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
Experience the ease of reaching El Nido through Air Swift’s exclusive daily flights. Connecting from Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Coron, and Boracay, Air Swift also serves as the charter company for El Nido Resorts. This route stands as the quickest and most direct passage to El Nido. Touching down at Lio Airport, located around 4 kilometers from midtown, you’ll find tricycle drivers awaiting your arrival to take you on a 15-minute journey into town. If you prefer, your accommodation might arrange a convenient pickup for you.
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. The fare is approximately Php 2640 for a one-way trip, 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.
