How to Get to El Nido, Palawan: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

I have heard El Nido Palawan is on your bucket list! Awesome! This tropical paradise in the Philippines is a dream come true for many travellers from all over the world. Allow me, Aryana, to guide you as we work out the details to get you there with ease and excitement!

• How to Get to El Nido from Manila
• How to Get to El Nido from Coron
• How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

As the #1 rated outdoor activity in El Nido by TripAdvisor, Big Dream Boatman offers the best El Nido to Coron Boat Expedition, and we are happy to give you the best information about El Nido.

How to Get to El Nido from Manila

Flying to El Nido from Manila

Direct flights from Manila to El Nido are the quickest and most convenient way to reach this paradise. Air Swift operates daily flights from Manila to El Nido, taking roughly an hour and twenty minutes.

Note: Direct flights to El Nido Palawan are available from Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Clark Pampanga, Boracay, and Coron via AirSwift.

How to Get to El Nido from Manila By Ferry

If you're not in a rush and want to enjoy a seafaring journey, consider taking a ferry from Manila to Coron and then another from Coron to El Nido. 2GO Travel operates a ferry from Manila to Coron, which takes about 11 hours. Once in Coron, book a ferry to El Nido, which takes 5 hours at most.

How to Get to El Nido from Coron

Flying to El Nido from Coron

Air Swift offers direct flights from Coron to El Nido. It's a quick 40-minute flight that provides stunning aerial views of the islands. It's a splurge but absolutely worth it!

Ferry from Coron to El Nido

Two ferry lines offer this trip for $52; Montenegro Lines sails every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 6 a.m., while Atienza Lines sails every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 a.m. The maximum sailing time is 5 hours.

Coron to El Nido Boat Expedition:

Unlock the true essence of island living with a memorable 4-day, 3-night boat expedition from Coron to El Nido. Book a trip with a reputable operator, such as Big Dream Boatman; trust us, we have a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor with over 600 raters.

The expedition begins in Coron and gradually travels to uninhabited islands, secluded beaches, and hidden lagoons in North Palawan, all while witnessing magnificent sunrises and sunsets, with a drop-off point directly at El Nido Port.

How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

By Plane

The majority of visitors fly directly to Puerto Princesa as their entry point to El Nido. Daily flights are also less expensive, and schedules are generally flexible.

By Car or Shuttle Van

When you arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport, a line of shuttle vans will be waiting for you. You can inquire which shuttle is available to transport you to El Nido with the dispatcher.

It is important to note that a shared van will attempt to wait for other passengers and will only begin moving once all seats are filled. The earliest schedule for a shared van starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

Suppose your flight arrives later in the day. In that case, I recommend staying in Puerto Princesa and taking the following van the next day.

Hiring a private van for an extensive cost or a car you can drive is also possible. The drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes about 5 hours, with a few stops for food in between.

By Bus 

An alternative way is to opt for the local bus (RoRo or Cherry), which takes approximately 7-8 hours. To begin, take a tricycle to the bus terminal in San Jose. Bus schedules change from time to time, so double-check them ahead of time. The earliest schedule is at 4 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. You can also select an airconditioned or non-airconditioned bus.

Local Tip to Get to El Nido

San Vicente, a charming municipality in Palawan, holds its beauty waiting to be explored. With the recent reopening of their domestic airport, visitors can take a flight from Manila via Sunlight Air. Once you land at San Vicente Airport, conveniently find a shuttle van stationed outside the airport, ready to embark on a scenic 3-hour ride that will take you to the enchanting El Nido.

Getting Around in El Nido

Public Transportation

For short distances around town and land tours, tricycles are readily available.

Private Transportation

Renting a car or a motorcycle adds convenience and flexibility. Remember to bring your international driver's license and a helmet. The roads in El Nido are mostly concrete, but there are some bumpy dirt roads, especially if you ride your bike to Nacpan or Duli Beach.

Boat Rentals for Island Hopping

Embrace the must-do activity of island-hopping tours in El Nido by joining a group tour or renting a private boat to dip into its famous lagoons and beaches.

Conclusion

Though getting to El Nido will require some time and effort, every minute and penny will be well spent. When you see its breathtaking landscapes, you will find yourself constantly admiring its timeless beauty and making good connections with your newfound local friends. Here's to exciting journeys!