El Nido is well-known for being one of the best island-hopping experiences in the world. Whether you book a tour package or explore on your own, you won’t be disappointed with El Nido’s gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, and colourful lagoons.
How to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 260 km (162 miles). In this post, we compare the two best options to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido: by minivan (5-5.5 hours) and by bus (5.5-6.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 590 PHP ($10.50) – 650 PHP ($11.50).
Puerto Princesa to El Nido on a map
2 ways to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
We recommend taking the minivan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido for more comfort, more choices in departure times, and shorter travel time. You can also choose to depart from Puerto Princesa Airport, your hotel, or the bus terminal in the city centre. Rates start from 650 PHP ($11.50).
The bus used to be the cheaper option with fares from 590 PHP ($10.50). However, the buses now depart from a new terminal far from the city centre, and rates for a tricycle ride start from 300 PHP ($5.00), making it more expensive than the minivan. Keep in mind also that the bus ride takes longer (5.5 to 6.5 hours) and can be a bit uncomfortable with all the twists and turns during the trip.
PRO TIP: Can’t get enough of the beaches and beautiful Islands? Consider adding Coron to your itinerary too.
Own experience: When I travelled to El Nido, I decided to take the van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and try out the bus on the way back. I expected the bus to be less bumpy and offer a bit more comfort, but that was not the case. The roads are quite narrow and there are quite a lot of turns, so the bus will shake even more than the van. Next time, I’d rather take the van on the way back as well.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Minivan
Taking the minivan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a bit more expensive than taking the bus, but also an hour faster. The journey will take around 5 to 5.5 hours and prices start from 650 PHP ($11.50).
The earliest departure is at 05:00 with the last trip at 17:30. The minivans generally make a stop at a local canteen halfway to El Nido, where you can use the washroom and buy classic Filipino food, beverages, and snacks.
Departure station
Eulen Joy Express and Fortwally both depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. If you’re coming from the town centre, Fortwally also offers free hotel pick-up.
Meanwhile, Lexxus Shuttle departs from San Jose Terminal. From the airport, a 15-20 minute tricycle ride to the bus terminal costs 150 PHP ($2.60).
Minivan schedule from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Arrival station
Vans from Puerto Princesa to El Nido drop passengers off at El Nido Transport Terminal in Corong-Corong. Keep in mind that vans and buses are NOT allowed to enter El Nido town due to its small roads. Upon arriving at the terminal, you can take a tricycle to the town centre for 50 PHP ($0.80).
We recommend booking your minivan ticket online to avoid the hassle of organizing your ride at Puerto Princesa. Also, most operators offer free cancellation, which can be useful in case your travel plans change at the last minute.
TIP: The van is the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan. Seats can fill up quickly, so try to book at least a day in advance through BookAway!
Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Bus
Another way to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by bus. Because the buses travel along small provincial roads, the journey takes much longer than it would on a highway. The small width of the roads and its many turns make this journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido last between 5.5 and 6.5 hours.
Roro and Cherry Bus are the two main bus operators for this route. The last time we checked (January 2023), though, Roro Bus has not yet resumed its operations since the pandemic.
Tickets start from 590 PHP ($10.50) for the non-airconditioned buses, but we don’t really recommend taking a bus. Travel time is longer with a bus than with a minivan, and buses are less comfortable for such a long trip.
Departure and arrival station
Buses used to depart from San Jose Terminal in the town centre.
As of January 2023, though, buses now operate from Irawan Bus Terminal near the crocodile farm. This terminal is farther from the city centre and is about 30 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport. A tricycle ride to this new terminal costs between 300 PHP ($5.00) and 500 PHP ($8.50).
The buses usually make two stops along the way, in the towns of Roxas and Taytay, where you can buy local food, snacks, and some souvenirs.
The last stop is also at El Nido Bus Terminal in Corong-Corong. From here, you can take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre for 50 PHP ($0.80). It’s best to take a tricycle as there are no sidewalks and it’s not safe to walk along the road, particularly at night.
Bus schedule from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Cherry Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Cherry Bus provides standard bus service and offers 3 types of buses for passengers.
The economy bus is the cheapest option, costing 590 PHP ($10.50), mainly because it is non-airconditioned. You can also book a Standard or Tourist bus for 760 PHP ($13.50) if you want more comfort. This bus is air-conditioned and has a television on board.
If you want to splurge a little or prefer to travel at night, you can try the Cherry VIP bus, which is the most expensive bus at 880 PHP ($15.50). An Elite bus has recliner seats that are perfect for a night’s rest. It also offers toilet on board and travels from Puerto Princesa to El Nido without any stops.
Roro Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Roro Bus was definitely cheaper than Cherry Bus, with the economy bus costing just 555 PHP ($9.50). Its buses are also air-conditioned and even have television and WiFi on board. The downside is that the journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes much longer, about 8 hours.
The last time we checked (January 2023), this bus operator has not resumed trips yet. You can visit BookAway to see if they are already offering ticket bookings for the Puerto Princesa to El Nido route.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
Our favourite 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.
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- 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!
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- 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 - Treat 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
Duli Beach Resort - Treat 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
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
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
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
Frequently asked questions about Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Routes from El Nido
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.
Bus terminal is not operating from San Jose anymore. Now a new Bus terminal at Irawan has been inaugurated from 6th Jan 2023.
Thanks for letting us know about this, Debasish. This is very helpful information. We’ve updated the post with the new details so travellers will have the latest information about the newest bus station. Hope you had a great time in Palawan!
Very detailed and informational! This is what we need for our palawan travel by November.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Ivy! Have fun planning your trip!
Yesterday I asked the price of normal cherry bus they told me 250…
Hello Diana, thanks a lot for sharing this info. On the Cherry bus website they still refer too 400-500 php for non-aircon. I reached out to them to ask if this price is still correct and will update the price directly if it changed. Thanks for your comment and safe travels!
Please take down the suggestion of using Bookaway to get a van. They will book through Eulen Joy Express who are a local taxi firm. Look up their reviews online – they are not a good company. We recently had an awful experience with them and don’t seem to be the only ones! They won’t take you directly to your hotel; they stick you in a tricycle at the end of a 5 hour van ride to find your hotel. Not ideal.
I just thought it would be good for people to be aware as Bookaway is a middleman and is not responsible for the quality of service after they’ve booked your travel.
Hi Zac, we’re so sorry to hear you had a bad experience with this trip. El Nido town only allows tricycles and restricts entry from passenger vans and buses due to its small roads. If you would have traveled to El Nido by bus, the same would have happened. Actually an advantage of taking the van is that they drop you off if you stay around Corong Corong beach. Buses will bring you straight to the bus station without dropping you off, even if your hotel is along the road.
As for Eulen Joy company, luckily it is also not the only van option. There are also cheaper options, which we have put on a higher ranking in our table guide. Anyway, I want to thank you for sharing this comment. I now made it more clear in the description that vans won’t drop you in El Nido town. I hope you will have an amazing time in El Nido and wishing you safe travels!
Big help !