How to get from Manila to Coron
Coron has become a popular destination for travellers in the Philippines. Located just north of Palawan on the eastern half of Busuanga Island, Coron is known for its natural beauty, blue-green lagoons, great hiking and diving spots, and relaxed ambiance.
Palawan travel guides may direct you to places like Smith Beach, Twin Lagoons or Banana Beach. Regardless of which island-hopping tour you are going to join, you will enjoy the pristine waters of Coron.
COVID-19 Travel Advisory: As of May 2023, Coron is open to all tourists — both foreign and local, whether you’re vaccinated or not. For the latest info, you can visit the Palawan Tourism Council’s Facebook page.
Are you taking a flight to the Philippines? International travellers must register on the eTravel website within 72 hours before arrival in the country.
Fully-vaccinated tourists aged 15 and older can enter the Philippines without COVID testing. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you will need to submit a negative laboratory-based antigen test. Unvaccinated children aged 14 and under will need to be tested if they are travelling with unvaccinated adults or on their own.
2 ways to get from Manila to Coron
The distance from Manila to Coron is 444 km (276miles). In this post, we compare the two best options to travel from Manila to Coron: by flight (2 hours) and by ferry (1-2 days). Ticket prices range from 2,150 PHP ($37.50) – 3,150 PHP ($55.00).
Manila to Coron by Flight
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 flight fares from 3,000 PHP ($52.00), plus 150 PHP ($2.60) for a shared van to reach Coron town.
Travel time is around 2 hours, including the minivan transfer from the airport to Coron town.
Philippine Airlines, CebGo and AirSWIfT all operate direct flights from Manila to Coron. Skyjet also used to offer flights from Manila to Coron, but they stopped their operations during the pandemic and haven’t resumed yet.
How to get to Manila Airport
Manila Airport
For the Manila to Coron route, flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.
Be aware that NAIA has 4 terminals with different entry points. Terminal 2 is exclusive for Philippine Airlines flights, while CebGo and AirSWIfT flights depart from Terminal 4. The two terminals are about a 10-minute drive from each other.
The airport is accessible from most cities in Metro Manila via taxi or Grab. If you’re coming from other provinces and looking for public transport, you can take a shuttle bus to the airport or a provincial bus to Pasay. This is where most bus terminals are located. From here, you can take a taxi to the airport.
See here all details on how to get from and to Manila Airport.
Step 1: Manila to Busuanga Airport by Flight
Step 1: Manila to Busuanga Airport by Flight
The fastest option to travel from Manila to Coron is by direct flight. Philippine Airlines, CebGo, and AirSWIfT operate multiple direct flights. Travel time is a little over an hour.
Airfares start from 3,000 PHP ($52.00), but they can get up to 5,600 PHP ($98.00). Flight fares tend to be more expensive if you are booking shortly before your scheduled flight.
Booking your flight months in advance is the best way to avail cheap tickets for your trip. Flight tickets from Manila to Coron can get as low as 1,600 PHP ($28.00) during promotions.
Pro-Tip: Cebu Pacific offers multiple “piso fare promotions” annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Step 2: Busuanga Airport to Coron Town by Van
Step 2: Busuanga Airport to Coron Town by Van
Flights from Manila to Coron land at Francisco B. Reyes Airport. This is the only airport on the island of Coron. This airport was previously named Busuanga Airport.
Busuanga Airport is about 13 km away from Coron town. As soon as you exit the arrivals hall, shared and private vans are available to take you to your hotel in the town centre. The van ride takes just about 45 minutes.
Shared vans cost 150 PHP ($2.60) per person, but the van leaves only when it’s full. The waiting might not take a long time, though, as passengers from the flights would likely take a shared van to the town.
If you’re travelling in a big group, you can book a private van for around 1,800 PHP ($31.50) with 10 passengers max. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel prior to your trip if they offer airport pick-up. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about the ride to Coron town.
Manila to Coron by Ferry
The ferry is a good alternate option, but this option is very time-consuming. The good thing about it is it’s a bit cheaper than a flight and you can have a great experience while also saving a night on accommodation.
