El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido
Puerto Princesa
Wed, Mar 19
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El Nido to Puerto Princesa Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Private Van 11pax
Any time
+4h
$100.26
  4.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
05:00
10:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
Lexxus Shuttle
Shared van
06:00
11:30
$9.07
  4.5
Flight
CebGo
Economy
06:50
21:35
$82.06
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
07:30
12:30
$8.74
  3.5
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
09:00
14:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
09:30
14:30
$8.74
  3.5
Van
Lexxus Shuttle
Shared van
10:00
15:30
$9.07
  4.5
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
10:30
15:30
$10.46
  4.8
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
11:00
16:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
11:30
16:30
$8.74
  3.5
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
13:00
18:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
13:30
19:30
$8.71
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
15:00
20:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
15:30
20:30
$10.46
  4.8
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
16:00
21:00
$8.74
  3.5
Van
Island View Travel
Minivan
17:00
22:00
$8.74
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
17:30
22:30
$10.46
  4.8
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
18:00
23:00
$7.85
  3.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
18:30
23:30
$8.74
  3.5

Is Uber cheaper than private taxi in Puerto Princesa?

Uber does not operate in Puerto Princesa. Instead, local transportation options include private taxis and tricycles.

Private taxi fares typically range from PHP 150 to PHP 300 ($3 to $5.50) for short distances within the city. Tricycles, a common and affordable mode of transport, usually charge around PHP 10 to PHP 50 ($0.20 to $0.90) per ride, depending on the distance.

For trips to the airport or tourist spots like the Underground River, consider arranging transportation with your hotel or a local tour operator, which can offer package deals. Always confirm the fare before starting your journey to avoid misunderstandings.

Why does everyone love Puerto Princesa?

Puerto Princesa is popular for its natural attractions and eco-tourism activities. The Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers guided tours at around PHP 1,500 ($26) per person. Honda Bay provides island-hopping experiences for snorkeling and relaxing on beaches, typically costing PHP 1,200 ($21) for a day tour.

Local dining features fresh seafood and Filipino dishes. Meals at local restaurants range from PHP 150 to PHP 300 ($2.50 to $5). Tricycles and jeepneys are common for local transport, with fares around PHP 10 to PHP 50 ($0.20 to $0.90).

Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available and advised for safety. The city is known for its commitment to cleanliness and environmental conservation, making it a pleasant and responsible travel destination.

Is Puerto Princesa an expensive place to visit?

Puerto Princesa offers a range of budget options, making it accessible for various travelers. Accommodation costs can vary, with budget hotels or guesthouses averaging PHP 1,000-2,500 per night ($18-45), while mid-range hotels range from PHP 3,000-5,000 ($54-90). Dining can be affordable, with local meals at casual eateries costing around PHP 150-300 ($3-5), while dining at mid-range restaurants might cost PHP 500-1,000 ($9-18) per person.

Transportation is relatively inexpensive; tricycle rides within the city are typically PHP 10-50 ($0.20-0.90), and airport transfers might cost around PHP 150-300 ($3-5).

For attractions, entry fees to popular sites like the Underground River may cost approximately PHP 500 ($9). Tap water is not recommended for drinking, so opt for bottled water. Overall, Puerto Princesa can be explored economically with careful planning.

How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

There are not so many options for travelling between El Nido to Puerto Princesa but all of them are pretty much straightforward.

What is the distance between El Nido and Puerto Princesa?

Puerto Princesa sits approximately 230 kilometres south of El Nido on Palawan Island. It can be reached via Puerto Princesa North Road.

How long does a ride to Puerto Princesa take?

Vans cover the distance between the two destinations in about 6 hours while buses may need up to 9 hours.

If you travel to Puerto Princesa airport, please note that it is further 40 km south from Puerto Princesa Town to the airport. Thus the travel time will be one hour longer.

How much does a trip cost?

No matter whether you travel by bus or van, to the town or to the airport, your trip will set you back roughly PHP600-PHP900.

How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa airport

This route is served by vans only. There are no big buses between El Nido and Puerto Princesa airport. If you prefer travelling by big bus, you will need to get to Puerto Princesa Town first and then to change for a taxi or a tricycle.

How long does it take to get to the airport from El Nido?

Normally it takes 6 hours to get to the airport by van. To be on the safe side, add one hour for unexpected en route delays.

What is the cost of the trip between El Nido and the airport?

Van seats cost about PHP700.

How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by bus

Two bus companies operate daily trips from El Nido to Puerto Princesa from the same bus terminal – Corong-Corong on Rizal Street. They are Cherry Bus or Roro Bus. In Puerto Princesa, they arrive to San Jose Terminal.

How long do buses take to reach Puerto Princesa?

Though bus companies promise to bring you to Puerto Princesa in about 6 hours, the trip can take much longer – up to 9 hours if weather and traffic conditions are not favourable. This especially refers to travelling by day since some buses habitually pick up passengers along the way. Night trips usually take less time.

How much do bus tickets cost?

Tickets for an air-conditioned bus cost from PHP600 (regular class) to PHP900 (elite class).

Are their many bus departures from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?

