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 including travel times, the different modes of transport, and how much each travel option is going to cost.
Table of Contents
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 depending on stops, the weather, and the time of day in which you travel.
You have two bus companies to choose from 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 to El Nido from Puerto Princesa 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 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 to El Nido.
My advice to simplify your travel day 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 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 at 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 PLANE
Without a doubt, the most straight forward, quickest, yet an expensive form of transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by plane.
Costing you around 2000 pesos per person but only lasting 50 minutes, flying to El Nido from Puerto Princesa 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 CheapOair 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 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
- Taraw Peak Sunrise Hike
- 3D2N El Nido To Coron Island Hopping Expedition
Taraw Peak
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 to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
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.
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!
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!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
EL NIDO MAP
BEST EL NIDO TOURS
AIRBNB EL NIDO
Another option for accommodation in El Nido is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals.
Use the search box below to find all available Airbnb’s in El Nido.
WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE
LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Guide!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
- Cebu: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
- Bohol: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
- Siargao: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
- El Nido: El Nido Island Hopping
- Coron: Coron Island Hopping
- Boracay: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
- Romblon: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
- Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
- Sumilon Island: Sumilon Island Itinerary
ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
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Join my Facebook Community and send me a message at any time for a quick response!
MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
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 this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
