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Puerto Princesa is Palawan's capital city, 175 kilometres (109 miles) south of El Nido. It's the gateway to the famous Underground River, and home to the island's main airport. The cheapest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is the bus at $9.80 (600 PHP). The minivan takes 5h - 5h 30m, and it costs a little more. A private transfer costs much more again.
Distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
El Nido and Puerto Princesa are about 175 km (109 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 267 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 5h and 7h 30m.
3 ways to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
There are three ways to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 5h–5h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $9.80 (600 PHP).
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El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Bus
If you want to travel like a local, taking the bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is a great choice. The roads can be narrow and winding, but during the day, you'll get amazing sea views through the big bus windows.
If you're taking a VIP bus at night, the bus comes with reclining seats and an onboard toilet. You can try to catch some sleep!
Cherry Bus is currently the only bus company from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. You can choose to ride an economy, standard, or VIP bus with rates from $9.80 (600 PHP). It's worth noting that the arrival station is now 10 km away from Puerto Princesa city centre, so expect additional costs.
Departure and arrival stations
All buses depart from El Nido Transport Terminal. We suggest that you book your bus ride online in advance. You can also buy your bus ticket directly at the bus station, but you'll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to get tickets for your desired bus.
Buses arrive at Irawan Bus Terminal near the crocodile farm. It’s a 30-minute ride to the city centre, and tricycle drivers would charge between $5.00 (305 PHP) and $8.00 (490 PHP). If you’re travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa to fly out of Palawan, a tricycle ride to the airport would cost a few more dollars.
Bus schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Economy bus tickets from El Nido to Puerto Princesa are the cheapest option at $9.80 (600 PHP), mainly because these buses are non-airconditioned. For a bit more comfort, you can take a Standard bus and enjoy an air-conditioned ride for $14 (860 PHP).
If you’re looking to splurge a little or prefer travelling at night, consider the Cherry VIP bus. It’s the most expensive at $18 (1,070 PHP), but it offers recliner seats perfect for a good night’s rest, an onboard toilet, and a non-stop route between El Nido and Puerto Princesa.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Minivan
Most travellers opt to take the van from El Nido to Puerto Princesa even though it's smaller than the bus. But that’s actually a good thing because the ride feels more stable on the winding roads, so you won’t be tossed around with every turn.
Minivans also come with air-conditioning and are cheaper than an air-conditioned bus, making them ideal if you want to stay cool during the 5.5-hour journey.
The minivan ride takes about 5h - 5h 30m with costs starting from $12 (710 PHP).
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from El Nido Transport Terminal. In the El Nido downtown area, you can take a tricycle from your hotel to the transport terminal for $1.60 (100 PHP).
Most minivans drop you off at your hotel or head straight to Puerto Princesa Airport.
PRO TIP: The minivan is the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan. Seats can fill up quickly, so always try to book your van at least 1 day in advance!
Minivan schedule from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Private Transport
A private transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5-6h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or at the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at $120 (7,200 PHP) for a 10-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $12 (725 PHP) each.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
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.
Treat YourselfPanja 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 per night
Mid-RangeSummer 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 per night
BudgetCleon 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 per night
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 El Nido to Puerto Princesa, roughly 175 kilometres (109 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.80 (600 PHP). The quickest trip takes 5h.
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 El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is 175 kilometres (109 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
Journey times from El Nido to Puerto Princesa overlap: bus 5h 30m - 7h 30m, minivan 5h - 5h 30m, private transport 5-6h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The cheapest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 600 PHP.
About the Authors
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.
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.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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