How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan in the Philippines and offers many attractions, including white-sand beaches and snorkelling sites. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Underground River Tour, which is about an hour away from Puerto Princesa.
The distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is 260 km (162 miles). In this post, we compare the two best options to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa: by minivan (5-5.5 hours) and by bus (5.5-6.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 650 PHP ($11.00) to 600 PHP ($10.50).
El Nido to Puerto Princesa on a map
2 ways to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
The minivan is the most preferred transportation for the El Nido to Puerto Princesa route. Tickets start from 650 PHP ($11.00), and it’s definitely more comfortable during the 5.5-hour ride. Also, you can choose to arrive at your hotel, at the terminal, or at the airport, which is convenient if you’re travelling to Puerto Princesa to fly out of Palawan.
The bus may seem more budget-friendly with rates from 600 PHP ($10.50). However, the new bus terminal in Puerto Princesa is now farther from the city centre, and a tricycle ride starts from 300 PHP ($5.00). The bus ride also takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours, which means you have to endure an uncomfortable trip for much longer with all the twists and turns on the roads.
Own experience: It was not comfortable to sit 5 hours in a van and that’s why I wanted to try the bus on the way back from El Nido to Puerto. Unfortunately, this ride wasn’t better. Due to the narrow size of the road, you could feel every turn the bus had to make. The bus offers a bit more leg space than a van, but being swung from side to side wasn’t worth the extra leg space.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Minivan
Most travellers opt to take the van from El Nido to Puerto Princesa even though it is more expensive than the bus. From my own experience, the van is the better option for this route. Because of its smaller size, you won’t be thrown from side to side with every turn.
The minivan ride takes 5.5 hours with costs starting from 730 PHP ($12.50). The first trip is at 05:00, and there are multiple departures until 18:30.
Departure and arrival station
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 50 PHP ($0.80).
Fortwally and Eulen Joy Express both head to Puerto Princesa Airport, while Lexxus Shuttle arrives at San Jose Terminal. From this terminal, a 15-20 minute tricycle ride to the city centre costs 150 PHP ($2.60).
Minivan schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
If you are travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa in a big group, there is also an option for you to book a private minivan on BookAway. Rates start at 3,300 PHP ($58.00), and you can split the cost up to 10 passengers. Another option is to contact DayTripper if the vans above are already fully booked.
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!
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Bus
The bus used to be the cheaper option when travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. However, the arrival station is now 10 km away from the city centre, making for an expensive tricycle ride.
The expected travel time is almost the same as the minivan, but it can still get longer as buses make a lot of stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. Keep in mind too that the bus is not the most comfortable option for a long-distance ride.
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 600 PHP ($10.50).
Departure station
All buses depart from El Nido Transport Terminal. You can buy your bus ticket directly at the terminal, but make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. We suggest that you book your bus ride online in advance.
Bus schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
The cheapest Cherry Bus is the non-airconditioned economy bus, but we don’t recommend this bus unless you’re up for a hot and bumpy journey.
You can also take a standard bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa and enjoy an air-conditioned ride. The most expensive option is the VIP bus that offers recliner seats and has a toilet on board. This bus is worth your money if you want to leave El Nido at night and take a peaceful sleep on the bus.
Arrival station
Before, the main bus terminal was San Jose Terminal, where the minivans also arrive at. As of January 2023, though, buses now 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 ($5.00) and 500 PHP ($8.50).
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.
Our favourite 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
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.