There are departures every two hours in the morning till early afternoon and then several night departures with virtually no buses leaving between 1pm and 9pm.

Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?

It is highly recommended to book tickets for night buses in advance as the number of departures is limited. With daytime departures it is easier to get a seat though if not reserved in advance, non-aircon buses may be the only option you are left with.

Non-aircon buses are not recommended as there is a stretch of rather a rough dusty road between El Nido and Puerto Princesa that makes travelling with open windows a torture.

How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by van

Taking a van to Puerto Princesa would be the most convenient option as vans can be booked in advance and normally travel faster than big buses.

Where do vans to Puerto Princesa depart from?

Vans depart from the Corong-Corong terminal – it is the same terminal which big buses use.

Are there many van departures a day?

Yes, there are. The first van leaves El Nido at 4am while the last one – at 8.30pm. Unlike buses, vans do not have an afternoon gap in their departure schedule.

How much does it cost to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by van?

No matter the van company you travel with, ticket prices are very much the same and are about PHP700.

Which van company to choose?

We recommend Lexxus Shuttle for their good service, scheduled departures and good safety record. You may want to consider Eulen Joy and Fort Wally Shuttle Services, too.

How much does the trip to Puerto Princesa Town last?

Travel time is between 5 and 6 hours.

Tips for bus & van travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Vans may feel too cramped for a Western traveller. Try to get either the front seats next to the driver or the ones immediately behind the driver.

Sit on the right side of the vehicle to cast the last glance over a beautiful sea view when you leave El Nido.

There is an unpaved stretched of the road between El Nido and Puerto Princesa though it is not too long.

Both vans and buses make a short bathroom break during the trip where you will also be able to buy some snacks.

Transportation from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Facts about the transport from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day52
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesCherry Bus, Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours, Island View Travel, JCalbert, Lexxus Shuttle, Palajuanders Travel and Tours

El Nido to Puerto Princesa Destination Reviews

K
Driver was really good and friendly
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, JCalbert, Feb 9, 2025
AC
All perfect, the bus, the departure time, and the arrival time, the only bad thing is to get to the bus terminal of Puerto Pricesa that is 30 minutes from the city center and there is only Tuctuc to transport. the price of the Tuctuc we were charged 500 php.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, Dec 23, 2024
JS
Really nice big seats, they also reclined. Please note the location on the ticket isn’t correct location but if you get a trike they know where Cherry is so we’re very helpful.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Regular AC, Cherry Bus, Dec 8, 2024
RM
The shared van was good, it stopped twice for a break and took about 5hours. We felt safe during the ride. Altough we made quiet a weird experience before hoping on our van. We didn‘t get any plate number so we just trusted the locals at the bus terminal in El Nido. One guy showed us the confirmation with our names and took our luggages in his van. Then he just drove off. He didn‘t say anything to us. We had to ask other locals at the bus terminal what the driver was doing. They told us that he would get some other passangers. We didn‘t quiet understand why we couldn‘t go with him since in the van it‘s a lot more cooler than outside in the hot weather. Luckily I made a picture of his plate number in case he wouldn‘t show up again. But then I saw that the van was right next to us at a local store. I went to the van and the driver was packing some packages in black paper in to the van. When I got closer he closed the doors to the luggages. There were also some locals in the van. When I asked him what he was doing and when we were going to leave, he just told me to wait at the bus terminal and got into the van. I didn‘t get a chance to ask if I can go with him. But luckily we had airtags in our luggages and could see where the van was at all the time. Somehow he was a long time at the same place (see pictures). When he came back the van was empty. No passenger, only our luggages was there. He started to take our luggages out of the van. He than told us that we had another driver and need to go to another van. Because I knew that he would just drive off I was standing underteah the door from the back so he couldn‘t close the door. We checked our stuff and still had everything (But we also need to say, that we had a lock on our luggages). I asked him three times why did he took our luggages if he isn‘t our driver. He didn‘t response and seemed pissed off. It was a very very strange experience ! And honestly? I am so glad that our luggases had an airtag and a lock on it.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Dec 6, 2024
SC
Very slow. Only one rest break. It stops multiple times en-route to pick up passengers from the side of the road. It was late arriving. Overall it was comfortable, safe, the staff were friendly. Didn't understand it wasnt a non-stop or limited stop service, more a coach that provides a local service.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Regular AC, Cherry Bus, Aug 5, 2024
FE
The booking page said there would be wifi on the bus but there was not. I was planning to get work done but there was no access to the internet.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, Jul 13, 2024
BK
Bus is old,stop only 2 times on trip from 6 hours isn't good..driver was ok
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Regular AC, Cherry Bus, Jun 22, 2024
A
Really bad experience and also bad behave and unpleasant comments from the driver.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Jun 5, 2024
TI
Driver was a racing mate but we did it on time to the destination. Busses are not very comfortable for a 5 hour drive, especially for tall persons. But all in all the price is ok and it takes you from A to B.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Minivan, Eulen Joy Express, Mar 18, 2024
LF
Was good shedule on Time as it was preview
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Lexxus Shuttle, Mar 11, 2024
4.4
264 customer reviews
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48%
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