Puerto Princesa to Puerto Princesa

How to Get From Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre

3Options
10mFastest
$0.80From
MaartenAleksandraSeleneWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Aleksandra, Selene · Updated 1 week ago

Tricycle · Private Transport · Airport Shuttle

Puerto Princesa Airport sits close to the city centre, an easy hop into town. It's the main gateway for Palawan, a short ride from the hotels and restaurants downtown. The tricycle is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Puerto Princesa city centre at $0.80 (50 PHP), taking 10-20 minutes. The airport shuttle costs more, and a private transfer more again.

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3 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre

There are three ways to travel from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre. You can choose between the tricycle, private transport, and minivan. The journey takes 10m and the quickest way is by tricycle. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by tricycle with tickets starting at $0.80 (50 PHP).

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Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre by Tricycle

10-20 minutesFrom $0.80 (50 PHP)

Travelling via tricycle is a good option to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre. It's cheap and the most common way to go around the city. Although taking a tricycle is not the most comfortable option for tall people, it's a nice way to experience local transport.

You'll find tricycles waiting just outside the perimeters of Puerto Princesa Airport. They have standard fares, and the table below gives you an idea of what to expect. Still, in some cases, you may need to negotiate the price before starting your ride.

Area Costs
Bancao Area Rizal Avenue A&A Plaza Hotel Pier Immaculate Conception Church $0.80 (50 PHP)
Barangay San Pedro $1.10 (70 PHP)
San Jose Bus Terminal $3.30 (200 PHP)
Honda Bay $8.10 (500 PHP)

If you don't mind a little walk, you can also reach your destination on foot. Most accommodations are only a 20 to 30-minute walk from the airport.

Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre by Private Transport

10-20 minutesFrom $12 (735 PHP)
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre. Rates start from $12 (735 PHP) for an 11-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about $1.10 (67 PHP) per person. Travel time is around 10-20 minutes. All private transport options on 12go.Asia and BookAway are typically for bigger groups. If you’re travelling in a smaller group of 2–3 people, a regular taxi from the airport is a much cheaper option — fares start at around $3.30 (200 PHP).

Private transport from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City

Palajuanders Travel
Private Van 11 PAX
$12 (735 PHP)
$1.10 (67 PHP) per person
Eulen Joy Express
Standard Minivan 12 PAX
$31 (1,860 PHP)
$2.50 (155 PHP) per person
SmartRyde
Van 6 PAX
$36 (2,210 PHP)
$6 (370 PHP) per person

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway and 12Go Asia.

Private transport from Puerto Princesa City to Puerto Princesa Airport

1h$12 (735 PHP)
Palajuanders Travel
Private Van 11 PAX
$12 (735 PHP)
$1.10 (67 PHP) per person
Eulen Joy Express
Standard Minivan 12 PAX
$31 (1,860 PHP)
$2.50 (155 PHP) per person

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway and 12Go Asia.

Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre by Airport Shuttle

10-20 minutesFrom $8.10 (500 PHP)

You’ll find both private and shared vans waiting near the airport. Many of them head to popular spots like Sabang, San Vicente, and El Nido, but there are also some vans going to the city centre.

If you prefer to take a van straight to your hotel and want to arrange your transfer in advance, check out Klook’s shared van transfer option. It costs $8.10 (500 PHP), and the ticket offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip.

It’s pricier than a regular taxi, but it can be a good option for solo travellers or first-timers looking for a secure and straightforward transfer.

Airport Shuttle tickets are available on Klook.

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 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 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 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 Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City Centre, roughly apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.80 (50 PHP). The quickest trip takes 10m.

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 fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Puerto Princesa?

Journey times from Puerto Princesa to Puerto Princesa overlap: tricycle 10-20 minutes, private transport 10-20 minutes, airport shuttle 10-20 minutes. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

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

The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Puerto Princesa is by tricycle with ticket costs starting from 50 PHP.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Aleksandra
AleksandraReviewer

Travel Writer & Editor

Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She's worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She's a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.

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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