How to get from El Nido to Coron
Why visit Coron?
Coron is one of the Philippines’ most popular destinations. Part of the Palawan group of islands, Coron boasts white-sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters. But the best part about it is not on the surface, it’s underwater. Its vibrant marine life is home to beautiful coral gardens and impressive shipwrecks.
The main island is where most accommodations are. There are a few attractions here, but you’d want to go on a boat tour to the nearby smaller islands to really uncover the beauty of Coron. Some of the must-visit spots include Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.
Coron Environmental and Terminal Fees
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- Environmental Fee: 200 PHP ($3.30) valid for 10 days, pay again if staying longer
- Port Fee: 20 PHP ($0.30) only if arriving by ferry
- Airport Terminal Fee: 100 PHP ($1.70) when departing from Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU)
All fees are cash only, so keep some pesos ready.
What are the 4 ways to travel from El Nido to Coron?
There are 4 ways to travel the 277 kilometre (172 miles) distance from El Nido to Coron. You can choose between the flight, fast ferry, passenger-cargo ship and multi-day expeditions. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 4 days and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by passenger-cargo ship with tickets starting at 2,400 PHP ($40).
Where to stay in Coron?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Coron at the bottom of this page.
El Nido to Coron by Fast Ferry
The El Nido to Coron ferry ride is not just a mode of transport, but also a great experience. The ferries on this route pass a few well-known islands, such as Linapacan and San Miguel, all with beautiful beaches and landscapes.
The fastest way to travel by boat from El Nido to Coron is by fast ferry. You can choose among Phimal, Atienza Interisland Ferries, Montenegro Shipping Lines and Jomalia Shipping.
Fast ferries from El Nido to Coron sail daily between 12:00 and 12:30, except for Phimal, which only operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Check which company is running on your travel day before booking.
Ticket prices start from 2,680 PHP ($45) per person for the 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes ferry ride to Coron.
Fast ferry schedule from El Nido to Coron
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Especially during peak season (December-April), ferry tickets for El Nido to Coron often sell out several days in advance.
On the day of your trip, arrive at the port at least an hour before the scheduled departure for a better chance of securing a seat on the fast ferry. If you don’t arrive early, you would be forfeiting your ticket, and they would give your seat to a passenger on the waiting list.
Departure port in El Nido
All ferries from El Nido bound for Coron depart from El Nido Ferry Terminal. From the town centre, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the pier, or you can ride a tricycle for a low price.
Upon entering El Nido Ferry Terminal, you need to pay a port fee of 20 PHP ($0.30).
Arrival port in Coron
The ferries arrive at Coron Port, about 2 km away from the town centre. Upon arrival, expect to pay 200 PHP ($3.30) for the environmental fee.
At the port’s gate, there are tricycles offering a ride to Coron town centre. Rates start from 20 PHP ($0.30). Alternatively, you can get to your hotel on foot in about 15 minutes or by habal-habal (motorbike taxi) for 5 minutes.
El Nido to Coron by Passenger-cargo Ship
Passenger-cargo ships also operate from El Nido to Coron. One of these is MV Star San Carlos, operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries.
There is only one trip in a week, with the ship departing El Nido Port every Wednesday at 11:00. An economy ticket costs 2,400 PHP ($40) per person. Meanwhile, tickets for the airconditioned passenger lounge cost about 2,600 PHP ($43.50) for the 4-hour ferry trip from El Nido to Coron.
You can visit their Facebook page for more info.
El Nido to Coron by Flight
If you’re short on time, the quickest way to travel from El Nido to Coron is by flight. The flight itself takes 40 minutes, and with the transfers to and from the airport, total travel time is just around 2 hours.
The total cost of 4,400 PHP ($73) includes the tricycle ride to El Nido Airport, as well as a minivan transfer upon arrival in Coron.
