Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Puerto Princesa
El Nido
Mon, Mar 9
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Puerto Princesa to El Nido Destination Reviews

JC
Justin C
Had a very bad experience with Lakkbay Travel and would strongly recommend not booking with them. We were booked on the 11am van from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido. We were waiting from 9:30 when our flight arrived. 11am came and went and no one showed up. No one at the airport had heard of Lakkbay or knew where the vans picked up from either. I messaged and called the number provided multiple times, no one answered. Tried the number we found on Google. No answer. Eventually at 11:30, we got a reply on WhatsApp saying “Staff would contact us”. Then a phone call from another number saying a driver would come and pick us up (turns out Lakkbay Travel is an agent, not the actual bus company). Another 30mins later, a van shows up. We get in and they say this is just the van to take us to this other company’s office (can’t remember the name), not the bus to El Nido. At the office they told us we’d have to wait for a driver to come. They also explained that the van we booked for 11am which didn’t show had left 2 hours early, at 9am, because some of the other customers arrived on an earlier flight. So they just left without us and did not contact us to tell us. We waited at the office for 45 minutes until another bus showed up. We then went BACK to the airport to pick up more people. In the end we didn’t actually head towards El Nido until after 1pm and arrived over 2 hours late. The 12Go info also said they’d drop us to our hotel. They didn’t - they left all 10 passengers at the bus terminal which for us meant another 20 minutes by taxi. Will use another company (and probably get the bus, not a van) next time.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Lakkbay Travel Services (Lakkbay Travel service), Mar 4, 2026
EL
Eveliina L
Shit information. They told us they will pick us up from the airport but we had to walk to their office. Nobody told us this before and some airport guy told us when we asked him. In the office we had to wait a lot and started our trip late. The trip took around 5 hours but we had to stay in the car over 6 hours.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Van, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), Mar 4, 2026
JT
Josef T
all on time
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Van, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), Mar 4, 2026
NA
Nicolas A
Driver wasn't very friendly. He picked up my cousin and I along with another couple from the airport. He was on time and was waiting for at least one other person for about 15-20 minutes past the designated 5:30 pickup time. Then, he brought us to a nearby location where we were told to transfer to another van, which had people in it already. I'm guessing they just wanted to consolidate, which is fine but he should've at least told us that was the plan. We were almost at maximum capacity when we left that second spot...but then we picked up one more person, who sat in the passenger side of the front. Then we went to the gas station to fill up. Why wasn't the van already full of gas? We probably didn't get on the road until about 6:15pm. Even though he was on time as far as picking us up at the airport goes, we were still late in leaving Puerto Princesa. I'll give the driver credit for driving FAST, especially since it was very dark. It felt like we were riding in a roller coaster! We stopped at a restaurant as the halfway point for about 15 minutes. We finally got to our destination but the driver didn't say much as far as info goes. More than anything, the driver should've been more informative and friendly.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, JCalbert, Mar 3, 2026
WY
Wang Y
No any contract information,No right position of
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Lexxus Shuttle, Feb 26, 2026
EW
Elisabeth W
We left 1 hour late, I think because the van was not full. You are supposed to be there 30 min. earlier, then wait and wait....
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Van, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), Feb 22, 2026
JJ
Jan J
No system by unload the people
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Feb 18, 2026
AB
August B
We kept stopping to pick up more people and each time we had to wait the trip should have taken 5 hours but ended up being 6,5 hours.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Shared van, Lakkbay Travel Services (Lakkbay Travel service), Feb 17, 2026
A
Alejandra
The company didn’t have a Van available, so they asked to another one to
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Van Van, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), Feb 15, 2026
RH
Robert H
Simply the best way to travel, not crammed in a van, making multiple stops. Toilet on board, reclining luxurious seats
Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Bus Lazyboy WC, Cherry Bus, Feb 12, 2026
4.4
576 customer reviews
5
44%
4
22%
3
16%
2
18%
1
0%

Puerto Princesa to El Nido Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Private Van 11pax
Any time
+4h
₱5,750
  5.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
03:00
08:00
₱480
  3.6
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
04:00
09:00
₱514
  3.4
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
04:40
11:30
₱18,143
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
05:30
10:30
₱514
  3.4
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
06:05
15:30
₱21,242
Flight
Philippine Airlines
Economy
06:35
19:30
₱13,832
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
07:00
12:00
₱480
  3.6
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
07:30
12:30
₱600
  4.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
08:00
13:00
₱480
  3.6
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
08:40
19:30
₱11,620
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
09:00
14:00
₱480
  3.6
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
09:30
14:30
₱600
  4.0
Van
Fortwally Travel and Tours
Minivan
10:00
15:00
₱514
  3.4
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
10:30
15:30
₱600
  4.0
Bus
Cherry Bus
Lazyboy WC
11:00
17:00
₱760
  4.3
Flight
Cebu Pacific
Economy
12:45
11:00
₱12,605
Van
JCalbert
Shared van
13:30
18:30
₱600
  4.0
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
14:00
19:00
₱480
  3.6
Van
Palajuanders Travel and Tours
Shared van
15:00
20:00
₱480
  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

Travelling between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is possible by Flight, bus, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Flight is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you PHP 665 if you go by Van; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a van which will set you back mere PHP 665.

How long does it take to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

It can take you anywhere between 4 and 8 hours to travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 4h. Flight does a much slower job and take about 7h 40m to reach El Nido.

How much does it cost to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

Travelling between Puerto Princesa and El Nido can be as cheap as PHP 665 if you opt for a Lexxus Shuttle van and as expensive as PHP 665 if you buy a Lexxus Shuttle Van ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Puerto Princesa and El Nido ?

  • 4 from Puerto Princesa to El Nido starting from 11:00 Puerto Princesa until 11:00 Puerto Princesa

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Puerto Princesa and El Nido

Cherry Bus

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Puerto Princesa and El Nido

Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours (Fortwally Transport Service / Fortwally Travel and Tours), Lakkbay Travel Services (Lakkbay Travel service), Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Recaro Transport

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Puerto Princesa and El Nido

Lexxus Shuttle

What is the most popular transport to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with taxi remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 41% bought a taxi ride
  • 36% opted for a bus
  • 22% chosen Bus+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Facts about the transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Cheapest Transport₱630
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure3:00 AM
Latest Departure11:40 PM
Departures per day4
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAirSWIFT, Cebu Pacific, Cherry Bus, Eulen Joy Express, Fortwally Travel and Tours, Lakkbay Travel Services, Lexxus Shuttle, Palajuanders Travel and Tours, Recaro Transport