How to get from El Nido to Port Barton
Why visit 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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from El Nido to Port Barton?
There are 3 ways to travel the 180 kilometre (112 miles) distance from El Nido to Port Barton. You can choose between the bus, van and private transport. The journey takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours and the quickest way is by van. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 410 PHP ($6.90).
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 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 around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, and tickets start from 685 PHP ($11.50) per person.
The last stop for shared vans is the Port Barton Bus Terminus in the town centre. Note that they’re not allowed to drop you off at your hotel, so you’ll need to walk or take a tricycle from there.
Minivan schedule from El Nido to Port Barton
El Nido to Port Barton by Bus
Taking the bus from El Nido to Port Barton involves one extra transfer. You’ll start with a bus ride to Roxas, then continue the journey with a tricycle to Port Barton.
Overall, the travel time will take at least 4 hours 30 minutes, excluding the transfer time. This option is slightly cheaper than the van, but less convenient.
Step 1: El Nido to Roxas by Bus
From El Nido Bus Terminal, you’ll need to catch a bus heading to Puerto Princesa. Let the bus conductor know that you will get off at Roxas Bus Terminal.
The earliest option is the Cherry Bus Economy, which leaves at 07:00. Ticket prices from El Nido to Roxas start at 210 PHP ($3.50), but prices can change depending on the bus type and schedule.
The bus ride takes around 3.5 hours. Once you arrive, local dispatchers can guide you to the tricycle heading to Port Barton.
For more information on bus schedules, read how to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.
Step 2: Roxas to Port Barton by Tricycle
You can take a local tricycle from Roxas to Port Barton, or a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) if you’re not carrying much luggage. The ride takes around 1 hour and fares start from around 200 PHP ($3.30).
Another alternative is to take a tuk-tuk from Roxas Terminal to San Jose Junction, about 10 km away on the main highway. From there, you can try to flag down a van heading to Port Barton. Just note that passengers boarding at the junction are considered chance passengers, so a seat is not guaranteed.
There used to be one jeepney trip a day on this route. But the last time we checked (July 2025), it was no longer operating.
El Nido to Port Barton by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from El Nido to Port Barton.
Rates start from 6,300 PHP ($105) for a 12-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 525 PHP ($8.80) per person. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours.
Private Transport options from El Nido to Port Barton
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
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
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!
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 kilometre (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 3 hours 30 minutes.
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 410 PHP ($6.90).
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.
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.
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.
