How to Get to El Nido: Your Path to Paradise
Navigate your way to El Nido with diverse transportation options—air, land, or sea—tailored to your preferences for an unforgettable journey.
Direct Flights to El Nido
The easiest way to reach El Nido is by flying directly into El Nido Airport (ENI).
If you’re flying into Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you’re in luck:
- There are direct flights from Cebu to El Nido
- Flight time: around 1 hour 50 minutes
- Airline: Cebu Pacific
You can book flights via the official website:
https://www.cebupacificair.com
If you want the most straightforward route from Luzon, fly into Clark International Airport, not Manila.
- Cebu Pacific operates direct flights from Clark to El Nido
This is currently the most reliable direct connection to El Nido from the Manila region.
Clark is becoming a major international gateway. Some of the Airlines currently operating direct international flights to Clark include: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Cathay Pacific, Starlux Airlines, EVA Air (via Taipei), Jetstar Asia (via Singapore), Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, HK Express, China Eastern Airlines, Cebu Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo).
These routes connect Clark directly to major hubs across the Middle East and Asia, including Dubai, Doha, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Busan, Bangkok, and Tokyo.
Routes and airlines at Clark International Airport can change depending on season and demand, as the airport continues to expand with new international connections, so always check your airline schedule before booking.
This is a common mistake:
- Clark International Airport is NOT in Manila
- It is located in Pampanga (about 80–100 km north of Manila)
Always double-check your arrival airport when booking flights to the Philippines.
If you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), you will still need to travel to Clark to catch a direct flight to El Nido.
Travel time depends heavily on traffic:
- Early morning / late night: ~1.5 to 2 hours
- Normal daytime traffic: ~2 to 3 hours
- Peak hours (rush hour): 3 to 4+ hours
Manila traffic can be unpredictable, always allow extra time.
- Private Car / Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab)
- Most convenient option
- Best for groups or lots of luggage
- Travel time varies depending on traffic
- P2P Bus (Point-to-Point)
- Direct bus from NAIA to Clark
- Affordable and comfortable
- Travel time: ~2 to 3 hours (longer in traffic)
Flying into Puerto Princesa followed by Van Travel to El Nido
Embark on an economical but slightly longer journey by opting for land travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. To start, fly into Puerto Princesa Airport in Central Palawan. As an international hub, the airport hosts regular flights from Manila and Cebu via carriers like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and other local airlines.
Overnight Stay in Puerto Princesa
Should an overnight stay in Puerto Princesa intrigue you, we recommend the Hibiscus Garden Inn. This inviting hotel is enveloped in a lush tropical garden ambiance. Alternatively, consider the Balay Tuko Garden Inn, situated on the outskirts of town. This resort combines modern aesthetics with local design, boasting diverse room selections and a spacious indoor swimming pool nestled amid a tropical haven.
From Puerto Princesa, a journey of about 220 kilometers along the highway leads you to El Nido. You have multiple options for this leg of the trip:
Van: A 5 to 6-hour journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is facilitated by numerous companies offering daily departures from the Puerto Princesa airport. Vans will be readily available at the terminal.
Car or Motorbike Rental: For a more personalized pace, consider renting a car or motorbike. Embarking on a road trip through the northern part of Palawan provides a splendid way to encounter the region. Rental shops around Puerto Princesa offer weekly or monthly options. This allows you to make stops in villages, savor the rustic countryside views, and perhaps explore Tay-Tay’s Spanish fortress ruins, enjoy a meal at Roxas’s Pho Hoa Vietnamese Noodle House, or unwind in Port Barton.
Note: Given the limited parking in El Nido, ensure your chosen accommodation offers parking facilities.
Bus: If previous options don’t align with your preferences, taking a bus might be appealing. Sharing the journey with locals offers unique insights. Two companies operate the Puerto Princesa – El Nido route daily. Cherry Bus comes highly recommended for its comfort and affordability in comparison to standard vans. Travel time may vary due to stopovers. Seek out buses equipped with air conditioning and spacious seats (lazyboy). Keep in mind that Puerto Princesa’s bus terminal is situated 2 km from the airport, outside of town. Coordination with tricycle drivers will be necessary for transportation. Another option is Roro bus.
Sea Travel via Coron
Montenegro and Atienza Shipping Lines offers fast craft services for the Coron – El Nido and El Nido – Coron routes with the crossing taking 3 to 5 hours.
El Nido – Coron:
- Montenegro: Daily at 12:30PM
- Atienza: Mon to Sat 12:30PM
Coron – El Nido:
- Montenegro: Daily at 7:00AM
- Atienza: Mon to Sat 7:00AM
Tao Philippines:
If time permits, explore the Tao Philippines website. Their expeditions unveil the undeveloped islands of Northern Palawan province. This remarkable experience showcases the most exquisite beaches and islands of Palawan, adding another layer of wonder to your journey.
