Philippines

How to get from Port Barton to El Nido

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Port Barton to El Nido. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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Why visit El Nido?

El Nido is Palawan Island’s northernmost tip, popular around the world as the gateway to paradise — the Bacuit Archipelago. This group of picture-perfect limestone islands boasts white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, and beautiful underwater.

El Nido’s town centre leaves much to be desired with its mediocre beach, narrow streets, and mostly backpacker and mid-range hostels. But the island-hopping adventures from here are some of the best you will see in the world. Outside town, you should also include in your El Nido itinerary a visit to Nacpan-Calitang Beach and a hike to Taraw Peak.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Port Barton to El Nido?

There are 3 ways to travel the 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Port Barton to El Nido. You can choose between the bus, van and private transport. The journey takes 4 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by van. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 330 PHP ($5.90).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h 30m

From 330 PHP ($5.90)

Van

4-5h

From 630 PHP ($11.20)

Book Tickets

Private Transport

4-5h

From 5,500 PHP ($98)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in El Nido?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in El Nido at the bottom of this page.

Port Barton to El Nido by Bus

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 330 PHP ($5.90)

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 330 PHP ($5.90)

The bus is a cheaper option to travel from Port Barton to El Nido, but it also takes longer. The first leg is by jeepney and gets you to Roxas. From there, you have to hop on a bus to El Nido.

Overall, the travel time will take at least 5 hours 30 minutes, excluding the transfer time.

Step 1: Port Barton to Roxas by Jeepney*

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 150 PHP ($2.70)

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 150 PHP ($2.70)

For the first leg of this trip from Port Barton to El Nido, you need to take a jeepney to Roxas.

This jeepney only departs 1 time a day and leaves Port Barton Transport Terminal at 08:00. Make sure to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes earlier. The jeepney ride costs 150 PHP ($2.70) with a travel time of 2 hours.

The jeepney’s final stop is at the Roxas Bus Terminal. Once you arrive, ask the dispatchers to guide you to the bus heading to El Nido.

*UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), there were no jeepneys operating between Port Barton and Roxas. For now, the alternative option is 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!

Step 2: Roxas to El Nido by Bus

Duration: 3.5 hours

Costs: 180 PHP ($3.20)

Duration: 3.5 hours

Costs: 180 PHP ($3.20)

The bus is the cheaper option when travelling from Roxas to El Nido. However, because these buses actually come from Puerto Princesa, don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while.

The ticket for an air-conditioned bus costs 180 PHP ($3.20). The non-airconditioned bus is a bit cheaper but we don’t have the latest price for this bus. The bus ride from Roxas to El Nido takes around 3.5 hours.

If you prefer not to wait till the next bus arrives, you can also take a van at Roxas Bus Terminal. The price for the shared van from Roxas starts at 350 PHP ($6.20) to El Nido, but they sometimes charge more.

The bus or van will drop you off at El Nido Bus Terminal in Corong-Corong. From there, it’s only a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre.

Port Barton to El Nido by Van

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: 630 PHP ($11.20)

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: 630 PHP ($11.20)

If you want to travel from Port Barton to El Nido, the best option is to take a van. The van ride takes around 4 to 5 hours and is the fastest and only direct way to travel this route.

Departure and arrival station

Shared vans depart from Port Barton Bus Terminal, at the entrance of Port Barton town. It’s only a short walking distance to most hotels, but some van companies also offer pick-up service from your hotel in Port Barton.

Both shared and private vans drop passengers off at El Nido Transport Terminal since vans and buses are NOT allowed to enter El Nido town.

Shared van transport

There are only five minivan companies operating on this route, each offering one trip daily.

A minivan ride from Port Barton to El Nido takes about 4 to 5 hours. Tickets cost 630 PHP ($11.20) per person.

Minivan schedule from Port Barton to El Nido

Port Barton Bus Terminal

Standard

El Nido Transport Terminal

08:00

12:00

13:00

17:00

Recaro Transport

630 PHP ($11.20)

Get Your Tickets

Port Barton Bus Terminal

Standard

El Nido Transport Terminal

08:00

13:00

18:00

JCalbert

640 PHP ($11.40)

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Port Barton

Standard

El Nido

08:00

12:00

13:00

17:00

Palajuanders Travel and Tours

660 PHP ($11.80)

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Port Barton Bus Terminal

Tourist

El Nido Transport Terminal

08:00

12:00

Fortwally

710 PHP ($12.70)

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Port Barton Bus Terminal

Standard

El Nido Transport Terminal

08:00

13:00

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

750 PHP ($13.40)

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Port Barton

Minivan

El Nido

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

900 PHP ($16)

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Show 1 more operator(s)

Port Barton to El Nido by Private Transport

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: 5,500 PHP ($98)

Duration: 4-5h

Costs: 5,500 PHP ($98)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Port Barton to El Nido.

