Searching for how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?!
This route very much depends on your priorities and how much time you have.
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.
Whatever your case, I’m going to provide you with 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.
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 7 km 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.
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, but 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 whose 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 Viator 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.
PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO – BY PLANE
Without a doubt, the most straightforward, quickest, though 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.
The short runway at El Nido Airport 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 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.
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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 below.
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour A
- Taraw Peak Sunrise Hike
- 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 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 hotels 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.
Recommended place to stay for couples, families, or friends.
Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel
I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is located right in the heart of El Nido town and just a minute’s 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, a wardrobe, a balcony, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests.
Affordable place to stay for couples, families, or friends.
Budget: One Hostel El Nido
One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido which is centrally located and within walking distance of 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.
It’s the perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST EL NIDO TOURS
Looking for the best El Nido Tours?!
Visit the Viator website to see all of the top-rated tours in El Nido. Be sure to book online in advance to be guaranteed the best rates!
SEARCH ALL → EL NIDO TOURS
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PHILIPPINES
When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
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Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
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Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Philippines Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!
FINAL THOUGHTS – EL NIDO FROM PUERTO PRINCESA
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.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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