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How to Get to El Nido from Manila: Fly Direct!
Manila is the hub for international flights in the Philippines. So, for most of you, it's the natural starting point to get to El Nido.
Manila to El Nido? Direct Flights Are the Best Choice!
If you want to reach El Nido from Manila fast and easy, flying direct is your top pick. You'll enjoy a scenic flight of about 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of the Philippine archipelago.
- Duration: You're looking at about a 1.5-hour flight.
- Cost: Expect to pay around ₱5,000–₱7,000 PHP ($90–$130 USD) one way.
- Departure & Arrival: AirSWIFT handles the direct flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Lio Airport in El Nido.
- Frequency: They fly daily.
A Few Insider Tips:
You'll need to go directly through the AirSWIFT website, and if you can book in advance, you might snag a better deal. Also, remember they have a 10-15 kg checked baggage limit, and you'll pay extra for anything over that, so pack smart.
And if you're traveling during the peak season (December to April), you'll want to book about 3 months ahead of time to make sure you get a seat.
How to Get to El Nido from Cebu: Direct Flights Await!
Cebu is another pretty good spot to start from. With its big airport, Mactan-Cebu International, it's a handy place to connect if you're coming from abroad or other islands in the Philippines. Makes getting to El Nido a breeze.
Getting to El Nido from Cebu? Direct Flights Are the Way to Go!
If you wanna get there from Cebu quick and easy, just fly direct. Seriously, it's the best way.
- Duration: The flight itself is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Cost: Ticket prices typically start at around ₱6,000 ($100 USD) for a one-way trip.
- Departure & Arrival: You’ll fly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Lio Airport in El Nido.
- Frequency: AirSWIFT offers daily flights, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
Tips: To make sure you get there without a hitch, check out the AirSWIFT website for flight times and book those tickets early.
How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa: Van It! The Comfiest Ride
A lot of people start their El Nido trip from Puerto Princesa because it's a big spot to fly into here in Palawan.
Getting to El Nido from Puerto Princesa? Take a Van.
From Puerto Princesa, you can catch an awesome 5-6 hour drive to El Nido, and honestly, it's a pretty cool way to see the island's countryside. Check out how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido >>
- Duration: Expect about 5-6 hours on the road.
- Pickup & Dropoff: Vans pick you up and drop you off right in hotel, no transfers needed.
- The Ride: Mostly paved roads, but some bumpy mountain sections. Grab a front seat if you can!
- Stops: You'll stop a couple of times for lunch and bathroom breaks.
- Schedule: Vans usually leave when they're full, so there's no set schedule.
Why Van, Not Bus?
Vans are just way more comfortable and flexible. We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, and if you fancy a stop at Port Barton for some island hopping, we can sort that out.
Why Asia Odyssey Travel's vans? Our vans are top-notch and max 8 people! Air-conditioned, comfy seats, and plenty of room for your stuff. Plus, you'll have a guide with you, so no worries about tickets or anything.
Just a heads-up:
The road's got lots of mountain curves, so if you get car sick, bring some meds. And if you're traveling during the rainy season (June to October), we might get delayed by heavy rain, so leave an extra hour or two in your schedule.
How to Get to El Nido from Coron: Ferry Is the Local Favorite
Coron is another one of those must-see spots in Palawan, and lucky for us, there are ferries that connect it straight to El Nido. Makes it super easy to hit both places in one go.
Flights Are an Option, but Ferry is the Local Favorite!
Now, you could fly, but honestly, most people, especially locals, they go by ferry. It's just a really nice ride, and you get some amazing views without breaking the bank.
Most ferries take 4.5 to 5 hours. However, let me tell you, the views are worth it. You'll see all those beautiful Palawan islands along the way.
- Duration: Most ferry trips take around 4.5 to 5 hours. However, some companies, like Jomalia Shipping Lines with their fast ferries, can get you there in just 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Cost: The ferry typically costs between ₱1,760 and ₱2,850 ($31-$52 USD).
- Departure & Arrival: Embark on at El Nido Ferry Terminal and dock at Coron Port.
Just a few things to keep in mind:
First off, if you get seasick, bring some meds, just in case. They usually only take cash on board, so make sure you've got enough Philippine pesos with you. And don't expect fancy meals; bring your own snacks and water, because they usually don't have much.
3 Transport Options for Getting to El Nido: Flight, Van & Ferry
Now it’s time to conclude the main ways for getting to El Nido! There's basically 3 popular options: fly, take a van, or hop on a boat. Let's break them down together.
By Plane (1-1.5 Hours): You Can Reach El Nido Fast!
If you're all about getting there quick and easy, flying is your best bet. From Manila, it's about 1.5 hours. Same goes for Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay (Caticlan). If you're coming from Coron, you’ll get a super quick 40-minute hop.
| Departure | Arrival | Flight Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | El Nido | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Cebu | El Nido | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Bohol | El Nido | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Boracay | El Nido | 1 Hour | Daily |
| Coron | El Nido | 40 Minutes | Daily |
By Van (5-6 Hours): Getting to El Nido via Puerto Princesa
If you're coming from Puerto Princesa, a van's a pretty good shout. It's a 5-6 hour road trip, but you get to see some seriously pretty views of Palawan along the way.
By Ferry (4-5 Hours): Getting to El Nido via Coron
If you're traveling from Coron, taking a ferry's a popular option.
The trip's roughly 4-5 hours, and you'll get stunning sea views, perfect for island-hopping adventures. Some companies have faster ferries, like Jomalia Shipping Lines, which can get you there in about 3.5 hours. Atienza Interisland Ferries has similar times too.
4 Options for Getting around El Nido: Tricycle, Van, Bangka & Kayak
Once you're in El Nido, getting around is pretty easy, with a few fun options.
