How to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 260 kilometers (162 miles) from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transfer. The journey takes 5 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 545 PHP ($9.80).

You can travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus. But because buses travel along small provincial roads, the journey takes much longer than it would on a highway. Travel time is 5 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, depending on how many stops your bus makes.

Unless you want to experience travelling like a local, we don’t really recommend the bus for this route. The narrow roads and their many turns make taking the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido less comfortable than the van.

There’s one upside though, you get a better view of the sea with the huge bus windows. That’s something you can look forward to when you’re travelling during the day.

Cherry Bus is the main operator for this route. Another company that also runs here is the Roro Bus. It tends to make a lot of stops, so it’s not the best option.

Ticket prices with Cherry Bus start from 545 PHP ($9.80) for the non-airconditioned buses, while air-conditioned buses cost around 775 PHP ($13.90).

Departure and arrival stations

Buses operate from Irawan Bus Terminal near the Crocodile Farm. This new terminal is 10 km west of the city centre and is about 30 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport. A tricycle ride to Irawan costs between 280 PHP ($5) and 445 PHP ($8).

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.

You will arrive at El Nido Transport Terminal near Corong Corong Beach. From here, you can take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre for 100 PHP ($1.80). We don’t recommend walking because there are no sidewalks and it’s not safe to walk along the road, particularly at night.

Cherry Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Cherry Bus provides standard bus service and offers 3 types of buses for passengers.

Economy bus tickets from Puerto Princesa to El Nido are the cheapest option at 545 PHP ($9.80), mainly because these buses are non-airconditioned. For a bit more comfort, you can also book a Standard bus for 775 PHP ($13.90), which comes with air-conditioning.

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 at 835 PHP ($15). This has recliner seats that are perfect for a night’s rest. It also offers a toilet on board and travels between Puerto Princesa and El Nido without any stops.

Taking a minivan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido costs a bit more than the bus, but it can save you some time. The trip usually takes around 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes, which is about 1 to 2 hours faster than the bus. Prices start from 655 PHP ($11.70).

Minivans generally stop at a local canteen halfway to El Nido, where you’ll get to use the washroom and buy classic Filipino food, beverages, and snacks.

Some of the van companies operating on this route are Lexxus Shuttle Palawan, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Island View Travel, Fortwally and Eulen Joy Express. It’s worth noting that van drivers here are generally skilled and cautious, but some make too many stops making the travel time longer.

Departure station

Minivans depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. If you’re coming from the town centre, Eulen Joy Express and Fortwally also offer free hotel pickup.

PRO TIP: Planning to go to El Nido straight from your flight? We recommend taking a direct van from the airport. With the bus, you’ll first have to take a taxi to the bus terminal. And upon arrival, you’ll have to wait for the next bus departure, which could be in a few minutes or in a few hours.

A private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at 6,600 PHP ($120) for a 10-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 660 PHP ($11.80) each.

Private Transfer options from Puerto Princesa to El Nido