How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
There are 3 ways to travel the 260 kilometre (162 miles) distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 5 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 590 PHP ($9.80).
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.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Bus
If you want to travel like a local, taking the bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is a great choice. The roads can be narrow and winding, but during the day, you’ll get amazing sea views through the big bus windows.
If you’re taking a VIP bus at night, the bus comes with reclining seats and an onboard toilet. You can try to catch some sleep!
Cherry Bus is currently the only bus company from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. You can choose to ride an economy, standard, or VIP bus with rates from 590 PHP ($9.80). It’s worth noting that the arrival station is now 10 km away from Puerto Princesa city centre, so expect additional costs.
Departure and arrival stations
All buses depart from El Nido Transport Terminal. We suggest that you book your bus ride online in advance. You can also buy your bus ticket directly at the bus station, but you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to get tickets for your desired bus.
Buses arrive at Irawan Bus Terminal near the crocodile farm. It’s a 30-minute ride to the city centre, and tricycle drivers would charge between 300 PHP ($5) and 480 PHP ($8). If you’re travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa to fly out of Palawan, a tricycle ride to the airport would cost a few more dollars.
Bus schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
Economy bus tickets from El Nido to Puerto Princesa are the cheapest option at 590 PHP ($9.80), mainly because these buses are non-airconditioned. For a bit more comfort, you can take a Standard bus and enjoy an air-conditioned ride for 840 PHP ($14).
If you’re looking to splurge a little or prefer travelling at night, consider the Cherry VIP bus. It’s the most expensive at 1,050 PHP ($17.50), but it offers recliner seats perfect for a good night’s rest, an onboard toilet, and a non-stop route between El Nido and Puerto Princesa.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Minivan
Most travellers opt to take the van from El Nido to Puerto Princesa even though it’s smaller than the bus. But that’s actually a good thing because the ride feels more stable on the winding roads, so you won’t be tossed around with every turn.
Minivans also come with air-conditioning and are cheaper than an air-conditioned bus, making them ideal if you want to stay cool during the 5.5-hour journey.
The minivan ride takes about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes with costs starting from 695 PHP ($11.60).
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from El Nido Transport Terminal. In the El Nido downtown area, you can take a tricycle from your hotel to the transport terminal for 100 PHP ($1.70).
Most minivans drop you off at your hotel or head straight to Puerto Princesa Airport.
PRO TIP: The minivan is the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan. Seats can fill up quickly, so always try to book your van at least 1 day in advance!
Minivan schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Private Transport
A private transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or at the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 7,100 PHP ($120) for a 10-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 710 PHP ($11.80) each.
Private Transport options from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
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 El Nido to Puerto Princesa. 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 El Nido to Puerto Princesa
What is the distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is 260 kilometre (162 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The fastest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is by minivan and takes 5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The cheapest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 590 PHP ($9.80).
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
