What to expect when visiting 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.
Puerto Princesa Airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), located in Barangay San Miguel, has capacity for about 2 million passengers annually. In May 2017, the airport underwent an expansion and opened a new terminal. This airport mostly caters to domestic flights, but it also has direct flights from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
An advantage of this airport is that it’s practically located inside the city centre. Puerto Princesa’s main bus terminal is even further away than its airport. This also makes the airport a popular departure point for vans leaving for other popular destinations in Palawan.
2 ways to get from Puerto Princesa Airport
There are two ways to travel the distance of 2 km (1 miles) from Puerto Princesa Airport: by airport shuttle (10-20 minutes) and tricycle (10-20m). The journey takes between 10 minutes - 20 minutes and the quickest way is by airport shuttle. The lowest priced tickets start from 50 PHP ($0.80) for the tricycle.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.
Puerto Princesa Airport by Tricycle
Travelling via tricycle is a good option from and to Puerto Princesa Airport. It’s cheap, and it’s the most common way to go around the city centre. Although taking a tricycle is not the most comfortable option for tall people, it’s a great opportunity to experience local transport.
You’ll find tricycles waiting just outside the perimeters of Puerto Princesa Airport. They have standard fares, and we’ve provided the table below to guide you.
| Area | Costs |
|---|---|
| Bancao Area Rizal Avenue A&A Plaza Hotel Pier Immaculate Conception Church |
50 PHP ($0.80) |
| Barangay San Pedro | 70 PHP ($1.20) |
| San Jose Bus Terminal | 120 PHP ($2.10) |
| Honda Bay | 350 PHP ($6.00) |
If you don’t mind a little walk, you can also get to your destination on foot. Most accommodations are only a 20 to 30-min walk from the airport. You can check Google maps for the walking distance.
Puerto Princesa Airport by Airport Shuttle
*UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), the shuttle services by Klook for the whole province of Palawan is unavailable. We suggest taking a private van or taxi at the airport.
There are private and shared vans, as well as taxis near the airport.
Many of them provide transfers to other towns such as Sabang, San Vicente and El Nido, but you can also find some going to the city centre.
If you’re travelling further than the city centre or just prefer taking a van to your hotel, check out Klook’s shared van transfer option. It only costs 80 PHP ($1.60) and the ticket offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to your trip.
You can also book via Klook if you need to get to the airport from your hotel. Just click the link below for easy booking.
Our favourite 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Princesa Airport
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa Airport?
The distance from Puerto Princesa Airport is 2 km (1 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport is by airport shuttle and takes 10-20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport is by tricycle with ticket costs starting from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa Airport. 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!
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
