El Nido is remote — that is part of its appeal. Getting there requires planning. Here are all the options, with honest assessments of each.
Table of Contents
Option 1: Fly Direct to El Nido (Lio Airport)
The fastest and most convenient option. AirSWIFT operates direct flights from Manila (Ninoy Aquino) to El Nido’s Lio Airport (ENI). Flight time: ~1 hour 20 minutes. Frequency: 2–3 flights daily in peak season, 1–2 in low season.
Cost: 3,500–8,000 PHP one-way depending on season and booking lead time. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for reasonable prices; last-minute fares can exceed 12,000 PHP.
Best for: Travellers prioritising time over cost. The only option if you have fewer than 5 days.
Option 2: Fly to Puerto Princesa + Van to El Nido
The most popular budget option. Multiple airlines (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia) fly Manila–Puerto Princesa (PPS) for 1,500–4,000 PHP. From Puerto Princesa, shared vans run to El Nido (5–6 hours, 600–800 PHP).
Total cost: 2,100–4,800 PHP one-way — significantly cheaper than direct flights.
The van journey: Scenic but long. The road is mostly paved but winding. Vans depart Puerto Princesa at 7 AM, 8 AM, and noon from the San Jose Terminal. Book through your El Nido accommodation or at the terminal. Private vans (3,500–4,500 PHP for the whole van) are worth it for groups of 4+.
Best for: Budget travellers, those already in Puerto Princesa, or anyone wanting to see the Palawan countryside.
Option 3: Ferry from Coron
The 3-day island-hopping boat from Coron to El Nido (or reverse) is one of the Philippines’ great journeys. Stops at Linapacan, Culion, and remote islands along the way. Cost: 2,500–4,500 PHP including meals and accommodation on the boat.
Best for: Travellers doing both El Nido and Coron with 10+ days in Palawan.
Getting Around El Nido
- Tricycle: Standard transport within town and to nearby beaches (Las Cabanas, Corong-Corong). 50–100 PHP per trip
- Habal-habal (motorbike taxi): For longer trips to Nacpan Beach or Duli Beach. 150–250 PHP each way
- Motorbike rental: 500–700 PHP/day — best for independent exploration of the mainland
- Bangka boat: For island hopping tours — booked through the tourism office
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get to El Nido?
Fly to Puerto Princesa on a budget airline (Cebu Pacific or AirAsia) then take a shared van to El Nido. Total cost: 2,100–3,500 PHP one-way versus 3,500–8,000 PHP for a direct AirSWIFT flight.
How long is the van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
5–6 hours on a good day. Allow 6–7 hours if travelling during peak season when roads are busier. The journey is scenic but tiring — bring snacks, water, and a neck pillow.
Is there a ferry from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
No regular passenger ferry. The van is the standard overland option. Some speedboat services operate seasonally but are weather-dependent and not reliable for trip planning.
Related: El Nido Budget Guide · Where to Stay · El Nido Itinerary
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