Siargao to Puerto Princesa

How to Get From Siargao to Puerto Princesa

2Options
4h 25mFastest
$58From
AbegailElaSeleneWritten by Abegail · Reviewed by Ela, Selene · Updated 3 weeks ago

Flight · Ferry

Puerto Princesa is Palawan's main city and the gateway to the island's underground river. It's also where most people start a run north to El Nido. Flying is the quickest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa, taking 4h 25m. The ferry costs $98 (5,900 PHP), but it will take a long time, around 3d.

DISTANCE

Distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa

Siargao and Puerto Princesa are about 801 km (498 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. The quickest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is by taking the flight, which takes around 4h 25m.

~801 km
Straight-line distance
4h 25m
Fastest
COMPARE

2 ways to travel from Siargao to Puerto Princesa

There are two ways to travel from Siargao to Puerto Princesa. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 4h 25m–3d and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $58 (3,550 PHP).

FlightWith transfersDuration4h 25mincl. transfersPricefrom$583,550 PHP

Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Flight

Travelling from Siargao to Puerto Princesa by flight is the fastest option, although there are no direct flights for this route. You can still reach Puerto Princesa in about 3.5 hours after a short stopover at Manila Airport or Cebu Airport.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: General Luna to Siargao Airport by Van

45m$4.90 (300 PHP)

Flights depart from Siargao Airport, also known as Sayak Airport, located on the west side of Siargao Island.

If you're staying in General Luna, the airport is about a 45-minute van ride away. A seat on the shared van transfer costs around $4.90 (300 PHP).

Step 2: Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Flight

3h 30m$53 (3,200 PHP)

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate indirect flights from Siargao to Puerto Princesa. These flights take at least 2.5 hours via Cebu or 3.5 hours via Manila, not including layovers. Make sure the flight you book gives you enough time to check in for your connecting flight.

Layovers in Cebu usually range from 1 to 4 hours, while layovers in Manila can stretch up to 9 hours.

You can book separate tickets for each leg, but keep in mind that you’ll be fully responsible for making your connection. That includes collecting your luggage and checking it in again for your next flight.

Booking both legs under a single reservation will make the journey less stressful. To avail cheaper flights for the Siargao to Puerto Princesa route, you need to book your flight months in advance.

PRO-TIP: Cebu Pacific offers many ‘piso fare’ sales annually. Keep an eye out for these promos if you want to book cheaper flights!

Step 3: Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City by Tricycle

10m$0.80 (50 PHP)

Flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa land at Puerto Princesa Airport, in the southern part of Palawan. Outside the airport, you can take a tricycle or an airport shuttle to the town.

For more info on how to get to Puerto Princesa town from the airport, check out our article on Puerto Princesa Airport.

Puerto Princesa
FerryVia Surigao City, Mindanao Island · 9 departuresDuration3dPricefrom$985,900 PHP

Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Ferry

Travelling the Siargao to Puerto Princesa route by ferry is quite an adventure. The journey takes at least 2.5 to 3 days, not including stopovers. It's a long trip, but one that offers a deeper look at the Philippines, especially if you're up for the slow-travel experience.

Important Note: Not all ferry routes operate daily, so you need to plan your connections from Siargao to Puerto Princesa carefully to avoid unnecessary delays or missed departures.

Step 1: Siargao to Surigao by Ferry

1h 30m - 2h$6.60 (400 PHP)

Ferries bound for Surigao City depart from Dapa Ferry Terminal on Siargao Island. If you’re staying in General Luna, the main tourist area, it’s about a 30-minute tricycle ride to the port. Expect to pay around $4.10 (250 PHP) for the trip.

At Dapa Port, you’ll find four ferry operators to choose from. Fares start at $6.60 (400 PHP) for an economy, open-air seat.

