Your travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can very much depend on your priorities. Some people don’t mind taking the slower, cheaper route and soaking up the scenery on the way. Whereas others might be in a rush, wanting to head straight into adventure and don’t have time for the long journey.
In this guide, I’m going to give you all the information you need on how to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa.
I’ll be going into detail on the Puerto Princesa to El Nido travel time, the different modes of transport and how much each travel option is going to cost.
Let’s jump right into the guide on how to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa.
Bus From Puerto Princesa To El Nido
Although the cheapest option with prices varying from 380 – 480 pesos per person, taking the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by far the longest mode of transport.
Puerto Princesa To El Nido Travel Time: The bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes around 6 to 9 hours dependant on stops, the weather and the time of day in which you travel.
You have two bus companies to choose from between Puerto Princesa and El Nido which are RoRo Bus and Cherry Bus, both of which depart from the San Jose Terminal, located 7kms from the airport. The buses are generally quite comfortable and are air-conditioned.
They both arrive in El Nido at the El Nido transport terminal. From there you’ll be able to hop on a tricycle or pre-arrange transport to your hotel, hostel or resort in El Nido.
Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Puerto Princesa To El Nido – By Van
Traveling by van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is probably the most popular form of travel.
Costing around 500 to 600 pesos per person and lasting around 5 to 6 hours, most travelers choose this option as not only is it cutting down on the travel time, it’s also a lot more convenient, compared to the unpredictability of the buses.
The three main Puerto Princesa to El Nido van providers are UV Express Service, Lexxus Shuttle and Eulen Joy Express. When you leave the airport at Puerto Princesa, you’re likely to be approached by van drivers wanting to fill their van.
Although convenient as you don’t have to go looking for them, be aware of who’s van you’re getting into and the fact they won’t leave until their van is completely full… potentially adding time onto your transfer.
If you’re not departing directly from the airport then these travel companies also have the option to pick you up from your hotel on the day you plan to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
My advice to simplify your travel day from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is to book your ticket online with Klook which is hassle-free and reliable.
Book Now → Shared van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Book Now → Private van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
There are more than three Puerto Princesa to El Nido van companies that I’ve listed but these seem to be the most popular and most reliable.
If you didn’t want to book in advance, you can just turn up to the Puerto Princesa airport terminal and hop on, however, doing this may change the price I’ve mentioned above.
Big Lagoon El Nido
Puerto Princesa to El Nido – By Air
Without a doubt, the most straight forward, quickest, yet expensive form of transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is flying.
Costing you around 2000 pesos per person but only lasting 50 minutes, flying from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is for those travelers where time is of the essence and adventure is waiting.
Flying from Puerto Princesa Airport to Lio Airport in El Nido is very dependent on the travel company.
With the short runway at El Nido Airport, it makes it challenging for larger planes to land.
AirSWIFT offers direct flights from Puerto Princesa to El Nido Airport but check with the travel company as I mentioned, times and prices can vary.
I always search and book all of my flights on Skyscanner.com which is the best online flight directory to find the cheapest and most convenient flights in the Philippines.
Whatever mode of transport you decide on, you’re sure in for a hell of an adventure when you get to El Nido. As you can see, there are plenty of options and I hope this guide has helped you plan your journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
Now that you’ve got all the information on how to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa you may want to read my El Nido travel guides listed below:
• El Nido Island Hopping – Tour A
• 3D2N El Nido To Coron Island Hopping Expedition
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
El Nido has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in El Nido to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Lagùn Hotel
Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotel in El Nido featuring an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar and free wifi throughout the property. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen tv, wardrobe, work desk, fridge, kettle, private bathroom and some with a balcony. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Recommended for couples, families and friends.
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel
I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel and can’t recommend this place enough! Located right in the heart of El Nido town and just minutes walk to the beach. Sea Cocoon Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar and a shared lounge. The rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, large comfy beds, wardrobe, balcony and private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Affordable place to stay for couples, families and friends!
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Budget: One Hostel El Nido
One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido with great reviews! Centrally located and walking distance to the bus terminal, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and beaches. There are dorm rooms, double rooms and quadruple rooms available with air-conditioning. The Hostel also has free wifi and a shared lounge area for guests to hang out. Perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples and friends!
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
EL NIDO MAP
Want to travel full-time? ∼ Click Here To Learn How!
EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
AIRBNB EL NIDO
Another option for accommodation in El Nido is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals El Nido.
Get your $40 Airbnb discount here!
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
Philippines Travel Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Cebu Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
Bohol Travel Guide: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
Siargao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
El Nido Travel Guide: El Nido Island Hopping
Coron Travel Guide: Coron Island Hopping
Boracay Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
Siquijor Travel Guide: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
Bantayan Island Guide: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
Malapascua Island Guide: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
Camiguin Travel Guide: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
Romblon Travel Guide: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
Tablas Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
Carabao Travel Guide: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
Dumaguete City Guide: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
Sumilon Island Guide: Sumilon Island Itinerary
MY CAMERA GEAR
• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii
• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• GoPro: GoPro Hero 8 Black
• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm
• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L
• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m
• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod
• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome
• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank
• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB
WHAT TO PACK FOR PHILIPPINES?
• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket
• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes
• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag
• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter
• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes
• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about how to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!
