Getting to El Nido takes planning — there is no direct flight from Manila, and the journey involves at least two legs. But the options have improved significantly, and with the right choice for your budget and schedule, the journey is straightforward. Here is every option compared.
Table of Contents
- Overview: Ways to Get to El Nido
- Option 1: Manila → Puerto Princesa → Van to El Nido (Budget Route)
- Option 2: Manila → Puerto Princesa → AirSWIFT to El Nido
- Option 3: AirSWIFT Direct from Manila (Clark or Manila)
- Option 4: Ferry from Coron to El Nido
- Which Option Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan Your El Nido Trip
- Overview: Ways to Get to El Nido
- Option 1: Manila → Puerto Princesa → Van to El Nido (Budget Route)
- Option 2: Manila → Puerto Princesa → AirSWIFT to El Nido
- Option 3: AirSWIFT Direct from Manila (Clark or Manila)
- Option 4: Ferry from Coron to El Nido
- Which Option Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan Your El Nido Trip
Overview: Ways to Get to El Nido
| Route | Total Time | Cost (PHP) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila → PPS → Van → El Nido | 8–9 hrs | 2,200–5,300 | Budget travellers |
| Manila → PPS → AirSWIFT → El Nido | 3.5–4 hrs | 5,000–11,500 | Time-savers |
| Coron → El Nido (ferry) | 4–5 hrs | 1,800–2,500 | Island-hoppers |
| Manila → El Nido (AirSWIFT direct) | ~1.5 hrs | 4,500–9,000 | Premium option |
Option 1: Manila → Puerto Princesa → Van to El Nido (Budget Route)
This is how most budget travellers reach El Nido. Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (PPS) with Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines, then take a shared van to El Nido.
Manila to Puerto Princesa
- Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia
- Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cost: 1,500–3,500 PHP one-way (book 4–6 weeks ahead for best fares)
- Frequency: 8–12 flights daily from Manila
Puerto Princesa to El Nido (Van)
- Operators: Cherry Bus, Roro Bus, multiple van services from San Jose terminal
- Duration: 5–6 hours (road is mostly paved but winding)
- Cost: 600–800 PHP per person
- Departures: Multiple daily from 6 AM; last van around 2 PM
- Book ahead: Book van online or at PPS airport arrival hall to guarantee a seat
Total budget route cost: ~2,200–4,300 PHP per person one-way. The van journey is long but the road passes through stunning Palawan jungle — many travellers enjoy it.
Option 2: Manila → Puerto Princesa → AirSWIFT to El Nido
AirSWIFT operates a 35-minute turboprop flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido (Lio Airport). This cuts the 5-hour van journey to under an hour.
- Flight time: 35 minutes PPS → El Nido (Lio Airport)
- Cost: 3,500–7,000 PHP one-way depending on season and booking timing
- Frequency: 2–3 flights daily
- Aircraft: Small turboprop (19 seats) — book well ahead in peak season
Total cost via AirSWIFT: ~5,000–10,500 PHP per person one-way. Worth it if your time is limited or you want to avoid the van journey.
Option 3: AirSWIFT Direct from Manila (Clark or Manila)
AirSWIFT also operates seasonal direct flights from Manila (Ninoy Aquino) and Clark to El Nido Lio Airport.
- Flight time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Cost: 4,500–9,000 PHP one-way
- Frequency: Limited — check AirSWIFT schedule for current routes
- Best for: Travellers who want the fastest possible journey and are willing to pay a premium
Option 4: Ferry from Coron to El Nido
If you are island-hopping through Palawan, the Coron–El Nido ferry is a popular route. It connects two of the Philippines’ top destinations in a single journey.
- Operators: 2GO Travel, Montenegro Lines, various speedboat services
- Duration: 4–5 hours (fast ferry) or 8–10 hours (slow ferry overnight)
- Cost: 1,800–2,500 PHP (fast ferry); 800–1,200 PHP (slow ferry)
- Frequency: Daily in peak season; reduced in rainy season
- Note: Ferries can be cancelled in rough weather (July–September)
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Tight budget, time flexible | Manila → PPS flight + van |
| Limited time (5 days or less) | Manila → PPS + AirSWIFT, or direct AirSWIFT |
| Combining Coron + El Nido | Fly into one, ferry between, fly out of other |
| Group of 4+ with luggage | Van from PPS (comfortable, cost-effective) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight to El Nido from Manila?
Yes — AirSWIFT operates direct flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 4) and Clark to El Nido’s Lio Airport. These are small turboprop aircraft with limited seats and higher prices than the Manila–Puerto Princesa route. Check AirSWIFT’s website for current schedules as routes vary seasonally.
How long is the van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The van journey takes 5–6 hours depending on road conditions and stops. The road is mostly paved but winding through mountainous jungle terrain. Vans make 1–2 comfort stops. Most travellers find the journey manageable — bring snacks, a neck pillow, and download entertainment. The scenery through central Palawan is genuinely beautiful.
How do I get from El Nido airport (Lio) to town?
Lio Airport is 3 km north of El Nido town. Tricycles meet arriving flights and charge 150–200 PHP to town. Some hotels offer free airport transfers — confirm when booking. The ride takes 10–15 minutes.
Plan Your El Nido Trip
Resources: where to stay · budget guide · 7-day itinerary · best time to visit
| Platform | Best For | El Nido Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Hotels, resorts, free cancellation | View deals → |
| Agoda | Best Asia prices, loyalty rewards | View deals → |
| Klook | Tours & activities | Browse tours → |
