Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Puerto Princesa
El Nido
Fri, May 22
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Puerto Princesa to El Nido Destination Reviews

CM
Camilla M
The drive itself was okay and felt save. But.. They picked me up at my accomodation at 10:30. But before the actually drive to el nido starts we were waiting at least one hours because another guest was late. So we were of course in el nido 1,5 hours later then expected. Another thing is, that they charged me 500 Php for my suitcase. I knew, that they probably charge me a bit for overweight (maximum 10 kg are allowed) but 500 was quiet a lot and other guests didn't needed to pay extra fees. It was just me. Thats not fair. One other guest has a backpack with more weight than me and didn't need to pay. They should charge everyone with overweight or no one. But not some people yes and some people no.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Van, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), May 19, 2026
JD
Jessye D
The driver arrived on time and the communication between myself and one of the operators was excellent - she contacted me via WhatsApp, told me exactly where to go and when the driver would be there. The drive to El Nido was long but we did get a pit stop to use the toilet and buy food and drinks. The standard of driving was pretty crazy and pretty nerve-wracking at times but we made it in one piece. We had a full bus from the start but the driver picked someone else up along the way who sat in the back with 3 others - it looked like a very tight squeeze and pretty uncomfortable. When making the booking, I was asked where I wanted to be dropped off so I named the accommodation I was staying at in El Nido town. We were all under the impression that we were getting dropped off at our accommodation. A Filipino family who were on the bus got dropped off at theirs first just outside of town and then shortly after the driver told the rest of us to get out too and that we had to go the rest of the way via tuktuk which cost an additional 150 pesos. None of us were expecting to have to pay an extra fee as we thought we’d arranged to get dropped off at our accommodations and this wasn’t mentioned at all during the ride. Something to be mindful of when booking.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Share a Ride Booking Services, May 19, 2026
TT
Theo T
Very disappointing experience with this transfer service. The van was supposed to leave at 1 PM, but the trip was extremely disorganized with constant unnecessary stops. We were even forced to change vehicles during the journey without any proper explanation. On top of that, the staff asked us to pay extra because one passenger was apparently missing, which was absolutely not our responsibility. Poor communication, stressful experience, and very unprofessional management. I would not recommend this service.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, May 19, 2026
AS
Anne S
We were picked up at our hotel and dropped at the location stated on the booking. The driver took two bathroom breaks, which was needed on a nearly six hour drive. However, the van was very crammed and not comfortable. We arrived nearly an hour after what was stated on the booking, even though the driver drove quite fast. The communication was also not great, the person behind the contact number could not even tell me the van license plate the morning of our booking and the van ended up being branded by a different company, which made things confusing. The driver made no effort to speak English and other passengers had to translate for us how long the breaks were etc.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, JCalbert, May 17, 2026
PC
Philip C
Bus was clean and comfortable grate driver
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, May 15, 2026
C
Christopher
Comfortable, on time departure and early arrival. Our hotel even helped arrange transfer with the bus company to the pickup point
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, May 13, 2026
PP
Paul P
It was a good ride. Going via Van is the fastest way from Puerto Princesa to El Nido Center. Airport and Hotel pickup are available. Yes the car is stacked with people but everyone still has his own seat. The legroom could be a little bit better but suffices.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Share a Ride Booking Services, May 7, 2026
AD
Anna D
The driver used 2 more hours than anticipated to drive til El Nido, because he had to stop the vehicle so many times. He was also smoking weed while driving, which caused the ride to be very bumpy and not that comfortable.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Apr 28, 2026
LB
Laura B
The van never showed up, we sitting in the heat at a random petrol station for hours.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Apr 24, 2026
K
Khaled
Pick up point is outside if the airport, u can't take carts out, so if u have heavy bags, that would be an issue. Pick was was late, my departure time was supposed to be at 7am, i was there 6.30am, untill 8.15 am no one showed, i had a whatsapp number to communicate with someone that kept on telling me driver is on the way for more than an hour! As he was "picking" other people up. Eventually, another bus came and didnt have my name on the list, but i managed to get on it. As of the ride, if you're planning on going to Elnido, do your best to try to avoid that drive, very bendy roads, u wont be enjoying the ride at all, even if the ride was private. I recommend planning to arrive through Elnido airport directly.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Apr 20, 2026
4.4
636 customer reviews
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Puerto Princesa to El Nido Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Private Van 11pax
Any time
+4h
$93.15
  5.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
03:00
08:00
$7.78
  3.6
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
04:00
09:00
$8.74
  3.4
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
04:40
11:30
$308.29
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
05:30
10:30
$8.74
  3.4
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
06:05
15:30
$360.95
Flight
Philippine Airlines
Economy
06:35
19:30
$235.61
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
07:00
12:00
$7.78
  3.6
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
07:30
12:30
$9.72
  4.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
08:00
13:00
$7.78
  3.6
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
08:40
19:30
$197.44
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
09:00
14:00
$7.78
  3.6
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
09:30
14:30
$9.72
  4.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
10:00
15:00
$8.74
  3.4
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
10:30
15:30
$9.72
  4.0
Bus
Cherry Bus
Lazyboy WC
11:00
17:00
$12.31
  4.3
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
12:45
11:00
$214.72
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
13:30
18:30
$9.72
  4.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
14:00
19:00
$7.78
  3.6
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
15:00
20:00
$7.78
  3.6

What is the traditional food of El Nido?

