How to get from El Nido to Port Barton
Port Barton is a small coastal village in the Philippines, in the town of San Vicente in Palawan. Many travel guides list Port Barton as an ideal destination for island-hopping. Its stunning waterfalls and exotic beaches make this village worth a spot in your itinerary. Port Barton attracts those looking for a peaceful, rural place to chill.
The distance from El Nido to Port Barton is 180 km (112 miles). In this post, we compare the two best options to travel from El Nido to Port Barton: by van (4-5 hours) and by jeep and bus (at least 5.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 330 PHP ($5.50) – 610 PHP ($10.50).
2 ways to get from El Nido to Port Barton
The van is the easiest way to go from El Nido to Port Barton. The journey takes around 4-5 hours. Shared vans cost 610 PHP ($10.50) per person. You can also hire a private van with rates from 3,400 PHP ($59.00).
If you want to save a few bucks and travel the local way, you can also take the indirect option via Roxas. With this, you will need to take a bus from El Nido to Roxas, and then transfer to a jeepney to Port Barton. The entire journey takes at least 5.5 hours and costs 330 PHP ($5.50).
Want more info? Don’t worry, we got you covered!
El Nido to Port Barton by Van
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 4.5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Since vans and buses are not allowed to enter El Nido downtown area due to its small roads, shared and private vans are available only at El Nido Transport Terminal. From your hotel, you need to take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the terminal for 50 PHP ($0.80).
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 610 PHP ($10.50) per person.
Minivan schedule from El Nido to Port Barton
Private van transport
You can also rent a private van from El Nido to Port Barton. Rates for private transfers start from 3,400 PHP ($59.00).
The number of passenger seats depends on the van company, but it usually ranges from 8 to 12 passengers. If you are with a big group, it can be even cheaper than the shared minivan.
You can use the link below to book a private van or check the availability of shared vans from Port Barton to El Nido.
Check Minivan Tickets with BookAway
El Nido to Port Barton by Bus
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 5.5 hours, excluding the transfer time.
Step 1: El Nido to Roxas by Bus
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 ($3.10).
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*
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 ($2.60).
*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!
Our favourite 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
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
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
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
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.
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.
