Philippines

How to get fromEl Nido to Port Barton

Want to explore the 3 best ways to travel from El Nido to Port Barton? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 180 kilometers (112 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Reviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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What to expect when visiting Port Barton

Port Barton is a small coastal village in the Philippines, in the town of San Vicente, Palawan. It’s nowhere near as famous as Coron or El Nido, but that’s exactly why you should include Port Parton in your itinerary.

Backpacker huts dot its jagged coastline, which opens to turquoise waters overlooking the islands nearby. Island-hopping is a must when in Port Barton, as well as diving, camping and trekking to its many waterfalls. Our favourite? Doing nothing. The island’s calm vibe makes one want to just lay on the beach and savour nature’s gifts.

3 ways to get from El Nido to Port Barton

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 180 kilometers (112 miles) from El Nido to Port Barton are by: bus (5 hours 30 minutes), van (4 to 5 hours) and private transport (4 to 5 hours). The journey duration ranges between 4 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by van. The lowest priced tickets start from 330 PHP (€5.40) for the bus.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h 30m

From 330 PHP (€5.40)

Van

4-5h

From €10.80

Book Tickets

Private Transport

4-5h

From €94

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Port Barton?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Port Barton at the bottom of this page.

El Nido to Port Barton by Bus

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 330 PHP (€5.40)

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 330 PHP (€5.40)

Although it’s cheaper, taking the bus from El Nido to Port Barton requires one transfer. For the first leg of the trip, you’ll take a bus to Roxas, and the second leg requires a jeepney ride to Port Barton.

Overall, the travel time will take at least 5 hours 30 minutes, excluding the transfer time.

Step 1: El Nido to Roxas by Bus

Duration: 3.5 hours

Costs: 180 PHP (€2.90)

Duration: 3.5 hours

Costs: 180 PHP (€2.90)

From El Nido Transport Terminal, you have to take the first bus that departs for Puerto Princesa from El Nido in order to catch the jeepney for the second leg. The earliest available bus is Cherry Bus Economy departing at 06:45. The ride to Roxas costs 180 PHP (€2.90).

The bus ride takes 3.5 hours. Make sure to tell the bus conductor that you will get off at Roxas Bus Terminal. From here, dispatchers should be able to guide you to the jeepney heading for Port Barton.

For more information on bus schedules, read how to go from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

Step 2: Roxas to Port Barton by Jeepney*

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 150 PHP (€2.50)

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 150 PHP (€2.50)

There is only one jeepney trip from Roxas Bus Terminal to Port Barton in a day, so make sure to arrive at the terminal 30 minutes earlier.

The jeepney leaves the terminal at 11:00 and takes 2 hours to reach Port Barton. The jeepney ride costs 150 PHP (€2.50).

*UPDATE: The last time we checked (November 2022), there are no jeepneys operating between Roxas and Port Barton. For now, the only option would be to rent a local tricycle or a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) if you do not have a lot of luggage. Either option guarantees another adventure!

El Nido to Port Barton by Van

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: €10.80

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: €10.80

When travelling from El Nido to Port Barton, your best option is to take a van. The van ride is a direct trip that would take a 4 to 5 hours journey.

Departure and arrival station

The last stop for shared vans is Port Barton Bus Terminus in the town centre. Meanwhile, private vans can drop you off at your hotel in Port Barton.

Public van transport

Before the pandemic, there were 6 van companies offering shared van services for the El Nido to Port Barton route.

The local government implemented a transport scheme to help prevent a monopoly on the transport business in the area. Pre-pandemic, you may book with any of the 6 companies, but you will be asked to board the first available van in the terminal. All van operators charge the same price for this ride.

Tickets start from €10.80 per person.