Local cuisine in El Nido prominently features seafood, given its coastal location. Traditional dishes include kinilaw, a Filipino ceviche made with raw fish marinated in vinegar and citrus juices, often mixed with onions and peppers. Adobo, a dish made with chicken or pork simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, is also popular. Rice is a staple accompaniment. For a sweet treat, try halo-halo, a dessert made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a mix of fruits and sweet beans.

Dining options range from local eateries (carinderias) offering meals for around 100 PHP ($2) to mid-range restaurants where meals cost 300-500 PHP ($5-$9). Remember that tap water is not safe to drink in El Nido, so it is advisable to use bottled water.

What is the lifestyle like in El Nido?

El Nido offers a laid-back lifestyle, appealing to tourists and locals alike. Public transportation includes tricycles and boats, with tricycles costing around PHP 10-50 ($0.20-$1) depending on distance. Popular activities include island hopping tours, snorkeling, and diving, showcasing the area's marine biodiversity. Dining options range from local eateries serving Filipino dishes to international restaurants, with meals typically costing PHP 150-400 ($3-$7).

The local markets provide fresh produce and seafood, reflecting the region's reliance on fishing and agriculture. Visitors are advised to drink bottled water, as tap water may not be safe for consumption. Local customs emphasize respect and friendliness, with English widely spoken, making communication easier for travelers. Accommodations vary from budget hostels to luxury resorts, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Does Puerto Princesa get more tourists than El Nido?

While Puerto Princesa and El Nido both attract tourists, they cater to different interests. Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to Palawan and is known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It typically receives more tourists due to its accessibility via the international airport and its role as a transportation hub.

El Nido, famous for its limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours, draws more visitors seeking beach and nature experiences. However, it is less accessible, requiring a longer journey from Puerto Princesa by van or bus (approximately 5-6 hours). Therefore, while Puerto Princesa might see more overall tourists due to transit, El Nido is often the primary destination for those specifically interested in coastal and marine activities.

How to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

If you need to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido your choice is rather limited: you can opt either for a bus or a shuttle van.

How far is El Nido from Puerto Princesa?

The distance between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is approximately 230 kilometres.

How long does a trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido take?

You will need between 5 hours and 9 hours to get to El Nido.

What is the price of tickets for the Puerto Princesa–El Nido trip?

The ticket price depends on your choice of transportation but expect to shell out from PHP500 one way.

How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa airport

Puerto Princesa airport is a gateway to the island of Palawan and sits slightly to the north of the centre of the island. El Nido, also on Palawan, is located in the northern part of the island. To get to El Nido, take a regular shuttle van from the airport – try Lexxus Shuttle.

How often do vans depart from the airport?

There are regular departures every hour and a half or every two hours depending on the time of the day.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets normally cost under PHP700.

How long does a trip from Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido takes?

The trip takes between 6 and 7 hours. The airport is located some 40 km south of the city of Puerto Princesa, and the major part of the road leading up north to the city is quite winding. Thus it takes about one hour longer to get to El Nido from the airport than from the city of Puerto Princesa.

A word of warning

There are different vans waiting for passengers outside the airport building. They come to meet each flight and depart for El Nido only when full. In certain cases this can mean hours (!) of waiting as if there are not enough passengers, drivers will wait for the next flight. It is important that you realize this especially if you are pressed of time.

How to get from Puerto Princesa Town to El Nido by bus

The Puerto Princesa-El Nido route is served by big buses, too. There are both air-conditioned and non-aircon buses; some offer on-board entertainment systems and even Wi-Fi.

Where do buses to El Nido depart from?

Buses to El Nido depart from San Jose Terminal.

How much time does a bus need to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa?

Bussing to El Nido takes from 6 to 9 hours.

Which companies ply the route between Puerto Princesa and El Nido?

There are only two companies that operate big buses between Puerto Princesa and El Nido: Roro and Cherry Bus.

What is the bus fare to El Nido?

The fare generally ranges between PHP600 and PHP900, depending on the bus class. There are regular and elite class buses.

Are there many departures during the day?

Buses usually run every 2 hours with the first bus departing at 4am and the last bus at 10pm.

Are there night buses from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

Yes, there are night buses but some of them arrive somewhat inconveniently in the small hours – between 2am and 4am. It means that you probably won’t save any bucks on a hotel room, alas.

How to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van

Vans from Puerto Princesa town to El Nido depart frequently and are operated by a number of companies. The majority of the vans depart from the same bus terminal which serves big buses – San Jose.

What are the popular van operators between Puerto Princesa and El Nido?

The most popular operators are Eulen Joy, Fort Wally Shuttle Services, and Lexxus Shuttle.

How long does a van travel to El Nido last?

Vans are the quickest way to get to El Nido – expect the trip to last about 5 hours.

How much do van tickets cost?

Van tickets to El Nido from Puerto Princesa cost PHP600-PHP700.

Travelling to El Nido by bus or van? Read these simple tips

Sit on the left side of the bus or van if you are traveling during the daytime and you will be rewarded with a view of the sea as you approach El Nido.

There is a short stretch of a relatively rough road between Puerto Princesa and El Nido – hence the travel time.

All buses and vans make a stop about halfway between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton for a quick meal and toilet.

Transportation from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Facts about the transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure9:30 PM
Departures per day7
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesCebGo, CebGo, CebGo, Cebu Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Cherry Bus, Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours, Kevin John Transport, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Share a Ride Booking Services