Rates start from 5,500 PHP ($98) for a 12-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 460 PHP ($8.20) per person. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours.

Private Transport options from Port Barton to El Nido

Standard

Standard Minivan 12 PAX

Price per person = 460 PHP ($8.20)

Recaro Transport

5,500 PHP ($98)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 10 PAX

Price per person = 625 PHP ($11.10)

Fortwally

6,200 PHP ($110)

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Tourist

Tourist Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = 790 PHP ($14.10)

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

7,100 PHP ($125)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 8 PAX

Price per person = 1,080 PHP ($19.30)

Eulen Joy Express

8,600 PHP ($155)

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Coaster

Coaster Bus 25 PAX

Price per person = 525 PHP ($9.40)

Recaro Transport

13,000 PHP ($235)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in El Nido

El Nido is all about stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. And that’s what our favourite stays in El Nido reflect!

There are a lot of awesome accommodations for all budgets to pick between in El Nido. Our favourite stays are places with the best views, incredible nature, stunning decor and amazing staff.

Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in El Nido, so that you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.

- El Nido Town is where you’ll find most of our favourite stays. It’s the main tourist area in El Nido, and where you’ll find the ferry point. Nice and convenient!

- Corong-Corong is a quieter area located just south of El Nido Town and is known for its beautiful sunsets and picturesque beach.

Cadlao Resort and Restaurant - Treating Yourself

Area: Next to El Nido town — 10-minute walk to town centre

Your only negative comment about this place is that you wish you’d stayed longer. This place really is the tropical island resort that you’ve been dreaming of.

The infinity pool overlooks the sea, there are palm trees everywhere and the service is incredible. Here you’ll get to enjoy your own spacious cottage, with some of them opening up right onto the beach.

Three swimming pools
Beach-side bungalows
Incredible views
Tasty breakfast included

Double rooms start from $150 per night

Check Available Rooms

Duli Beach Resort - Treating Yourself

Area: Duli Beach — around 1-hour to El Nido town

There’s no better way to start your day than drawing back the curtains and seeing the ocean right there. That’s exactly what you can get at Duli Beach Resort. Their spacious bungalows with private terraces are set right on the beach.

The remote location means that a lot of the time you’ll have the beach to yourself. You also don’t have to worry about finding food or a drink as the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar will undoubtedly satisfy you. If you want to head to El Nido town, it’s just under an hour’s drive away.

Right on the beach
Secluded location
Amazing staff
Delicious breakfast included

Double rooms start from $50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Spin Designer Hostel - Mid Range

Area: El Nido town — only a 5-minute walk around the town and beach

You might have guessed by the name, Spin Designer Hostel has been designed to perfection. It’s so nicely and creatively designed that you probably wouldn’t expect it to be a hostel.

The great thing about staying in a hostel, whether you’re in a private room or the dorms, is that there’s often great facilities. Spin Designer Hostel has a shared kitchen with BBQ facilities, a games room and a terrace surrounded by the forest. How about enjoying your complimentary breakfast here?

Stylish and modern hostel
Great amenities
Delicious breakfast included
Private and dorm rooms

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Hutch Lodging House - Mid Range

Area: Next to El Nido town — approx. 20-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre

Hutch Lodging House brings the outside inside. With most of the hotel being open-air and plants scattered throughout, there’s a very relaxing ambience here. You also have the option to relax on your own private balcony as every room has one.

It’s beautifully designed! The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from town — far enough that you get peace and quiet, but not too far.

Great location
Beautiful design
Air conditioning
Every room has a private balcony

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Bale Cabugao Cottages - Budget Friendly

Area: Near El Nido town – approx. 10-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre

Only steps from the beach, all you have to do is stand on the balcony at Bale Cabugao Cottages to hear the sound of the waves. Imagine eating your breakfast with this view! Great news: it’s included in the price.

The hosts go out of their way to help you organise anything in El Nido. Their energy is also guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Incredible views
Great location
Helpful and happy hosts
Comfortable rooms

Double rooms $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Port Barton to El Nido

What is the distance from Port Barton to El Nido?

The distance from Port Barton to El Nido is 180 kilometers (112 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido?

The fastest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by van and takes 4 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido?

The cheapest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by bus with ticket costs starting from 330 PHP ($5.90).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Port Barton to El Nido. 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!

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About the author(s)

Ela

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.

Abegail

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.