- By Tricycle (Tutu) - Perfect for Short Trips
These little guys are El Nido's main ride. They're perfect for short hops. Think beach, restaurants, or just getting back to your hotel quick. They're cheap and cheerful, and you'll see them everywhere.
- By Van - Perfect for Heading Further
If you're heading a bit further, vans are the way to go. Especially our Asia Odyssey Travel vans. We keep them comfy, air-conditioned, and only take up to 8 people. Makes for a much nicer ride.
If you need a van, just give us a shout! Contact Asia Odyssey Travel >>
- By Bangka Boat - Your Ticket to Island Hopping
These traditional Filipino boats are your ticket to island hopping. Seriously, you can't see El Nido without them. They'll take you to all the amazing spots around here.
- By Kayak - Perfect for Secret Lagoons
Now, for some of those island-hopping spots, like the lagoons on Tour A – Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon – you'll need a kayak. It's the only way to get through those narrow bits. You can rent them when you get there.
Your Trip to El Nido: Let's Plan It Together!
El Nido (3-4 Days): A Short Island Hopping Trip
If you're short on time but still want to see the best of El Nido, I've got a plan for you. Consider 3-4 days of island hop! Beyond island hopping, there’re more things to do in El Nido!
Basically, you'll wanna spend at least two days island hopping. Seriously, El Nido's all about those tours. We're hitting Tour A and Tour C – lagoons, beaches, and hidden spots. You'll see it all.
Which El Nido Tour Is the Best: A, B, C or D, How to Choose? (2025)
Then, you'll have a day or two to just chill in El Nido town, explore, grab some food, you know, do your own thing.
Here comes a sample plan:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido Arrival | / |
| 2 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido Departure | / |
El Nido and Coron (7-8 Days): One Week of Island Adventures
As everyone knows, Coron is a real hotspot for diving in Palawan, Philippines. If you're looking to hit both El Nido and Coron together, I have a 7-8 days’ plan for you, especially if you love diving!
El Nido or Coron, Which Is Better? El Nido vs Coron Battles (2025)
Basically, you'll spend 3-4 days in El Nido and 3-4 days in Coron.
In El Nido, you'll get 2 days of island hopping – those lagoons and beaches are unreal! Then, a chill 4-5 hour ferry ride to Coron. Once you're in Coron, we've got a day of island hopping and another to explore the underwater world – reefs and shipwrecks. The rest of your time? You can explore Coron town.
Here's a sample itinerary:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido Arrival | / |
| 2 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido to Coron by Ferry | Mt. Tapyas |
| 5 | Coron Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 6 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, Eact Tangat Wreck |
| 7 | Coron Departure | / |
Palawan's Panoramic Tour: Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Coron in 9-10 Days
For a complete Palawan adventure, consider a tour that combines Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. This one's about 9-10 days, so get ready for some island hopping!
First, you'll spend 3 days in Puerto Princesa. One day for Honda Bay's islands, another for the Underground River. Then, a 5-6 hour van ride to El Nido.
El Nido's next, for 2.5 days. Start with two days of island hopping, then a 4-5 hour ferry to Coron. Finally, spend 3.5 days in Coron. One day for island hopping, one for reefs and wrecks, and the rest to explore Coron Town.
Take a quick look at the sample itinerary here:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Princesa Arrival | / |
| 2 | Puerto Princesa | Honda Bay Island Hopping to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island |
| 3 | Puerto Princesa to EI Nido by Van | Underground River National Park in Sabang |
| 4 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 5 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 6 | El Nido to Coron by Ferry | Mt. Tapyas |
| 7 | Coron Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 8 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck |
| 9 | Coron Departure | / |
Unlock More Philippines: Manila, El Nido, Cebu & Bohol in 9-10 Days
For those who are keen on seeing more of the Philippines than just Palawan, a 9-10 day itinerary covering Manila, El Nido, Cebu, and Bohol is perfect.
Let’s kick things off in Manila, the capital and travel hub. Half a day's enough to see the big spots – Intramuros, Rizal Park, you know, the must-sees. If you're staying overnight, catch the sunset at Manila Bay, it's pretty awesome.
Then, we're off to El Nido for 3 days. Two days of island hopping – those lagoons and beaches are something else! – and a scenic 4-5 hour ferry ride to Coron.
Next up, Cebu for 2 days. We'll do a half-day city tour, check out Magellan's Cross, and Fort San Pedro. The next day, we're island hopping around Mactan – Hilutungan, Nalusuan, Caohagan. Then, we head to Bohol.
In Bohol, we'll spend 3 days. One day for the Napaling Reef sardine run, Loboc River cruise, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Chocolate Hills. Another day for dolphin watching and Balicasag Islands. The last day's yours to explore.
Here's a quick look at the plan:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manila Arrival | Free Time Explore (Intramuros, Rizal Park, Manila Bay) |
| 2 | Manila to El Nido by Flight | / |
| 3 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 4 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 5 | El Nido to Cebu by Flight | Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro |
| 6 | Cebu to Bohol by Ferry | Mactan 3-Island Hopping (Hilutungan Island, Nalusuan Island, Caohagan Island) |
| 7 | Bohol | Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills |
| 8 | Bohol | Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands |
| 9 | Bohol Departure | / |
Getting to & around El Nido Like a Pro with Asia Odyssey Travel
Want to experience El Nido like a true local? That's where we at Asia Odyssey Travel come in.
We’ve been showing folks around the Philippines for over 8 years, and we've set a local office right in Palawan, so we know our stuff. We work closely with the best local guides and hotels, so you're in good hands.
Forget the headaches of figuring out transport and tours – we'll handle everything. With us, you'll get comfy rides, insider tips, and a smooth, fun adventure. Let us make getting to El Nido and getting around there seamless for you.
Grab these El Nido maps to get started!
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
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