How to Get to Palawan: Transportation Options

Getting to Palawan is a trip in itself. You have three main entry points — Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron — and the way you choose changes everything about your trip. Direct flights from Manila to Busuanga (Coron) take about an hour, and flights to El Nido are also around an hour. But if you’re on a budget, ferries from Manila to Puerto Princesa take about 24 hours, and ferries from Manila to Coron take 11 to 13 hours. That’s a big difference in time and cost.

Here’s the thing: your itinerary decides your transport. If you’re landing in Puerto Princesa and heading to El Nido, a van is your best bet. If you’re island-hopping between El Nido and Coron, you’ll take a ferry. The key is to book ahead, especially from December to May when everyone else is traveling too.

Your Main Options for Getting Around Palawan

For short distances within towns, tricycles are your go-to. Fares are usually PHP 20 to PHP 50. Always agree on the fare before you ride. Jeepneys connect towns and rural areas — they’re cheap but crowded. Motorbike rentals start at PHP 500 per day, and car rentals range from PHP 1,500 to 2,500 per day.

When to Go and What That Means for Your Trip

Dry season from November to May is the best time for travel. Boat schedules are more reliable, and roads are easier to navigate. From December to May, you’ll need to book vans and ferries at least a day or two ahead. Prices don’t usually spike, but availability drops.

Rainy season from June to October changes everything. Boat trips get canceled, especially afternoon departures. Early morning boats between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM are your safest bet because winds pick up later in the day. If you’re traveling during these months, build flexibility into your schedule.

For island tours, group trips are cheaper — around EUR 15–20 per person per day for El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. Private boat rentals cost more but give you flexibility. The 3-day El Nido to Coron expedition with Green Gecko Expeditions visits the Linapacan Island chain and costs around PHP 1,200 per person per day including lunch and equipment.

Getting There: Step by Step

Flying into Palawan

Three main airports serve Palawan: Puerto Princesa (PPS), El Nido (ENI), and Busuanga/Coron (USU). Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia fly to Puerto Princesa and Busuanga. AirSwift offers direct flights to El Nido. Flights from Manila to any of these take about an hour. Fares start at PHP 3,000 one-way. Book early because flights to El Nido are limited.

Taking the Ferry from Manila

If you’re on a tight budget, ferries from Manila to Puerto Princesa take about 24 hours. Manila to Coron takes 11 to 13 hours. These are overnight trips, so you save on accommodation. But they’re long and not for everyone. Check schedules on 12Go for current routes and prices.

Van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

This is the most common route. Vans depart from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa and take 5 to 6 hours. Cost is around EUR 12–15 per person. Vans leave when full, so arrive early. The route passes through rural towns like Roxas and Taytay. You can also book a private van for EUR 80–120 if you want more comfort.

Ferry Between El Nido and Coron

The fast ferry takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours and costs EUR 20–30. Operators include Montenegro Lines and Phimal Fast Ferry. Book ahead during dry season. Early morning departures are best to avoid afternoon winds. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand.

What to Actually Do in Palawan

Island Hopping in El Nido

El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago is the main draw. Group tours cost EUR 15–20 per person per day and include lunch and equipment. The standard tours cover lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. If you want quieter spots, ask the boat captain to include a stop at Secret Beach before noon. Book your tour a day ahead through your hotel or a tour agency in town.

Coron’s Wrecks and Lakes

Coron is famous for Japanese shipwrecks from World War II and the stunning Kayangan Lake. Island-hopping tours here are similar in price to El Nido’s. The ferry from El Nido to Coron is the most common way to get between the two. If you’re diving, bring your certification card — some wreck dives require it.

Puerto Princesa’s Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll need to book a tour through a local operator. Most tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and the boat ride through the river. The park has a daily visitor limit, so book at least a few days ahead.

Port Barton and San Vicente

These are quieter alternatives to El Nido. Van transfers from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton take 3–4 hours and cost EUR 10–12. From El Nido to San Vicente, it’s about 2 hours and EUR 8–10. Transport options are more limited here, so plan ahead. These areas are great if you want fewer crowds and more relaxed island hopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Trip Around What Matters Most

Your transport choice in Palawan comes down to time versus money. Flights save time but cost PHP 3,000+ one-way. Vans and ferries are the middle ground — affordable and reliable if you book ahead. Buses and jeepneys are cheapest but slow. Whatever you choose, pack light, carry small bills, and always agree on fares before you ride. The weather can change your plans, especially from June to October, so build in some flexibility.

If this was useful, you might also want to read our guide to Twin Lagoon in El Nido.

Sources

Sustainable Palawan: Are We Loving It to Death? — A deeper look at how tourism affects Palawan and what you can do to travel responsibly.

Exploring the Stunning Lagoons of Miniloc Island, Palawan — What to expect when you visit the famous lagoons of Miniloc Island.

Transportation in Palawan 2025. Philippines Island Hopping, 2025.

How Do I Get to Palawan, Philippines?. Call of the World.

Getting Around Palawan: Vans, Boats, and Tips. Visit Palawan.

Palawan Transport Tips: Your Guide to Getting Around the Island. Lagum Rides.