Travel Time: Puerto Princesa To El Nido By Bus

Getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Introduction

El Nido is a town in the northern part of Palawan Island, known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, steep karst cliffs, and enchanting lagoons. The journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can be challenging due to its remoteness, but there are several ways to get there. This article will provide an overview of the different travel options, including buses and vans, and compare them based on duration, price, and comfort level.

Bus Options

Taking a bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is one of the most popular options. The journey usually takes between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the number of stops and the type of bus. The bus fare typically ranges from PHP 540 to PHP 760. There are two main bus companies operating on this route: Cherry Bus and Roro Bus. Cherry Bus offers standard, tourist, and VIP buses with prices ranging from PHP 555 to PHP 835. Roro Bus is a cheaper option, with economy buses costing PHP 530, but the journey takes longer, about 8 hours.

Van Options

Another option for travelling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by minivan or shuttle van. This option is slightly more expensive than the bus, but it is also faster, with the journey taking around 5 to 6 hours. Minivan prices start from PHP 625. Some popular van companies include JCalbert, Fortwally, Lexxus Shuttle Palawan, Island View Travel, and Eulen Joy Express. It is recommended to book your van ticket in advance to secure your seat.

Private Transfer

If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible option, you can opt for a private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Rates for a 10-seater van start from PHP 6,200, and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours. This option allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to travel by bus, van, or private transfer, the journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is an essential part of exploring the beauty of Palawan Island. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your budget, time constraints, and preferences when making your choice.

The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing between 290-760 PHP

There are two main bus companies that operate this route: Roro Bus and Cherry Bus. Roro Bus offers economy and air-conditioned buses, with tickets ranging from 290-385 PHP. Cherry Bus has three types of buses: economy, standard/tourist, and VIP. Their ticket prices range from 555-835 PHP. Both companies make stops along the way for passengers to buy food and souvenirs.

The buses depart from the Irawan Bus Terminal, which is about a 30-minute tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport. They arrive at the El Nido Bus Terminal in Corong Corong, from where you can take a tricycle to your accommodation.

While the bus is a more affordable option, it's important to note that the roads are narrow and winding, which can make the journey less comfortable. If you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to consider other transport options or bring motion sickness medication.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the last time information was available for Roro Bus (February 2024), their services were still suspended due to the pandemic. Be sure to check their website or other sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Vans are faster than buses, with the trip taking around 5 hours

There are several van companies plying the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route. These include Eulen Joy Express, Lexxus Shuttle, Fort Wally Travel & Tours, and DayTripper Palawan. The fare is usually between PHP550 and PHP700, and travel time is usually 5 to 6 hours. Vans generally make a stop halfway for a quick restroom break and for passengers to buy snacks and food. Vans drop passengers off at the El Nido Transport Terminal in Corong Corong. From there, you can take a tricycle to your hotel or resort.

Buses, on the other hand, are slower than vans, with the trip taking between 6 and 7 hours. Buses are also less comfortable than vans, with their narrow roads and many turns. There are only two companies that operate buses between Puerto Princesa and El Nido: Roro and Cherry Bus. The fare generally ranges between PHP600 and PHP900, depending on the bus class. There are regular and elite class buses, with the latter being more expensive. Buses usually run every 2 hours, with the first bus departing at 4 am and the last bus at 10 pm.

So, if you're looking for a faster and more convenient way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, vans are definitely the better option.

Vans and buses depart from San Jose Terminal

Vans and buses departing from San Jose Terminal:

Vans

Vans are the quickest way to get to El Nido, taking around 5 hours. Vans are operated by a number of companies, including Eulen Joy, Fort Wally Shuttle Services, and Lexxus Shuttle. The majority of the vans depart from the San Jose Terminal. Vans are a good option if you want the flexibility of more departure times and private bookings.

Tickets and Costs

Tickets to El Nido from Puerto Princesa cost around PHP600-PHP700. Tickets from the airport are usually under PHP700.

Operators

Eulen Joy Express

Eulen Joy Express provides van services within Palawan, between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. You can contact them on +63 915 829 3735.

Fortwally Travel and Tours

Fortwally Travel and Tours is located in Puerto Princesa City and offers daily private and shared minivan services between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan

Lexxus Shuttle Palawan is based in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, and provides private and shared transfers on Palawan island. You can contact them on +63 917 686 1118.

Buses

Buses are another option for getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, although they are slower than vans, taking around 6-7 hours. There are two companies that operate big buses between Puerto Princesa and El Nido: Roro and Cherry Bus.

Tickets and Costs

The bus fare to El Nido generally ranges between PHP600 and PHP900, depending on the bus class. There are regular and elite class buses. Tickets from the airport are slightly more expensive, starting from around PHP500.

Operators

Cherry Bus

Cherry Bus provides standard bus services and offers 3 types of buses for passengers:

• Economy bus: non-airconditioned, starting from PHP555
• Standard or Tourist bus: air-conditioned with television, starting from PHP720
• VIP bus: recliner seats, toilet on board, no stops, starting from PHP835

You can book Cherry Bus tickets online. Their contact details are as follows:

• Phone number: +63 (048) 434 0752 / +63 949 889 3751
• Email: [email protected]

Roro Bus

Roro Bus was cheaper than Cherry Bus, with economy buses costing just PHP530. Their buses are air-conditioned and have television and WiFi on board. The last time information was available (February 2024), this bus operator had not resumed trips to El Nido.

San Jose Terminal

To get to the San Jose Terminal from Puerto Princesa Airport, you can hire a tricycle. The distance is around 6km and the journey should take about 15 minutes.

Vans cost between 550-600 PHP

Vans are a popular option for tourists travelling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Vans cost between 550-600 PHP and the journey takes around 5-6 hours. Vans are faster than buses, but they can be a little cramped and the drivers are known to speed, so it's not the most comfortable option. Vans are also known to wait until they are full before departing, which can mean a long wait.

There are several van companies that operate this route, including:

• Eulen Joy Express
• Lexxuss Shuttle
• Fort Wally Travel & Tours
• DayTripper Palawan
• JCalbert
• Island View Travel

You can book your van in advance, and some companies will pick you up from your hotel. Vans will make a stop halfway through the journey at a local canteen.

Vans are not permitted to enter El Nido town, so you will be dropped off at the El Nido Transport Terminal in Corong Corong. From there, you can take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre.

The journey takes between 5-7 hours

The journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes between 5 and 7 hours. The fastest way to travel is by minivan, which takes around 5 to 5.5 hours. Vans are also the most preferred mode of transport in Palawan Island. Seats fill up quickly, so it's recommended to book at least a day in advance. Vans depart frequently and are operated by several companies, including Eulen Joy, Fort Wally Shuttle Services, and Lexxus Shuttle. The majority of the vans depart from the San Jose Bus Terminal.

The bus is another option and is more comfortable than the van, offering wider legroom, cooler temperatures, and more breathing space. However, the journey is slower, taking 6 to 7 hours. There are only two companies that operate big buses between Puerto Princesa and El Nido: Roro and Cherry Bus. Cherry Bus provides standard bus service and offers three types of buses: economy, standard, and VIP. The economy bus is the cheapest option, while the VIP bus is the most expensive, offering recliner seats, an onboard toilet, and no stops along the way.

The bus and van are not allowed to enter El Nido town due to its small roads. Both will drop passengers off at the El Nido Transport Terminal in Corong Corong. From there, you can take a tricycle to the town centre.

Frequently asked questions