The last time we checked (September 2022), your options for the ferry from Manila to Coron are a 1-day or a 2-day ferry.
Ferries are a common travel option in the Philippines, and they’re usually cheaper than booking a flight. However, the trade-off is that they’re slower, making for a time-consuming transport from Manila to Coron.
For this route, you have two options. 2Go Travel is one of the main ferry companies in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. is a passenger-cargo ship operating between Manila and Palawan. However, we don’t recommend this ferry company for several reasons explained in the last part of this article.
Departure and arrival ports
Departure
If you’re taking the ferry option from Manila to Coron, the 2Go Travel ferry departs from Manila North Harbour Pier 4, located in Tondo, Manila.
Meanwhile, 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 and then a taxi to the pier.
Arrival
The ferries arrive at Coron Port, about 2 km away from the town centre. It’s best to arrange a ride with your hotel before arriving to avoid any hassle. Other options would be taking a 15-minute walk to the town or riding a 5-minute habal-habal (motorbike taxi).
Main ferry operator: 2Go Travel
Main ferry operator between Manila and Coron: 2Go Travel
Pre-pandemic, 2GO Travel offered direct ferries from Manila to Coron that take only 11 hours. The last time we checked (September 2022), the ferry ride takes 2 days with fares starting from 2,150 PHP ($37.50).
The reason for the very long travel time is that the ferry makes stops in Batangas and Puerto Princesa before heading to Coron.
The ferry has only one departure per week. See here the schedule:
- Departure from Manila: Wednesday, 09:30
- Arrival in Coron: Friday, 13:30
You can visit 2Go Travel’s Facebook page to see the latest updates on their ferry trips and schedules. If you want to push through with this 2-day trip from Manila to Coron, you can book your tickets at the 2GO Travel website or 12GoAsia.
There is another ferry you can take when travelling from Manila to Coron. Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. has a new passenger-cargo ship that will sail direct trips for this route every week. However, we don’t recommend this option for several reasons explained in the last part of this article.
Pre-pandemic/Regular ferry schedule from Manila to Coron
Before the pandemic, 2Go Travel offered ferry trips from Manila to Coron every Friday at 19:00. We recommend getting at least a mega value class ticket, which costs 2,250 PHP ($39.50) if you book directly through their website. This includes a bunk bed space for you to rest in an air-conditioned area.
You can also book through 12GoAsia. The price depends on how early you book your tickets and which ticket class you choose.
Although it’s an overnight trip, the ferry is quite comfortable and makes for an interesting travel experience. Ferries going from Manila to Coron depart from Pier 4 of the North Harbour and arrive at Coron Pier. The journey takes 11 hours.
Once you arrive in Coron, the pier is a 15-minute walk to the town centre, but you can also opt to go via local transport. Better yet, arrange your transfer with the hotel you are going to stay in.
Alternative: Passenger-cargo ship (not recommended)
Passenger-Cargo ship from Manila to Coron
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 24 hours, which is shorter than the 2-day trip with 2Go Travel. An economy class ticket costs 1,500 PHP ($26.00), while an air-con tourist class ticket costs 2,000 PHP ($35.00).
The ferry departs every Saturday at 18:00 and arrives at Coron Port at 18:00 the day after.
Why we don’t recommend this option
Note that the company doesn’t have a working website, so all information is available only on their Facebook page. This means that you can only plan your trip after they have posted the schedule, which is usually a week before the departure.
Online booking is also not available. The only way to buy tickets is by visiting the Atienza Interisland Ferries office inside the Manila Port Area or by contacting the numbers on their Facebook page.
Rounding it up
The last time we checked (September 2022), Atienza is the only company offering direct ferry trips from Manila to Coron. However, we don’t recommend this option for travellers. For now, it’s best to take the direct flight to Coron, as it is the fastest and most convenient option for this route.
Our favourite 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
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, 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
Routes from Coron
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
Thank you! Very helpful. I would like information about snorkelling and kayaking on Coron.
Hello Franklin! Thanks for leaving a comment! In Coron you find several places where you can rent a kayak or even snorkel from the mainland. However, you will get the best experience when you go Island hopping and visit places like the crystal clear Kayangan Lake.