How to get from Manila 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

• • 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.

There are 2 ways to travel the 444 kilometre (276 miles) distance from Manila to Coron. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 1,840 PHP ($30.50).

Most travellers choose to fly from Manila to Coron because it’s the most convenient and fastest way. There are several flights for this route daily, with airfares starting from 3,160 PHP ($53). Add the transfers to and from the airports and expect to spend a total of 3,580 PHP ($60) for this option.

Travel time is around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

The easiest way to get to Manila Airport from anywhere in Metro Manila is by Grab car. Rates start from 230 PHP ($3.80) to Terminal 3 and 370 PHP ($6.20) to Terminal 2, depending on where you’re coming from. You can also hail a taxi from the street. Just make sure the driver turns on the meter!

If you want to pre-book your transfer, Klook offers private rides with prices from 1,170 PHP ($19.40) for a 4-seater.

Alternatively, UBE Express operates point-to-point buses to several locations across Metro Manila to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here are the ticket prices:

• • 150 PHP ($2.50) – from Pasay, Parañaque and Robinsons Manila
  • 200 PHP ($3.30) – from Araneta City and Alabang

Check out our guide for Manila Airport for more details.

Be aware that NAIA has 4 terminals with different entry points. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights for Philippine Airlines and CebGo. If you’re flying with Cebu Pacific (5J), you’ll depart from Terminal 3. The two terminals are about 10 minutes away from each other.

Philippine Airlines, CebGo, and Cebu Pacific operate multiple direct flights. Travel time is about 1h 15m.

Airfares start from 3,200 PHP ($53), but prices usually go up the closer you get to your travel date.

Booking your flight months in advance is the best way to avail of cheap tickets for your trip.

PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific offers multiple “piso fare” sales annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!

Flights from Manila to Coron land at Francisco B. Reyes Airport (previously named Busuanga Airport). This is the only airport on the island of Coron.

Busuanga Airport is about 13 km away from Coron town. The best way to get to your hotel is by van for about 45 minutes.

Some hotels offer airport pick-up. If your accommodation doesn’t, you can pre-arrange your shared van transfer from Busuanga Airport to Coron town through Klook for around 225 PHP ($3.80) per person. Private vans for up to 10 people are also available on Klook with prices from 1,890 PHP ($31.50).

Alternatively, you will find shared and private vans just outside of Coron Airport.

Ferries are a cheaper alternative to flights and can be a great option if you’re not in a rush. They’re a popular way to travel around the Philippines. And while the journey takes longer, you’ll save money — and even a night on accommodation.

For this route, you have two options: 2Go Travel and Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc.

2Go Travel is one of the main ferry companies in the Philippines, servicing many of the country’s top destinations like Coron and Boracay. Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. is a passenger-cargo ship operating between Manila and Palawan.

Ferry with 2Go Travel

2GO Travel offers direct ferries from Manila to Coron that take 13 hours. An economy ferry ride costs 4,440 PHP ($74). But prices change depending on how early you book and the ticket class.

There’s only one trip each week — departing every Friday at 17:30 and arriving in Coron the next day at 06:30.

Although it’s an overnight trip, the ferry is quite comfortable and makes for an interesting travel experience.

Ferry with Atienza Interisland Ferries

Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. is originally a cargo & freight company, but they now offer passenger ferries between Manila and Palawan.

The passenger ferry from Manila to Coron takes 18 hours. An economy class ticket costs 1,840 PHP ($30.50), while an air-con tourist class ticket costs 2,050 PHP ($34.50).

Ferries usually run 2 to 3 times a week — typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The exact schedule can change from month to month, so the best way to stay updated is by checking their Facebook page, where they post the monthly ferry schedules.

Departure stations

2Go Travel departs from Manila North Harbor Pier 4, while the Atienza ferry departs from Baseco Port Area in Tondo.

Both ports are accessible via taxi or Grab from anywhere in Metro Manila. If you’re coming from the province, we recommend taking a provincial bus to Pasay City or Parañaque and then a taxi or Grab to the pier. Grab fares range from 380 PHP ($6.30) to 450 PHP ($7.50).