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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 160 kilometres (99 miles) 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 445 PHP ($7.80).

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 530 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.

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 445 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.

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

Rates start from 4,930 PHP ($87) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 495 PHP ($8.70) per person. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.

Private Transport options from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa