How to Get From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Bus · Minivan · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 260 kilometre (162 miles) distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach El Nido as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
There are three ways to travel the 260 km distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private.
The journey takes between 5h–6h and the quickest way is by minivan (5h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 595 PHP ($9.80).
5h 30m - 7h 30m
595 PHP ($9.80)
5h - 5h 30m
710 PHP ($12)
5-6h
7,200 PHP ($120)
Where to stay in El Nido?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in El Nido at the bottom of this page.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Bus
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Irawan Bus Terminal near the Crocodile Farm. This new terminal is 10 km west of the city centre and is about 30 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport. A tricycle ride to Irawan costs between 305 PHP ($5.00) and 485 PHP ($8.00). The buses usually make two stops along the way — in the towns of Roxas and Taytay — where you can buy local food, snacks, and some souvenirs. You will arrive at El Nido Transport Terminal near Corong Corong Beach. From here, you can take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre for 100 PHP ($1.60). We don’t recommend walking because there are no sidewalks and it’s not safe to walk along the road, particularly at night.Bus schedule from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Cherry Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Cherry Bus provides standard bus service and offers 3 types of buses for passengers. Economy bus tickets from Puerto Princesa to El Nido are the cheapest option at 595 PHP ($9.80), mainly because these buses are non-airconditioned. For a bit more comfort, you can book a Standard bus for 845 PHP ($14), which comes with air-conditioning. If you want to splurge a little or prefer to travel at night, you can try the Cherry VIP bus, which is the most expensive at 915 PHP ($15). This has recliner seats that are perfect for a night’s rest. It also offers a toilet on board and travels between Puerto Princesa and El Nido without any stops.Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Minivan
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. If you’re coming from the town centre, Eulen Joy Express and Fortwally also offer free hotel pickup. Vans from Puerto Princesa to El Nido drop passengers off at El Nido Transport Terminal in Corong Corong. Keep in mind that both the bus and van are NOT allowed to enter El Nido town due to its small roads. From the terminal, you can take a tricycle to the town centre for 100 PHP ($1.60).Planning to go to El Nido straight from your flight? We recommend taking a direct van from the airport. With the bus, you’ll first have to take a taxi to the bus terminal. And upon arrival, you’ll have to wait for the next bus departure, which could be in a few minutes or in a few hours.
Minivan schedule from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Booking Tip
Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Private Transfer
Our favourite places to stay in El Nido
El Nido is all about stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. And that’s what our favourite stays in El Nido reflect!
There are a lot of awesome accommodations for all budgets to pick between in El Nido. Our favourite stays are places with the best views, incredible nature, stunning decor and amazing staff.
Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in El Nido, so that you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.
- El Nido Town is where you’ll find most of our favourite stays. It’s the main tourist area in El Nido, and where you’ll find the ferry point. Nice and convenient!
- Corong-Corong is a quieter area located just south of El Nido Town and is known for its beautiful sunsets and picturesque beach.
Treat YourselfCadlao Resort and Restaurant
Area: Next to El Nido town — 10-minute walk to town centre
Your only negative comment about this place is that you wish you’d stayed longer. This place really is the tropical island resort that you’ve been dreaming of.
The infinity pool overlooks the sea, there are palm trees everywhere and the service is incredible. Here you’ll get to enjoy your own spacious cottage, with some of them opening up right onto the beach.
- Three swimming pools
- Beach-side bungalows
- Incredible views
- Tasty breakfast included
Double rooms start from $150 per night
Treat YourselfDuli Beach Resort
Area: Duli Beach — around 1-hour to El Nido town
There’s no better way to start your day than drawing back the curtains and seeing the ocean right there. That’s exactly what you can get at Duli Beach Resort. Their spacious bungalows with private terraces are set right on the beach.
The remote location means that a lot of the time you’ll have the beach to yourself. You also don’t have to worry about finding food or a drink as the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar will undoubtedly satisfy you. If you want to head to El Nido town, it’s just under an hour's drive away.
- Right on the beach
- Secluded location
- Amazing staff
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Mid-RangeSpin Designer Hostel
Area: El Nido town — only a 5-minute walk around the town and beach
You might have guessed by the name, Spin Designer Hostel has been designed to perfection. It’s so nicely and creatively designed that you probably wouldn’t expect it to be a hostel.
The great thing about staying in a hostel, whether you’re in a private room or the dorms, is that there’s often great facilities. Spin Designer Hostel has a shared kitchen with BBQ facilities, a games room and a terrace surrounded by the forest. How about enjoying your complimentary breakfast here?
- Stylish and modern hostel
- Great amenities
- Delicious breakfast included
- Private and dorm rooms
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Mid-RangeHutch Lodging House
Area: Next to El Nido town — approx. 20-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre
Hutch Lodging House brings the outside inside. With most of the hotel being open-air and plants scattered throughout, there’s a very relaxing ambience here. You also have the option to relax on your own private balcony as every room has one.
It’s beautifully designed! The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from town — far enough that you get peace and quiet, but not too far.
- Great location
- Beautiful design
- Air conditioning
- Every room has a private balcony
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
BudgetBale Cabugao Cottages
Area: Near El Nido town - approx. 10-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre
Only steps from the beach, all you have to do is stand on the balcony at Bale Cabugao Cottages to hear the sound of the waves. Imagine eating your breakfast with this view! Great news: it’s included in the price.
The hosts go out of their way to help you organise anything in El Nido. Their energy is also guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
- Incredible views
- Great location
- Helpful and happy hosts
- Comfortable rooms
Double rooms $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. 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
The scattered karst mountains offer one of the most stunning landscapes of the Philippines and are definitely worth adding to your island-hopping itinerary. The journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido might seem a bit long, but once you arrive, you know it was worth it.
Keep in mind that thousands of tourists visit El Nido. If you are looking for less touristic places, we suggest visiting Port Barton in the town of San Vicente. The charming beach town also offers several island-hopping tours, although it doesn't offer the same landscapes filled with karst mountains.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit El Nido?
El Nido is Palawan Island's northernmost tip, popular around the world as the gateway to paradise — the Bacuit Archipelago. This group of picture-perfect limestone islands boasts white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, and beautiful underwater.
El Nido's town centre leaves much to be desired with its mediocre beach, narrow streets, and mostly backpacker and mid-range hostels. But the island-hopping adventures from here are some of the best you will see in the world. Outside town, you should also include in your El Nido itinerary a visit to Nacpan-Calitang Beach and a hike to Taraw Peak.
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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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