How to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Why visit Port Barton?
Port Barton is a small coastal village in the Philippines, in the town of San Vicente, Palawan. It’s nowhere near as famous as Coron or El Nido, but that’s exactly why you should include Port Parton in your itinerary.
Backpacker huts dot its jagged coastline, which opens to turquoise waters overlooking the islands nearby. Island-hopping is a must when in Port Barton, as well as diving, camping and trekking to its many waterfalls. Our favourite? Doing nothing. The island’s calm vibe makes one want to just lay on the beach and savour nature’s gifts.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
There are 4 ways to travel the 160 kilometre (99 miles) distance from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. You can choose between the bus, van, private transport and motorbike. The journey takes 3 to 5 hours and the quickest way is by van. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 465 PHP ($7.80).
Where to stay in Port Barton?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Port Barton at the bottom of this page.
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton by Van
Taking a minivan is the best option to travel from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. There are several departures throughout the day, and most vans either leave from Puerto Princesa Airport or offer hotel pick-up.
All vans are air-conditioned, and fares start at 555 PHP ($9.30) for the journey that takes 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.
You can choose from five minivan operators: SBE Transport, Recaro Transport, Fortwally, Palajuanders Travel and Tours and Island View Travel.
Just a heads-up: some travellers have mentioned that drivers can go a bit too fast and don’t always stick to the exact schedule.
Departure stations
Vans from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton leave from two different locations: Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) or San Isidro Bus Garage. Some operators also offer hotel pick-up, so you won’t need to go to the terminal to catch your ride.
While airports are normally located outside the city centre, this is not the case for Puerto Princesa, where you can find the airport right within the city. In comparison, San Isidro Bus Garage is about 4 km north of the airport.
So whether you’re arriving at the airport or staying in the city centre, booking a van to Port Barton is a convenient way to start your trip.
Van schedules from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
PRO TIP: The van is the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan. The seats can fill up quickly, so always try to book a van at least 1 day in advance!
Arrival station
All vans will arrive at the Port Barton Bus Terminal, a 5 to 10-minute walk from the town centre. At the bus station, you will be asked to pay a small entrance fee of about 17.90 PHP ($0.30) per person.
From here, you can either walk to your accommodation or take a tricycle or motorbike taxi. The drivers at the bus station will likely always tell you that you’ll need a ride because it’s too far, no matter how near or far it really is.
We recommend checking on Google Maps how far it is to walk and then deciding whether you need transport or not.
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton by Bus
You can travel by bus from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton, but it’s not the most comfortable option.
There are only 2 departures per day, and the buses are not air-conditioned. Seating is less comfortable compared to a minivan, and 4 hours on a bus without air conditioning can be pretty exhausting.
A ticket costs 465 PHP ($7.80). While it’s a bit cheaper than taking a van, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re on a tight budget or other options are fully booked.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses operating from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton depart only from San Isidro Bus Garage, about 4km from Puerto Princesa Airport. You can buy your ticket at the terminal, but make sure that you are there at least an hour before the scheduled departure.
Buses arrive at the Port Barton Bus Terminal in the town centre.
Bus schedule from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
You can book your ticket through BookAway so you won’t need to wait at the ticket queue and go to the bus terminal 30 minutes early.
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton.
Rates start from 5,200 PHP ($87) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 515 PHP ($8.70) per person. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.
Private Transport options from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton by Motorbike
Motorbikes are available for rent in Puerto Princesa. This is a good option for the Puerto Princesa to Port Barton route if you prefer a more independent way of travelling. You can enjoy the rural sights and make a stop whenever you want.
Where to rent?
Most of the bike rental shops are located along Rizal Avenue, between Junction No. 1 and the Old Airport. The shops’ rental fees start from 550 PHP ($9.20) per day, depending on the type of motorbike you rent. Many shops offer discounts for long-term rentals, but if you’re planning to ride to Port Barton, they often require a minimum rental of 5 days.
The downside of renting a motorbike is that shops often keep your passport as a deposit and expect you to return the motorbike with the same amount of fuel. Most bikes aren’t insured either, so you’re riding at your own risk.
Rental conditions
Always read the terms and conditions of the contract before you sign. It’s a good idea to inspect the bike and list any scratches or minor damages. Be sure to provide one copy of the list to the shop.
Alternative: rent a car
Prefer driving a car over a motorbike? Rental rates range from 2,000 PHP ($33.50) to 4,000 PHP ($67) per day, depending on the car model. If you’re heading to Port Barton, most rental companies require a minimum of 4 days. You can check prices on Skyscanner for the best deals.
As a precaution, always read the contract carefully and make sure you fully understand the terms before signing.
Best places to stay in Port Barton
Port Barton loves wooden huts and beach-front cottages, and so do we! For affordable prices, you can spend a few nights in unique accommodations that are surrounded by nothing but nature. In other places, you’d be paying top dollar for that.
Here are our favourite stays in Port Barton:
Parrots Boutique Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Port Barton Town — approx. 10-minute walk to closest restaurants and Port Barton beach
Parrots Boutique resort boasts a sleek and minimalist design that oozes tranquillity. The pool area is perfect for chilling around and the beach is only a 5-minute walk away.
You’re also super close to the town, so the location couldn’t be better. Before starting your day, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the sun terrace or around the pool.
- Lovely swimming pool
- Close to the beach
- Great location
- Stylish design
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Prince John Beachfront Cottages - Mid Range
Area: San Vicente Village — approx. 15-minute drive to town centre
A BBQ and a view of the sea. Doesn’t that sound great? This place is the epitome of beach vibes, being only steps away from the crystal-clear ocean. You can literally hear the waves crashing from your comfortable bed.
There are too many places to hang out here — on the beach, in a hammock, on a swing, on the restaurant’s terrace. You’re spoilt for choice, and we promise you’ll never want to leave here.
- Beachfront cottages
- Great restaurant with seafood
- Solar-powered
- Amazing owner
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Green Hill Restaurant and Cottages - Budget Friendly
Area: Next to White Beach — approx. 15-minute drive to town centre
Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a treehouse-style cottage overlooking the sea? Well, Green Hill Cottages can tick that box for you. This unique accommodation set on the hillside is the perfect way to relax and connect with nature.
Here, you get the best of both worlds too. Whilst you’re surrounded by jungle, you’re also only minutes from the beach. This is a must-stay spot in Port Barton.
- Unique cottages
- Surrounded by jungle
- Incredible sea views
- Close to the beach
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Russell Place - Budget Friendly
Area: Port Barton Town — about 10-minute walk to closest restaurants and Port Barton Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere in the centre of Port Barton, this might be a better option than the one above. But don’t worry, you’ll still get to experience a unique stay — the wooden huts are pretty cool.
There are both dorm room huts and private huts available, plus a common area for everyone to chill in. This creates a great ambience that makes it easy to connect with other travellers.
- Cool wooden huts
- Great location
- Friendly staff
- Dorms and private huts available
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. 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 Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
The distance from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is 160 kilometre (99 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is by van and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton 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.