Note that short-haul flights like this have a negative effect on the environment due to the high emissions caused by taking off and landing.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: El Nido town to El Nido Airport by Tuk-tuk
There are two airports in the northern part of mainland Palawan. Flights to Coron depart from El Nido Airport, about 5 km from El Nido town centre.
From your hotel, you can take a tricycle or tuk-tuk ride that takes around 20 minutes and costs 300 PHP ($5) for two people and luggage.
Step 2: El Nido Airport to Coron Airport by Flight
AirSWIFT and Cebu Pacific offer direct flights between El Nido and Coron, with one flight each day. They depart at 11:50 from El Nido Airport.
Flight prices start from 3,850 PHP ($64) for a one-way ticket. It takes only 40 minutes to reach Busuanga Airport.
Step 3: Coron Airport to Coron Town by Minivan
Flights arrive at Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport, on the island of Coron.
Outside Busuanga Airport, there are shared and private vans, as well as tuk-tuks, to take you to your hotel in Coron. Travel time between the airport and Coron town centre is about 45 minutes.
One of the easiest ways to get around is by booking a shared van transfer through Klook, which costs 250 PHP ($4.20) per person. You can also go for a private van, which fits up to 10 passengers. Prices for a private ride start at 1,890 PHP ($31.50) — not bad if you’re splitting the cost!
You can take a tricycle from the airport to your hotel for about 300 PHP ($5). But just a heads up, the ride can be pretty bumpy. For a more comfortable option, go with a van transfer instead.
Alternatively, you can ask your hotel prior to your trip if they offer airport pickup so that you won’t have to worry about the ride to Coron town.
El Nido to Coron by Multi-Day Expeditions
If you want more than just a ferry ride, there are multi-day boat expeditions between El Nido and Coron that turn the journey into a real adventure. You’ll explore remote islands, go off-grid, and sleep on the beach under the stars.
These trips are all about the experience, not just getting from A to B. Spots fill up fast, so it’s best to book early.
Here are some popular options:
Option 1: Island Hopping Tour with We Are Juan
We Are Juan takes you on a 3-day, 2-night island-hopping trip from El Nido to Coron with no set itinerary. Each day is shaped by the weather, sea conditions and group energy, so no two trips are the same.
The expedition costs 18,000 PHP ($300) per person. This includes island-hopping, snorkelling, kayaking, sunset watching, stargazing, beach games like volleyball, and a visit to a local fishing village. At night, you can unwind with bonfires, karaoke, and fresh local meals.
Accommodation is simple and rustic — you’ll sleep in traditional nipa huts equipped with a mattress, clean sheets, and a mosquito net.
The trip ends in Coron on Day 3, around 4–5 PM, just in time to catch another sunset.
Option 2: Open Expeditions with Buhay Isla
Buhay Isla offers 3-day, 2-night trips for 19,000 PHP ($310) per person on open expeditions. Private trips start at 25,000 PHP ($415) per person, based on a group of six. Smaller groups can still join but need to cover the cost for six. Custom routes are also available on request.
You’ll travel by traditional bangka, explore remote islands, snorkel vibrant reefs, and camp under the stars. There’s no fixed schedule — just a laid-back, off-grid adventure shaped by nature and the group.
The trip includes meals, snacks, drinks (with a bit of rum), local guides, snorkelling gear, kayaks, and fishing gear. Accommodation is at island basecamps, where you can sleep in a beach hut or right on the sand.
Expect no signal. This is island life, stripped back to the essentials — just nature, adventure, and total freedom.
NOTE: Minimum age is 10 for open trips, but private expeditions can welcome younger travellers.
Option 3: TAO Original Expeditions
TAO Philippines runs all-inclusive, off-the-beaten-path trips. Their 4D/4N Original Expedition costs 39,000 PHP ($650) – 45,000 PHP ($750), depending on the season.
The TAO Original Expedition takes you through untouched spots like West Busuanga, Linapacan, and Daracouton Bay — far from the tourist trail.
You’ll stay in rustic bamboo camps, share fresh local meals (vegan options available), and spend your days snorkelling, swimming, or just relaxing on deck. It’s a unique mix of raw adventure, local culture, and slow island living.
