How to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa
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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?
There are 2 ways to travel the 806 kilometre (501 miles) distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 4 hours 25 minutes to 3 days and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 3,550 PHP ($59).
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.
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
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 300 PHP ($5).
Step 2: Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Flight
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
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.
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
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 250 PHP ($4.20) for the trip.
At Dapa Port, you’ll find four ferry operators to choose from. Fares start at 400 PHP ($6.70) 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:
Step 2: Surigao to Cebu by Ferry
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.
Step 3: Cebu to Iloilo by Ferry
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 1,400 PHP ($23.50), and the journey takes around 12h - 14h 30m.
Step 4: Iloilo to Puerto Princesa by Ferry
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 2,660 PHP ($44.50).
Best 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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa. 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 Siargao to Puerto Princesa
What is the distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is 806 kilometre (501 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 4 hours 25 minutes.
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 ($59).
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.
