How to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre
Why visit Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan in the Philippines. A popular gateway to gorgeous destinations on the archipelago (like El Nido and Port Barton), travellers often skip a visit to Puerto Princesa.
If you’re just passing through, we recommend that you at least check out the interesting cuisine and cosy cafes in Puerto Princesa. But if you have extra time, why not also explore the iconic Underground River? It’s the longest subterranean river in the world! You can also visit Puerto Princesa’s white-sand beaches during the day and watch fireflies across the Nagsaguipi River at night.
Puerto Princesa Airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), located in Barangay San Miguel, has capacity for about 2 million passengers annually. In May 2017, the airport underwent an expansion and opened a new terminal. This airport mostly caters to domestic flights, but it also has direct flights from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
An advantage of this airport is that it’s practically located inside the city centre. Puerto Princesa’s main bus terminal is even further away than its airport. This also makes the airport a popular departure point for vans leaving for other popular destinations in Palawan.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre?
There are 3 ways to travel the 2 kilometre (1 miles) distance from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the airport shuttle, private transport and tricycle. The journey takes 10 to 20 minutes and the quickest way is by airport shuttle. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by tricycle with tickets starting at 50 PHP ($0.80).
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Puerto Princesa at the bottom of this page.
Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre by Tricycle
Travelling via tricycle is a good option to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre. It’s cheap and the most common way to go around the city. Although taking a tricycle is not the most comfortable option for tall people, it’s a nice way to experience local transport.
You’ll find tricycles waiting just outside the perimeters of Puerto Princesa Airport. They have standard fares, and the table below gives you an idea of what to expect. Still, in some cases, you may need to negotiate the price before starting your ride.
| Area | Costs |
|---|---|
| Bancao Area Rizal Avenue A&A Plaza Hotel Pier Immaculate Conception Church |
50 PHP ($0.80) |
| Barangay San Pedro | 70 PHP ($1.20) |
| San Jose Bus Terminal | 200 PHP ($3.30) |
| Honda Bay | 500 PHP ($8.40) |
If you don’t mind a little walk, you can also reach your destination on foot. Most accommodations are only a 20 to 30-minute walk from the airport.
Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre.
Rates start from 720 PHP ($12) for an 11-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 65 PHP ($1.10) per person. Travel time is around 10 to 20 minutes.
All private transport options on 12go.Asia and BookAway are typically for bigger groups. If you’re travelling in a smaller group of 2–3 people, a regular taxi from the airport is a much cheaper option — fares start at around 200 PHP ($3.30).
Private transport from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City
Private transport from Puerto Princesa City to Puerto Princesa Airport
Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre by Airport Shuttle
You’ll find both private and shared vans waiting near the airport. Many of them head to popular spots like Sabang, San Vicente, and El Nido, but there are also some vans going to the city centre.
If you prefer to take a van straight to your hotel and want to arrange your transfer in advance, check out Klook’s shared van transfer option. It costs 500 PHP ($8.40), and the ticket offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip.
It’s pricier than a regular taxi, but it can be a good option for solo travellers or first-timers looking for a secure and straightforward transfer.
Best places to stay in Puerto Princesa
Most people use Puerto Princesa as a jumping off point to other spots in the Philippines, meaning they’re only looking for a place for 1-2 nights. We’ve made sure our favourite stays tick that box, but are also great options if you want to stay a little longer.
All of our favourite stays are located in Puerto Princesa City. Here, you’ll be close to the airport, have easy access to the city’s attractions and have local markets to explore.
Panja Resort Palawan - Treating Yourself
Area: San Jose town — approx. 30-minute drive to Puerto Princesa city Baywalk Park and restaurants
An infinity pool overlooking the sea and jungle, a rooftop bar and an on-site spa. Can you ask for much more than that? Well, they’ll give you more! For every three nights that you book here, you get a free massage.
At Panja Resort, you’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Puerto Princesa, but if you do need to get to the city, the hotel offers a free shuttle. This is the kind of place where you literally have to think about nothing!
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Complimentary massage after a three nights’ stay
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Summer Days - Mid Range
Area: Next to BM beach — approx. 10-minute drive to city centre
This place is an absolute steal! Summer Days feels like a high-end boutique hotel, just without the high price tag. Lucky for you! The hotel boasts an open and minimalist design, where every corner looks perfect.
The perfection continues with the owner and staff. They are fantastic and there to help with everything! Even better, you’re not far from the beach either.
- Beautiful design
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Cleon Villas Pension - Budget Friendly
Area: Puerto Princesa city centre — approx. 5-minute drive to Puerto Princesa International Airport
Staying here feels like you’ve got your own tiny home! The bungalows look like little houses from the outside, but feel spacious inside. You even have your own front porch to sit on and relax.
Whether you’re looking for help getting to El Nido, scooter rentals or a hidden beach recommendation, the owners will lend you a helping hand. They make this place truly special.
- Cute bungalow-style accommodation
- Clean and modern
- Amazing owners
- BBQ facilities
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre?
The distance from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre is 2 kilometre (1 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre is by airport shuttle and takes 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the city centre is by tricycle with ticket costs starting from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