The expedition costs 39,000 PHP ($650) – 45,000 PHP ($750), depending on the season. This includes boat travel, all meals, accommodation, and a mandatory pre-trip briefing at 18:00 the evening before departure.
Boats leave at 08:00, and you’ll arrive at your final stop before lunch.
Best places to stay in Coron
With plenty of adventure and day trips available from Coron, you want your accommodation to be somewhere clean, comfortable and relaxing to lay your head at the end of the day.
The main area to stay, which is where all of our favourite stays are located, is within Coron Town Proper. This is where you’ll find the most action — plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and tour agencies.
With so much to plan for your time in Coron, we’ve sorted one thing for you — accommodation. Here are our favourite stays in Coron:
The Funny Lion - Treating Yourself
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 10-minute drive to the centre
Relaxing in a hot tub whilst the sun sets right in front of you. Can life get any better than that? Maybe it can at The Funny Lion. They also have an infinity-style pool that looks out over endless treetops.
You’ll never want to leave this place, and maybe you won’t have to, with their on-site restaurant and rooftop bar ticking off all the boxes of a relaxing retreat.
- Hot tub
- Infinity pool
- Amazing views
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
The Bay Area Lodge - Mid Range
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre
Only a 5-minute drive from the port, and close to the centre, you can’t ask for a better location than here. Even better, The Bay Area Lodge is hidden behind thriving gardens, which helps you to forget about the hustle and bustle outside. The lush gardens are the perfect place to relax.
All of the rooms have their own balcony area, meaning that you can take full advantage of the gardens. Inside, the rooms are comfortable, spacious and nicely designed.
- Beautiful gardens
- Great location
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Comfortable and spacious rooms
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hop Hostel - Budget Friendly
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre
Offering both dorms and private rooms, Hop Hostel is the perfect option if you’re looking for budget accommodation and a sociable atmosphere. The refreshing swimming pool, on-site restaurant and rooftop make it super easy to meet other travellers.
The hostel also often runs a free sunset dinner on the rooftop. Can you ask for much more than that? Even if you’re staying in the dorm rooms, the privacy curtains and comfy mattresses guarantee a good night’s sleep.
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop
- On-site restaurant
- Dorms and private rooms available
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Aquilah Homestay - Budget Friendly
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre and a minute walk to Mount Tapyas
Aquilah Homestay is a great place to lay your head for a few nights. It’s away from the city centre, and it’s noise, but close enough that you’re only a short walk away. The staff here are the star of the show, offering to help you book tours and plan your days in Coron.
The rooms are basic, but offer everything you need — a clean space, a comfortable bed and much-needed air conditioning.
- Great location
- Helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Breakfast available
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 Coron. 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 Coron
What are the most popular things to do in Coron?
The most popular thing to do in Coron is island hopping. This is the best way to explore its limestone cliffs, clear blue lagoon, white-sand beaches, and secluded islands. You will also have the opportunity to dive or snorkel. Enjoy its coral reef gardens and shipwrecks that are teeming with fish.
Also include in your itinerary a DIY adventure on the mainland. Take a dip at the salt water hot spring of Maquinit, visit the Calauit Safari, or take a morning hike to Mt. Tapyas.
What are the best beaches in Coron?
Coron Island is nature at its finest — a paradise surrounded by turquoise water and a number of beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches are Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island and Smith Point Beach. These are generally included in island hopping tours, but they are not always grouped together.
Most travellers pick a number of different tours to visit as many beaches as they can, while others choose to get a private tour so that they can handpick the beaches they want and skip the islands that they do not prefer.
What is the weather like in El Nido and Coron?
The weather in El Nido and Coron is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C throughout the year. The best time to visit is from December to April — generally the driest and sunniest.
We recommend against visiting in the rainy season from May to November. During these months, the waters can get really rough and island hopping tours can be suspended on some days.
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.
