Schedule of bus trips from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and El Nido to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines via Cherry Bus, Lexxus Shuttle, and other passenger vans.
El Nido is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines, famous for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Located at the northern tip of Palawan, El Nido is made up of over 40 breathtaking islands and islets—perfect for island hopping and nature adventures.
Getting to El Nido can be a bit of a journey. While there are limited direct flights from Manila to El Nido, the local airport only handles small aircraft, so availability can be tight. That’s why many travelers fly into Puerto Princesa, the main airport in Palawan, and make their way to El Nido by land.
From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to El Nido. These services run on a regular schedule and take about 5 to 6 hours. The same options are available for the return trip from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.
RELATED: EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE: Things to Do, Where to Stay and Eat, Sample Itinerary
Puerto Princesa to El Nido Bus Schedule
Cherry Bus has three daily trips from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. To take this bus, you will need to go to the bus terminal from the airport. The bus is more comfortable than the van but it also takes longer to reach El Nido.
- 7:00 am
- 9:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 1:00 pm
- 9:30 pm
El Nido to Puerto Princesa Bus Schedule
- 7:00 am
- 9:00 am
- 9:00 pm
- 11:00 pm
Passenger Fare Rates and Travel Time
The travel time between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is around 7 hours. The regular fare starts is Php670 one-way for an economy non-air bus and Php800 for an air-conditioned bus. BOOK NOW!
Minivan schedule from Puerto Princesa Airport
Taking the van directly from Puerto Princesa Airport is the most convenient way to reach El Nido. It is faster by an hour compared to the bus. You’ll reach El Nido in about 5.5 hours. Book a seat now
Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido by Van
- 3:00 am
- 4:00 am
- 5:30 am
- 7:00 am
- 7:30 am
- 8:00 am
- 9:00 am
- 9:30 am
- 10:00 am
- 10:30 am
- 1:00 pm
- 1:30 pm
- 2:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- 5:00 pm
- 5:30 pm
- 6:00 pm
- 6:30 pm
El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Van
- 5:00 am
- 7:00 am
- 7:30 am
- 9:00 am
- 9:30 am
- 10:30 am
- 11:00 am
- 11:30 am
- 1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- 4:00 pm
- 5:00 pm
- 5:30 pm
- 6:00 pm
- 6:30 pm
Lexxus Shuttle Van from Puerto Princesa Airport
Puerto Princesa to El Nido via Lexxus Shuttle
- 7:00 am
- 8:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 5:00 pm
El Nido to Puerto Princesa via Lexxus Shuttle
Lexxus Shuttle terminal is located in Corong-corong, about 5-10 minutes by tricycle from El Nido town proper.
- 7:00 am
- 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
- 6:00 pm
The travel time between El Nido and Puerto Princesa by van is around 5.5 hours. The fare starts at Php670.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
Shuttle vans serve as an excellent and budget-friendly transportation choice between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. These vans, operated by different transportation companies, offer multiple trips throughout the day and have become a preferred mode of travel for tourists journeying between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. With a travel time of approximately 5-6 hours, shuttle vans provide a convenient option with a stopover in either Roxas or Taytay. Another option is to take the bus if you arrive late in the city. The travel time is longer but it is more spacious and comfortable.
How much does a Bus ticket from Puerto Princesa to El Nido cost?
The average bus and van ticket price from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice-versa is Php670.
Is there a direct flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
There is no direct flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The only direct flight to El Nido is from Manila, Cebu, Caticlan, and Coron. Alternatively, you can fly direct from Manila to El Nido via Airswift.
How long is the Bus or Van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The average travel time between Puerto Princesa to El Nido is around 5-6 hours if you take the shuttle or van and around 7 hours if you take the bus.
What can I bring with me on the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
Typically, you can take a suitcase and hand luggage with you for the Puerto Princesa to El Nido bus route for free.
How many daily Trips are there between Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The number of bus and van trips from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3 daily bus trips and 17 van trips on this route.
Which Bus companies travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
When taking the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, you can travel comfortably and safely with Lexxus Shuttle, Cherry Bus, Fortwally Travel and Tours, and Eulen Joy Express.
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
There are several pick-up points when you take the van from Puerto Princesa. Fortwally Travel and Tours and Eulen Joy Express minivans are available at Puerto Princesa Airport. Lexxus Shuttle and Cherry Bus are situated at the City Bus Terminal which is only a few minutes from the Airport. You will arrive at the El Nido van/bus terminal but you can also get off at your accommodation if it is along the way.
What are the best sights and things to do in El Nido?
Once in El Nido, you can explore the town and its interesting sights. The top attractions and things to do in El Nido are El Nido Big Lagoon, Nacpan Beach, and Taraw Cliff. Check out the available discounted tours in El Nido below.
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Have You Taken the Puerto Princesa–El Nido Bus? Share Your Experience!
If you’ve tried the bus service between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, we’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts or travel tips in the comments below to help fellow travelers plan better.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Bus schedules may change without prior notice. If you notice any updates or changes, please let us know so we can keep this information as accurate and helpful as possible.
If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, we strongly recommend contacting the bus company directly to confirm departure times.
Safe travels and enjoy exploring the Philippines!