How to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa
Why visit Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan in the Philippines. A popular gateway to gorgeous destinations on the archipelago (like El Nido and Port Barton), travellers often skip a visit to Puerto Princesa.
If you’re just passing through, we recommend that you at least check out the interesting cuisine and cosy cafes in Puerto Princesa. But if you have extra time, why not also explore the iconic Underground River? It’s the longest subterranean river in the world! You can also visit Puerto Princesa’s white-sand beaches during the day and watch fireflies across the Nagsaguipi River at night.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa?
There are 3 ways to travel the 160 kilometre (99 miles) distance from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 465 PHP ($7.80).
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Puerto Princesa at the bottom of this page.
Port Barton to Puerto Princesa by Minivan
The van is a reliable option when travelling from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa.
A minivan ride from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa costs around 555 PHP ($9.30). The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
There are four companies operating on this route: SBE Transport, Recaro Transport, Fortwally and Island View Travel.
What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
Departure and arrival stations
Vans depart from the Port Barton Bus Terminal, which is the same terminal you arrive at when entering Port Barton.
Depending on the operator, drop-off points include San Isidro Bus Garage, Puerto Princesa Airport, or any hotel in town. Vans that go directly to the airport are convenient if you’re flying out. Otherwise, make sure to select vans that offer drop-off at your hotel if you’ll be staying in the city.
Minivan schedules from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa
Keep in mind that the trips can be irregular during the low season, and vans sometimes leave earlier than scheduled once they’re full. If you book your ticket online, it’s best to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
TIP: The van is the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan. Seats can fill up quickly, so always try to book at least 1 day in advance!
Port Barton to Puerto Princesa by Bus
Going from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa by bus is pretty straightforward. There is one bus operator with only 2 trips scheduled per day. The bus fare is 465 PHP ($7.80), and the journey takes about 4 hours.
Note that the bus is not air-conditioned, so the ride is much less comfortable than a van. It also has less comfortable seating — expect to be swinging from right to left at every turn of the bus.
Departure and arrival stations
Just like the vans, buses depart from the new Port Barton Bus Terminal.
They drop passengers off at San Isidro Bus Garage, about 4 km from Puerto Princesa Airport. If you’re heading to the town centre, it’s around 5 km away in the opposite direction.
Bus schedules from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa
You can buy your ticket at the terminal in Port Barton or book online in advance.
Port Barton to Puerto Princesa by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa.
Rates start from 5,200 PHP ($87) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 520 PHP ($8.70) per person. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.
Private Transport options from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa
Best 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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa. 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 Port Barton to Puerto Princesa
What is the distance from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is 160 kilometre (99 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa?
The fastest way to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is by minivan and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa?
The cheapest way to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 465 PHP ($7.80).
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.
