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Puerto Princesa to El Nido Distance & Travel Time
First of all, let's talk about the distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and how long it'll take you, so you can plan your trip right.
Distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The straight-line distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 240 kilometers.
But, because we're driving along winding mountain roads, the total driving distance is a bit longer than that. Think of it like a scenic road trip through the hills, beautiful but a bit of a longer haul.
How to Get to El Nido? Flights, Vans & Ferries from 4 Key Spots
Puerto Princesa to El Nido Travel Time
Now, how long it takes to get there depends on how you're traveling.
By Van: If you're going by van, expect about 5-6 hours to reach El Nido. Vans are generally comfy and a good choice if you want to get there a bit faster.
By Bus: If you're taking the bus, it'll be a bit longer, around 6-7 hours. The bus is a more budget-friendly option, but maybe not as cozy as a van.
Private Van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido: The Best Bet!
The Van Ride Itself
| Departure | Duration | Pick-up & Drop-off | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave when they’re full | 5-6 hrs. | Hotel | Included in the group fee |
As you can see in the table, the drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 5-6 hours, mostly on paved roads, but there are some bumpy mountain sections. Grab a front seat, especially by the door, to minimize the wiggles!
The ride will stop a couple of times for lunch and bathroom breaks, so you won't be stuck the whole time. Vans usually leave when they're full, so there's no set schedule.
You can book through your hotel or with us at Asia Odyssey Travel.
Why Van is the Way to Go?
If you want a smooth, efficient and comfy ride. That's where the Puerto Princesa to El Nido van comes in! We're talking private or shared transfers, so you can pick what suits you. It's the comfiest ride, seriously.
Here's the best part: flexibility! Wanna stop at Port Barton for a quick island-hopping tour here? No problem! We can arrange that.
And we'll pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel – super convenient!
Why Asia Odyssey Travel’s Van?
Book with us at Asia Odyssey Travel. And let me tell you, our vans are top-notch! Air-conditioned, only 8 people per van, comfy seats, and plenty of room for your luggage!
Plus, you'll have a guide with you, so no worries about tickets or anything. Just sit back and enjoy the view. The Puerto Princesa to El Nido van fare is included in your tour package.
We know these roads like the back of our hands, and we'll make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Let us handle the details, and you just enjoy the amazing views on your way from Puerto Princesa to El Nido!
Puerto Princesa to El Nido Bus: Saving Pesos, Not Spines!
The Bus Ride Itself
Thinking about taking the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido? Here's a quick rundown:
| Departure | Pick-up / Drop-off | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00-22:00 | San Jose Bus Terminal / Corong Corong Bus Terminal | 500-700 pesos per person ($9–$13 USD) |
It's definitely the way to go if you're watching your budget, but let's be real, it's not exactly a luxury ride.
We're talking about a 6 to 7-hour journey, which is a bit longer than if you were in a van. Now, most of the roads are paved, so it's not too bad, but there are some mountain stretches that get a bit bumpy. Just something to keep in mind.
You'll get a couple of stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks, so don't worry about that.
About the Bus Condition
These buses can hold a good number of people, around 30 to 40, so you'll have a bit more room to stretch out. And trust me, you'll want that on a long trip. Definitely aim for an air-conditioned bus.
Companies like Roro or Cherry are your best bets. Avoid the non-AC ones, especially if you're traveling when it’s hot.
- Roro buses run pretty frequently, from 6 AM to 10 PM, about every hour.
- Cherry's are similar, from 7 AM to 9 PM, also hourly.
If you're traveling during the busy months (November to May), it's a good idea to book your tickets a day ahead from your hotel or travel agency. You don't want to get stuck without a seat!
And if you can, try to get a seat up front or by the window. It'll make the ride a bit more bearable.
Insider Tips on Planning a Trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Okay, let's break down how to plan your amazing trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido now, so you get the most out of your time!
In Puerto Princesa (1-2 Days)
Puerto Princesa is famous for one thing in particular: the Underground River! It's a must-see.
If you're tight on time and only have 1 day for Puerto Princesa, do a quick trip to Sabang, check out that Underground River, and then head on over to El Nido. It's a bit of a rush, but you'll tick off a big one.
Got 2 days in Puerto Princesa? Awesome! Spend one day doing some island hopping in Honda Bay. You'll hit up Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island – all stunning spots for some beach time.
In El Nido (3-5 Days)
El Nido is where the real magic happens, with those incredible island-hopping routes.
Three days is the sweet spot for El Nido. Remember, getting there from Puerto Princesa takes about half a day (5-6 hours), that's one day gone. Then you'll want 2 full days for island hopping.
I highly recommend doing Island Hopping Tours A and C. Tour A is all about those gorgeous lagoons and beaches – Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, you get the idea. Tour C is more about the hidden beaches and snorkeling – you'll see Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, and all that.
If you want to experience even more, add another 2 days and do Tours B and D. Tour B takes you to caves and islands, and Tour D is all about finding those peaceful, secluded beaches.
Combining Puerto Princesa and El Nido (5-7 Days)
The best way to do this trip, in my opinion, is to start in Puerto Princesa, enjoy what it has to offer, and then make your way to El Nido. Spend 5-7 days here, and we'll create a smart plan to maximize your time.
Check out the sample 5-day Puerto Princesa to El Nido itinerary:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Princesa | / |
| 2 | Puerto Princesa - Sabang - EI Nido | Underground River National Park |
| 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 Departure | / |
Getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido? Let Asia Odyssey Travel Handle It!
Listen, planning a Puerto Princesa to El Nido trip? We got you. Seriously, let us at Asia Odyssey Travel handle it. We've been doing this for 8 years, showing folks around the Philippines, and we know this route like the back of our hand.
Local office, awesome guides, good friends at the hotels – we take care of everything. You just kick back, enjoy the view, and make some memories. We'll make sure it's a trip you won't forget!
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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