El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido
Puerto Princesa
Sat, May 23
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El Nido to Puerto Princesa Destination Reviews

KL
Kryn L
Timing wasn’t an issue for us but we did get there long after we were supposed to which is good to note if you have a flight. Other than that it was great
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Deluxe WC, Cherry Bus, May 18, 2026
DM
Dario M
We departed about 1.5h late, so we had trouble with the check in of our hotel. Other than that it was ok.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, May 14, 2026
RO
Rowan O
Left from El nido to Puerto Princessa at exactly 9. Did do a few pick up and drop offs along the way for locals. Arrived in PP by 2:30 (15 min later than scheduled). The bus drops you off about 30 min out of town, does offer to take you to the airport for an extra 250 pesos. My group declined and we got a tuk tuk for 200 pesos. Overall it was a smooth experience, bus had AC, did stop midpoint for snacks and bathrooms if needed. There is a bathroom on board, it does start to stink a bit.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Deluxe WC, Cherry Bus, May 8, 2026
SD
Sandrine D
Locals in the front, tourists in the back… Not enough air conditionning.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, JCalbert, May 2, 2026
DB
Daisy B
Bus left on time and stopped for a 15 minute break so we could use the toilet and buy lunch.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Deluxe WC, Cherry Bus, Apr 25, 2026
DO
Dorothee O
The van was not bad and it had Aircon. 🙂 The only thing that could need some improvement is the punctuality, as for the pick up time as well as drop off time. Overall we were satisfied that we took the service.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Apr 25, 2026
AN
Anna N
We booked the shared van for 9 a.m. and arrived half an hour early, as requested. However, it turned out we were apparently the only passengers at that time, and we didn't depart until 10 a.m. They could have sent us a message informing us that our trip was cancelled, so we wouldn't have had to wait 1 1/2 hour at the terminal without any information. Otherwise, the trip was comfortable, and we were dropped off at our desired location halfway through.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Lakkbay Travel Services (Lakkbay Travel service), Apr 25, 2026
MV
Marlene V
We left 15 minutes late, but ended up being 30mins early at the airport so no worries. We were in a bigger van than expected (12 people), but it was no problem, we even had enough space for both of our 50l backpacks. The AC wasn‘t too strong, which I didn‘t mind since we left early in the morning and it wasn‘t too hot anyways. Some people mentioned having motion sickness and asking about sitting in the front and the driver just didn‘t care, but I don‘t know if that‘s always the case. We had one stop in the middle, where you could use the restroom or buy some food if you wanted to.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Minivan, Eulen Joy Express, Apr 15, 2026
RA
Ramiro A
Jason was very nice and he drove very carefully and professional.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Lexxus Shuttle, Apr 14, 2026
L
Ludovica
They didn’t Pick me up at the pickup Point how via WhatsApp agreed. I then walked to the Terminal and was still 10-15 mins early and asked for my Driver. The people there told me he Left early and didn’t want to turn around because he was already to far away? Experience that I cannot reccomend. I was lucky that my flight was the Next day. They somehow managed to put me into a spare van with other people so I somehow got to PPS with a delay of 1.5h. I payed 990P and the other people just 800P what after this day seems pretty unfair to me.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Apr 12, 2026
4.4
493 customer reviews
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El Nido to Puerto Princesa Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Lexxus Shuttle
Private Van 11pax
Any time
+5h
¥14,153
  4.7
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
05:00
10:00
¥1,235
  3.9
Flight
CebGo
Economy
06:50
21:35
¥9,402
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
07:30
12:30
¥1,544
  4.4
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
08:30
20:20
¥15,762
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
09:00
14:00
¥1,235
  3.9
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
09:30
14:30
¥1,391
  4.0
Van
Lexxus Shuttle
Shared van
10:00
15:30
¥1,338
  4.4
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
10:30
15:30
¥1,544
  4.4
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
11:00
16:00
¥1,235
  3.9
Flight
CebGo
Economy
11:25
21:35
¥38,344
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
11:55
20:20
¥21,477
Flight
CebGo
Economy
12:15
21:35
¥22,675
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
13:00
18:00
¥1,235
  3.9
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
13:30
19:30
¥1,391
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
15:00
20:00
¥1,235
  3.9
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
15:30
20:30
¥1,544
  4.4
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
15:50
23:10
¥25,901
Van
Island View Travel
Minivan
17:00
22:00
¥1,391
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
17:30
22:30
¥1,544
  4.4

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¥1,622
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure4:00 AM
Latest Departure10:05 PM
Departures per day6
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAirSWIFT, AirSWIFT, CebGo, CebGo, Cebu Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Cherry Bus, Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours, Kevin John Transport, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Philippine Airlines, Share a Ride Booking Services