If you’re looking to save time, go with Evaristo & Sons. They operate both a fast craft and a RoRo ferry. The fast craft is your quickest option, getting you to Surigao City in just 1.5 hours

See their schedules below:

2hJP Shipping LinesEconomyDapaSurigao05:3011:00$7400 PHPNo Online Tickets
2hVince Gabriel LinerStandardDapa Ferry TerminalSurigao Port08:30$9560 PHPTickets
2hSiargao AdventuresStandardDapa Ferry TerminalSurigao Port12:00$10630 PHPTickets
1h30mEvaristo & Sons Sea TransportTouristDapa Ferry TerminalMacapagal Port, Surigao City06:0010:0013:00$11660 PHPTickets
1h30mEvaristo & Sons Sea TransportBusiness Class - 99 seats, SeanDapa Ferry TerminalSurigao Port06:0013:00$12720 PHPTickets
Show all 6 companies
1h30mEvaristo & Sons Sea TransportBusiness Class - 13 seats, NathanDapa Ferry TerminalSurigao Port10:00$12720 PHPTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Surigao to Cebu by Ferry

5h 30m - 10h$22 (1,320 PHP)

Three ferry companies are operating from Surigao Port to Cebu: Cokaliong, Starlite Ferries, and OceanJet.

Cokaliong and Starlite Ferries take around 7.5 to 10 hours to reach Cebu. If you want to significantly cut down your travel time, book with OceanJet. They use fast crafts that complete the journey in just 5.5 hours.

You can only book Cokaliong tickets through their website. For Starlite Ferries and OceanJet, it’s easier to book your tickets online in advance via BookAway.

10hStarlite Ferries120 Reclining SeatsSurigao City Ferry TerminalCebu Starlite Ferries09:00$221,320 PHPTickets
8h30mCokaliongEconomySurigaoCebu19:00$221,320 PHPNo Online Tickets
10hStarlite FerriesEconomy BedSurigao City Ferry TerminalCebu Starlite Ferries09:00$241,460 PHPTickets
10hStarlite FerriesTourist BedSurigao City Ferry TerminalCebu Starlite Ferries09:00$291,760 PHPTickets
5h30mOceanJetTouristSurigao PortCebu Pier 113:00$402,420 PHPTickets
Show all 6 companies
5h30mOceanJetBusinessSurigao PortCebu Pier 113:00$593,550 PHPTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 3: Cebu to Iloilo by Ferry

12h - 14h 30m$23 (1,400 PHP)

From Cebu, Trans-Asia Shipping sails to Iloilo, with departures only on Mondays and Fridays. If you need to travel on a Thursday or Sunday, you can go with Cokaliong Shipping.

Ferries arrive at Iloilo Domestic Port.

Ticket fares start from $23 (1,400 PHP), and the journey takes around 12h - 14h 30m.

12hCokaliong LinesEconomyCebuIloilo$231,400 PHPNo Online Tickets
12hTrans-Asia ShippingTouristCebu Pier 3Iloilo$291,760 PHPTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Ferry tickets are available on 12Go Asia.

Step 4: Iloilo to Puerto Princesa by Ferry

46h$44 (2,650 PHP)

The last leg of the journey is operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, which usually sails every Saturday. But their schedule can change without notice, so always check their Facebook page or website for the latest updates.

The sailing time is 28 hours, but the entire journey from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa takes nearly 2 days. This is due to a long stopover on the beautiful island of Cuyo before continuing to Puerto Princesa.

Here’s how the trip breaks down:

  • Iloilo to Cuyo — 12 hours
  • Layover in Cuyo — 18 hours
  • Cuyo to Puerto Princesa — 16 hours

You will arrive at Puerto Princesa Port. Fares start from $44 (2,650 PHP).

Puerto Princesa

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STAY

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
Treat Yourself

Panja Resort Palawan

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 (3,050 PHP) per night

Check availability
Summer Days
Mid-Range

Summer Days

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 (1,820-3,050 PHP) per night

Check availability
Cleon Villas Pension
Budget

Cleon Villas Pension

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 (910-1,820 PHP) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Siargao to Puerto Princesa, roughly 801 kilometres (498 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $98 (5,900 PHP), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 4h 25m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?

The distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is 801 kilometres (498 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?

The fastest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is by flight and takes 4h 25m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?

The cheapest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is by flight with ticket costs starting from 3,550 PHP.

About the Authors

Abegail
Abegail

Travel Writer

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.

Ela
ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Selene
SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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