Minivan schedule from El Nido to Port Barton

El Nido Transport Terminal

Standard

Port Barton Bus Terminal

08:00

12:00

13:00

17:00

Recaro Transport

€10.80

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El Nido Transport Terminal

Standard

Port Barton Bus Terminal

08:00

13:00

18:00

JCalbert

€11

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El Nido Transport Terminal

Standard

Port Barton Bus Terminal

13:00

18:00

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

700 PHP (€11.50)

El Nido Transport Terminal

Tourist

Port Barton Bus Terminal

13:00

17:00

Fortwally

€12.20

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El Nido

Standard

Port Barton

08:00

12:00

13:00

17:00

Palajuanders Travel and Tours

€12.30

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El Nido to Port Barton by Private Transport

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: €94

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: €94

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from El Nido to Port Barton.

Rates start from €94 for a 12-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about €7.90 per person. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours.

Private Transport options from El Nido to Port Barton

Standard

Standard Minivan 12 PAX

Price per person = €7.90

Recaro Transport

€94

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 10 PAX

Price per person = €10.70

Fortwally

€105

Get Your Tickets

Tourist

Tourist Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = €13.60

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

€120

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 8 PAX

Price per person = €18.50

Eulen Joy Express

€150

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Coaster

Coaster Bus 25 PAX

Price per person = €9

Recaro Transport

€225

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Port Barton

Port Barton loves wooden huts and beach-front cottages, and so do we! For affordable prices, you can spend a few nights in unique accommodations that are surrounded by nothing but nature. In other places, you’d be paying top dollar for that.

Here are our favourite stays in Port Barton:

Parrots Boutique Resort - Treating Yourself

Area: Port Barton Town — approx. 10-minute walk to closest restaurants and Port Barton beach

Parrots Boutique resort boasts a sleek and minimalist design that oozes tranquillity. The pool area is perfect for chilling around and the beach is only a 5-minute walk away.

You’re also super close to the town, so the location couldn’t be better. Before starting your day, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the sun terrace or around the pool.

Lovely swimming pool
Close to the beach
Great location
Stylish design

Double rooms start from $50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Prince John Beachfront Cottages - Mid Range

Area: San Vicente Village — approx. 15-minute drive to town centre

A BBQ and a view of the sea. Doesn’t that sound great? This place is the epitome of beach vibes, being only steps away from the crystal-clear ocean. You can literally hear the waves crashing from your comfortable bed.

There are too many places to hang out here — on the beach, in a hammock, on a swing, on the restaurant’s terrace. You’re spoilt for choice, and we promise you’ll never want to leave here.

Beachfront cottages
Great restaurant with seafood
Solar-powered
Amazing owner

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Green Hill Restaurant and Cottages - Budget Friendly

Area: Next to White Beach — approx. 15-minute drive to town centre

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a treehouse-style cottage overlooking the sea? Well, Green Hill Cottages can tick that box for you. This unique accommodation set on the hillside is the perfect way to relax and connect with nature.

Here, you get the best of both worlds too. Whilst you’re surrounded by jungle, you’re also only minutes from the beach. This is a must-stay spot in Port Barton.

Unique cottages
Surrounded by jungle
Incredible sea views
Close to the beach

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

Russell Place - Budget Friendly

Area: Port Barton Town — about 10-minute walk to closest restaurants and Port Barton Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere in the centre of Port Barton, this might be a better option than the one above. But don’t worry, you’ll still get to experience a unique stay — the wooden huts are pretty cool.

There are both dorm room huts and private huts available, plus a common area for everyone to chill in. This creates a great ambience that makes it easy to connect with other travellers.

Cool wooden huts
Great location
Friendly staff
Dorms and private huts available

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about El Nido to Port Barton

What is the distance from El Nido to Port Barton?

The distance from El Nido to Port Barton is 180 kilometers (112 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from El Nido to Port Barton?

The fastest way to get from El Nido to Port Barton is by van and takes 4 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from El Nido to Port Barton?

The cheapest way to get from El Nido to Port Barton is by bus with ticket costs starting from 330 PHP (€5.40).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from El Nido to Port Barton. 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!

About the author(s)

Ela

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.

Abegail

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.

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