El Nido is one of Palawan’s most popular tourist destinations known for its breathtaking and pristine spots, from white sand beaches and lagoons to limestone cliffs and abundant marine life. Whether exploring on your own or availing of a tour package, you will have a fun-filled vacation in El Nido!

And if you’re wondering how to get to El Nido, you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we share the different ways to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa and the latest van and bus schedule and fare rates.

How to get from Manila to Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Different airlines in Manila fly to Palawan‘s capital city, Puerto Princesa. You can choose from Air Aisa, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines, which offers flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa City daily. Since El Nido is 260 km away from Puerto Princesa, the travel time is around an hour.

Once you’re at Puerto Princesa Airport, you can head to El Nido by hopping on a van or bus. The travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is around 4 to 5 hours, based on road conditions and traffic. In addition, the fare rates range from P600 to P850, depending on your chosen mode of transportation.

Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van and Bus Schedule and Fare Rates

The most recommended is a van transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido if you’re in for convenience and comfort for shorter travel time and more departure time options. But note that booking a seat in advance is ideal to ensure you have transport ready once you’re at the airport.

Also, van transfer has higher fare rates than a bus, ranging from P840 to P910, depending on the van operator, and a travel time of around 5.5 hours. For budget travelers, you can take a bus with fare rates ranging from P555 to P1060, depending on the bus line. However, the travel time is around 5.5 to 8 hours as they don’t pass the highway all the time.

Via Shared Van

As of writing, the available van operators offering transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido are Eulen Joy Express and Fortwally departing from Puerto Princesa Airport. The van transfer includes a one-way transport service to El Nido, fuel fees, and an English-speaking driver.

On the other hand, if you’re in the town center, you should book a van transfer with Fortwally as they are the only operator offering hotel pick-up for free. Also, the van transfers to the El Nido stop hallway at a local canteen, where you can buy food and beverages or use the washroom.

Travel time: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Eulen Joy Express

Fare rate: P840

Schedule:

7:30 am – 1:00 pm

10:30 am – 4:00 pm

1:00 pm – 6:30 pm

3:30 pm – 9:00 pm

5:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Fortwally

Fare rate: P910

Schedule:

7:30 am – 1:00 pm

10:30 am – 4:00 pm

1:00 pm – 6:30 pm

3:30 pm – 9:00 pm

5:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Via Private Van

Another way to reach El Nido from Puerto Princesa is to rent a van if you want private transportation. This option is also perfect for families or big groups since you can decide your departure, hotel pick-up, and drop-off time.

Via Bus

The buses offering transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido depart at the San Jose Terminal, which is a 15 to 20-minute tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airpot and costs P150. Then, when you’re at El Nido Bus Terminal in Corong-Corong, you can reach the town center by taking a 10-minute tricycle ride for P50.

Cherry Bus

Travel time: 5 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours

• Economy

Fare rate: P610

Schedule: 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

• Tourist

Fare rate: P820

Schedule: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

• Elite

Fare rate: P1060

Schedule: 9:00 pm – 3:50 am

Roro Bus

Photo from RORO FB

As of April 2022, the Roro Bus Operator route from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is unavailable.

Travel time: 8 hours

Economy

Fare rate: P555

Schedule:

2:00 pm – 10:00 pm

6:00 pm – 2:00 am

8:00 pm – 4:00 am

Note: The rates and schedule may change from time to time. So better check with the van and bus operators for the latest details.