Required Rate Adjustment makes it especially important to confirm the final payable amount before purchasing tickets or arranging vehicle shipments.
All schedules and fares are subject to change without prior notice.
For more ferry schedules, fare updates, route guides, and transportation announcements around the Philippines, visit 2Go Bus and Ferries and follow our Facebook page, 2Go Bus and Ferries, for more travel information.
Disclaimer:Â This article is based on the Starhorse Shipping promotional materials and public notice supplied for September 2026. Illustrative adjusted fares are calculations, not confirmed ticket prices. This website is an independent travel-information resource and is not the official website of Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc.
