How to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 01:53 pm

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan where most of the travelers get on the way to Coron or El Nido. In this blog post we will write with all the details how to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by van and bus. Read our travel guide with full information.

Read here Puerto Princesa Itinerary and 10 Days Palawan Itinerary!

Read here how to get to Coron and how to get to El Nido!

Read here how to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River and where to stay in Puerto Princesa!!

BEST TIME TO VISIT PUERTO PRINCESA

This island destination in the Philippines is best enjoyed during the dry season. During this time, visitors can go on different tours, swim in the beautiful waters and enjoy the sun in Puerto Princesa.

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is around October to June since the rain usually falls in the middle of the year. However, Palawan’s wet season does not have typhoons that directly hit the island so going on those months might still be fun.

Click here to check the weather in Puerto Princesa!

El Nido to Puerto Princesa

FROM EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BY VAN

There are daily vans leaving El Nido from 4 am to 10 pm on the way to Puerto Princesa.El Nido to Puerto Princesa travel time is 5 hours. And vans fare starting from 550-650 PHP. It will stop once half of the way for 20-30 minutes break where you can have lunch or buy snacks.

The only challenge the van is not very comfortable comparing to the bus and depending with seat you have can make an uncomfortable journey. The best thing the van will stop from El Nido to Puerto Princesa airport.

Make sure you book one day in advance. If not you can get them in El Nido Bus Terminal close to Corong Corong Beach just 2 kilometers far from El Nido town.

Click here to book El Nido to Puerto Princesa van transfer!

El Nido to Puerto Princesa Van Schedule

 El Nido to Puerto Princesa van schedule is from 5 am to 7 pm. And there are a few companies Diskubre Transport, Fort Wally, Eulen Joy Express, Day Tripper Rems Katar, Lexxus Shuttle. Similar prices from 550-700 PHP.

Take note that the schedule isn’t fixed and it can have changes!

PROS EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA VAN

It can be really comfortable since the vans are going to the airport. The vans aren’t leaving until they are full and it can get full in 10-20 minutes. It’s the fastest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa Airport.

Great option if you are traveling light. You can book in advance if not you will have to go to El Nido Bus Terminal.

Click here to book El Nido to Puerto Princesa van transfer!

CONS EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA VAN

The main problem in the van if you don’t get a sit in the first line (there are 3-4 lines). It can be uncomfortable especially if you are tall. If you are bringing a lot of luggage you will have to pay an extra seat. The van is little bit more expensive than the bus.

FROM EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BY BUS

From El Nido to Puerto Princesa travel time by bus is about 6 hours. Buses departure is around 4 am without air condition PHP 400 to 10 pm air condition bus for the Roro 500 PHP bus lines which costs less than the Cherry Bus line, charging for 450 PHP. 

From El Nido to the Bus Terminal you can ride a trycicle for 50 PHP. Once in San Jose Bus Terminal there are multicabs going to the city for 15 PHP or tricycle if you prefer more comfort. There are only 6 kilometers distance from the Bus Terminal to the proper town.

NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BUS SCHEDULE

Buses departure is around 4 am without air condition PHP 400 to 10 pm air condition bus for the Roro 500 PHP bus lines which costs less than the Cherry Bus line, charging for 450 PHP. Buses are running every 1-2 hours from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

Take note that the schedule isn’t fixed and it can have changes!

PROS EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BUS

You will have more space in your seat especially in the night bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa at 10 pm. And it’s more comfortable. If you are bringing so much luggage they will not charge extra (in the van if you bring two backpacks or suitcases maybe you will have to depending on the extra space in the van).

If you take the last bus at night from El Nido you will be able to save one night of accommodation and enjoy in Puerto Princesa first thing in the morning.

CONS EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BUS

It will take longer! You have to ride a tricycle from San Jose Bus Terminal to Puerto Princesa airport 120-150 PHP. It’s 6 kilometers far. It will take 20 minutes.

The buses are running every 1-2 hours. And the ride will take at least 1-2 hours longer than the van. Just for saving $1-2 USD per person comparing with van prices.

Click here to book in advance the Puerto Princesa to El Nido bus fare

El Nido to Puerto Princesa Flight

There are no direct flights between El Nido and Puerto Princesa. So the most convenient option would be the ones mentioned above by van or by bus.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO PRINCESA

THE COLONIAL

For our staying we chose a new hotel The Colonial a small boutique hotel close to the beach. We loved staying close to the beach for sunset, sunrise and especially when we are traveling with Han since he loves it. The hotel is so beautiful and we love it the restaurant with the small pool. Food was delicious and internet working amazing before our trip to Balabac.

If you are wondering about the staff we have no words for them. We were leaving at 3 am and they took care of us. Since wake up call and also they prepared an amazing Filipino breakfast for takeaway. What a surprise!

Click here to check prices and availability!

SHEEBANG HOSTEL

Loved by its warm and friendly staff, Sheebang Hostel’s Rooms have air-conditioned units, private bathrooms with toiletries, and free wifi. The breakfast served in the hostel is continental. It is also very near to Puerto Princesa Airport, only 1.9 km away. The bar is also the favorite place of guests to hang out. A night in their Double Room with Private Bathroom costs about $20 USD.

SHEEBANG HOSTEL is located at F. Ponce de Leon Road, Barangay San Pedro, Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Click here to check their availability and book your stay!

PRINCESA GARDEN ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

Having pride with their large outdoor pool, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa is also a large resort featuring rooms, suites, villas with free WiFi, fitness center, three restaurants, and on-site water sports facilities for guests to love. Their rooms, suites, and villas all have a flat-screen TV, a safe, a seating area and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, and equipped with air-conditioning units.

The three restaurants differ in their food offers. Tomato and Basil Cuisina Italiana offers Italian cuisine. While local and international cuisine is served at Rice. Lastly, Sala Lobby Lounge offers cocktails and drinks. Breakfast is also a buffet that guests will enjoy. A night in their Princesa Classic Room costs about $140 USD.

PRINCESA GARDEN ISLAND RESORT AND SPA is located at Barangay Bancao-bancao, Caniguiran, Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Click here to check their availability and book your stay!

AZIZA PARADISE HOTEL

Featuring a vibrant and lively atmosphere, Aziza Paradise Hotel entertains by arranging live bands on site in the evenings. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning units, a flat-screen TV, a balcony/terrace, and a private bathroom. Guests really enjoy the swimming pool as it is very well maintained and very well designed. Also, the staff is very helpful and accommodating. A night in their Deluxe Room with breakfast costs about $100 USD.

AZIZA PARADISE HOTEL is located at BM Road, Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Click here to check their availability and book your stay!

We love the choices they have in Puerto Princesa that start from as low as 700 PHP per night. Cool, right? What’s even cooler is you can Click here to get a great deal off your first booking with AirBnB!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION BEFORE YOU TRIP WITH BOOKING!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH AGODA!

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Happy travels!