Just landed at Puerto Princesa International Airport and wondering how to get to El Nido? You are in the right place. This guide covers every transport option available in 2026, including prices, travel times, and honest pros and cons so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
Your Options for Getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
There are four ways to travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Here is a quick comparison before we go into detail:
| Option | Price | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared van transfer | ₱750/person | 5–6 hours | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
| Private van transfer | ₱7,500/van | 5 hours | Groups, families, airport pickup |
| Public bus | ₱350–450/person | 6–8 hours | Backpackers with no time pressure |
| Flight (via Manila) | ₱3,000–8,000+ | 4–5 hours total | Travelers with tight schedules |
Option 1 — Shared Van Transfer (Most Popular)
A shared van transfer is the most popular way tourists get from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido. You share the van with up to 11 other passengers and pay per seat. The van picks up passengers from the airport and a few city hotels before heading north along the national highway.
Price: ₱750 per person
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours
Departure times: Multiple daily departures from 5:30 AM
Pickup: Puerto Princesa Airport or your hotel
Drop-off: El Nido town center or Corong Corong
The shared van is a great balance of price and comfort. The vehicles are air-conditioned and include a lunch stop in Roxas or Taytay where you can eat at your own expense. The main downside is that you cannot choose your exact departure time and must fit the scheduled slots.
Option 2 — Private Van Transfer (Best for Airport Pickup)
A private van gives you the entire vehicle. You choose the departure time, your driver will be waiting at the arrival hall with your name on a signboard, and you go directly to your resort in El Nido without stopping to pick up other passengers.
Price: ₱7,500 per van (up to 10 passengers)
Travel time: 5 hours or less
Departure: Any time you choose
Pickup: Puerto Princesa Airport, directly at arrivals
Drop-off: Your hotel or resort in El Nido
If your flight is delayed, your private van driver tracks it in real time and waits at no extra charge. This makes a private transfer by far the least stressful option for anyone arriving by air. For a group of four or more, the cost per person is actually similar to or less than a shared van.
Option 3 — Public Bus
A public bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is the cheapest option but also the most time-consuming and least comfortable. Buses depart from the San Jose terminal in Puerto Princesa, not from the airport, so you need to take a tricycle from the airport to the terminal first.
Price: ₱350–450 per person
Travel time: 6 to 8 hours
Departure point: San Jose Bus Terminal (not the airport)
Drop-off: El Nido town center
Buses are not air-conditioned on all routes and make many unscheduled stops. If you are a backpacker with no fixed resort booking and plenty of time, the bus is fine. For most tourists, the van transfer is worth the extra cost.
Option 4 — Flight via Manila
There is no direct flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The nearest airport to El Nido is Lio Airport (ENI), which you can reach via Manila on small aircraft. This route involves flying Manila → El Nido directly on Island Transvoyager Inc (ITI) or connecting through Coron.
Price: ₱3,000–8,000+ per person depending on booking time
Total time: 4 to 5 hours including connections and check-in
Best for: Business travelers or those with limited time in Palawan
For most tourists already in Puerto Princesa, flying is neither practical nor necessary. The van transfer is the standard choice.
Step-by-Step: Arriving at Puerto Princesa Airport and Heading to El Nido
- Land at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). The airport is small and easy to navigate. Baggage claim is one hall and you are outside within 20 minutes of landing for most domestic flights.
- Exit the arrivals area. For booked van transfers, your driver will be waiting outside arrivals with your name on a signboard. Look for the signboard area just past the exit doors.
- Load your luggage and depart. Luggage goes in the van’s rear compartment. The driver will confirm your El Nido drop-off before you leave.
- Lunch stop in Roxas or Taytay (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in). The driver stops for 30 to 40 minutes so you can eat, use the restroom, and stretch your legs. Most stops have simple Filipino restaurants with meals under ₱200.
- Arrive in El Nido. Private vans drop you at your resort. Shared vans drop off at El Nido town center or Corong Corong, from where a tricycle to your resort costs ₱50 to ₱150 depending on distance.
What to Expect on the Road
The Puerto Princesa to El Nido route covers 264 km along Palawan’s main national highway. The road passes through the towns of Roxas and Taytay — both scenic and worth a window view. The road is paved the entire way and in good condition for most of the route.
The final 30 km approaching El Nido gets more winding as the road follows the coastline through hilly terrain. Some travelers experience mild motion sickness here. If you are prone to it, sit in the front seat and take medication before departure.
When to Book Your Transfer
Book at least 24 hours before your travel date. During peak season — November to May — vans fill up fast and departure slots on popular times like 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM are gone days in advance. Booking online or via WhatsApp the day before at minimum is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the van transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido take?
Approximately 5 to 6 hours for a shared van and around 5 hours for a private van. The route is 264 km via the national highway.
Is there a direct bus from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido?
No. Public buses depart from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa city, not from the airport. You would need a tricycle from the airport to the terminal first. A van transfer picks you up directly at the airport.
Can I book a same-day van transfer from the airport?
Sometimes, but it depends on availability. It is always better to book in advance. If you need a same-day transfer, message us on WhatsApp and we will check what is available.
Ready to book your Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido transfer? Check availability and book online here or message us directly on WhatsApp at +63 948 108 7090.
