There are 1 way(s) to get from Puerto Princesa to Palawan
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
Especially during peak season or holidays, booking your bus or van to El Nido/Port Barton in advance is highly recommended. It guarantees your seat and prevents you from scrambling for last-minute options, which can be scarce or more expensive.
Before any sea crossing or long land journey, check local weather forecasts. Typhoons or strong winds can lead to ferry cancellations. Having a plan B, like an extra night in Puerto Princesa or El Nido, can save you a lot of stress.
Long journeys in the Philippines often have limited stops. Stock up on water and snacks before you leave Puerto Princesa to stay comfortable, especially on longer bus or van rides to destinations like El Nido or Port Barton.
Some towns have multiple bus terminals or piers. Always double-check your booking confirmation or ask your accommodation for the exact departure point to avoid turning up at the wrong place and missing your transport.
Traffic, road conditions, and occasional vehicle breakdowns are part of travel in the Philippines. Build some buffer time into your itinerary, especially if you have a tight connection to a flight or another ferry.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Palawan, one of the Philippines' largest islands, means understanding its land-based connections. Unlike island-hopping in the Visayas, your journey from Puerto Princesa to other Palawan destinations like El Nido or Coron will primarily involve land travel to a port, then a boat. Knowing whether to opt for a bus or a van, and how that connects to your next ferry or flight, is key to saving time and avoiding unexpected overnight stays.
From Puerto Princesa, you'll mainly use buses or vans to reach points further north. For example, to El Nido, a van takes about 5-6 hours, costing around 600-800 PHP (10-14 EUR), while a bus might be a bit slower but slightly cheaper. Operators like Lexxus Shuttle or Roro Bus offer frequent services. If your final destination is Coron, you'll first travel overland to El Nido, and from there, take a fast ferry.
Ferry schedules and road conditions can be unpredictable, especially during typhoon season. Always check the latest schedules and weather forecasts. If you're heading to El Nido, aim for an early start to ensure you reach your destination before dark. For onward travel to Coron, make sure your El Nido to Coron ferry is booked in advance, as cancellations can happen. Planning these land and sea legs together, ideally using platforms like 12go.asia or Baolau.vn to compare options, will prevent you from losing a whole day to a missed connection.
Frequently asked questions — Puerto Princesa → Palawan
For destinations like El Nido or Port Barton, vans are generally faster and slightly more expensive, taking around 5-6 hours. Buses are cheaper but can take 7-8 hours, making more stops. Vans are usually preferred by independent travellers for efficiency, while buses are a good budget option.
The journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van typically takes 5 to 6 hours, including a short comfort stop. By bus, expect it to be around 7 to 8 hours. These times are for the direct land journey. Always factor in transfer time to and from terminals.
Van tickets to El Nido or Port Barton range from 600 to 800 PHP (approx. 10-14 EUR). Bus tickets are slightly cheaper, around 400-600 PHP. It's advisable to book ahead, especially if travelling during peak season or specific times of day, to secure your seat and avoid delays.
In case of cancellations due to bad weather or typhoons, operators usually offer a full refund or rebooking for the next available trip. Keep an eye on weather warnings, especially during typhoon season (June-November), and consider purchasing travel insurance. Always communicate directly with your operator.
Most vans and buses heading north from Puerto Princesa (e.g., to El Nido, Port Barton) depart from the San Jose Terminal, located a few kilometers north of the city center. It's the main transportation hub for land travel out of Puerto Princesa.
✨ Why visit Palawan?
- ✓ Explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
- ✓ Go island hopping to Honda Bay and discover its white-sand beaches like Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
- ✓ Experience exhilarating ziplining at Sabang X Zipline, offering panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest.
- ✓ Indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, particularly along Sabang Beach with its charming ambiance.
- ✓ Discover the unique Bat Caves, home to thousands of bats, accessible by boat from Sabang Wharf.
☀️ When to visit Palawan?
TROPICAL MARITIME SAISON SEC
November to May — dry season with sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping.
What to do in Palawan?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Palawan?
For an independent francophone traveler, 7 to 10 days is ideal to explore Palawan's main attractions like El Nido and Coron. With less time, focus on one area (e.g., El Nido and its lagoons). For a more in-depth experience, including Port Barton or San Vicente, allow 2 weeks. Plan your itinerary to minimize travel time between islands.
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