El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido to Puerto Princesa

El Nido
Puerto Princesa
Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
0 Passengers
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Sort by
Filters
Departure time
Price
Arrival time
 
 
 
 
 

El Nido to Puerto Princesa Destination Reviews

J
The communication with the operator was not great and the driver was driving too fast and a but dangerous.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Nov 5, 2025
F
The ride was not comfortable and I was sharing a 2 sitter with a woman and her kid. Also the ride took an extra hours than advertised
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Oct 31, 2025
AB
It was an awesome comfortable way to get between El Nido and Puerto Princesa without the squeeze of a mini bus
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, Oct 21, 2025
JV
We should have left at 7 am. But left at 08.30. They will wait untill the bus is full. We arrived one hour later than the ETA at the airport. The ride itself was fine. They had some sanitary stops and they stopped 15 minutes to eat at a restaurant.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Oct 14, 2025
EC
It was really uncomfortable, there were too many people in the van, we were touching knees. The driver rode fast and you could feel every curve... And then we ended up waiting 45 minutes because of internal problems... Almost lost our flight (and it was supposed to leave 3 hours after the arrival)... No communication at all.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Aug 10, 2025
GS
At least 1 hour delay. We wasted 1 hour picking up everyone. We should have started 1 hour earlier to be on time. Some guys have plans and need to be on time
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Jun 16, 2025
AA
Choosing cherry bus is truly a better option than using a van (either private or shared ones). I would like to say thanks a bunch to Mr. Poland C. Inao because you have driven so well on the winding roads from El Nido to Puerto Princesa, so that it doesn't make my stomach queasy for about 5 hours (even though I had anticipated it by take "antimo" when we started leaving the terminal). Additionally, they offer us a drop-off option e.g. to airport, hotel and etc. with a reasonable extra charge.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, Jun 2, 2025
LJ
Bad Communication, you have to pay 400pesos extra to actually get to destination
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, May 30, 2025
ET
Was a lot quicker than I expected. Lovely driver. Good temperature. Not cramped. The place we stopped for lunch was average. Left kye but arrived early . Seems to be the vibe around here
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, May 19, 2025
ML
We were picked up late from the Terminal, seated at the back end of vehicle making our trip very uncomfortable, shaky and rocky. Driver is too fast, over speeding! We thank God, we arrived safe despite the experience. The only reward we had from the driver, he dropped us off in our place.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa, Van Shared van, Lexxus Shuttle, May 14, 2025
4.4
344 customer reviews
5
48%
4
25%
3
17%
2
10%
1
0%

El Nido to Puerto Princesa Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Lexxus Shuttle
Private Van 11pax
Any time
+5h
£70.78
  4.7
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
05:00
10:00
£6.18
  3.9
Flight
CebGo
Economy
06:50
21:35
£44.90
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
07:30
12:30
£7.72
  4.4
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
08:30
20:20
£75.28
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
09:00
14:00
£6.18
  3.9
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
09:30
14:30
£6.65
  4.0
Van
Lexxus Shuttle
Shared van
10:00
15:30
£6.69
  4.4
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
10:30
15:30
£7.72
  4.4
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
11:00
16:00
£6.18
  3.9
Flight
CebGo
Economy
11:25
21:35
£183.13
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
11:55
20:20
£102.57
Flight
CebGo
Economy
12:15
21:35
£108.30
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
13:00
18:00
£6.18
  3.9
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
13:30
19:30
£6.65
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
15:00
20:00
£6.18
  3.9
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
15:30
20:30
£7.72
  4.4
Flight
AirSWIFT
Economy
15:50
23:10
£123.70
Van
Island View Travel
Minivan
17:00
22:00
£6.65
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
17:30
22:30
£7.72
  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£9
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure4:00 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day10
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAirSWIFT, CebGo, Cebu Pacific, Cherry Bus, Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours, Lakkbay Travel Services, Lexxus Shuttle, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Recaro Transport