230 km of scenic highway through the heart of Palawan. Shared vans from ₱600.
Book Your Transfer →The Puerto Princesa to El Nido route follows the national highway north through mountains, rice paddies, and small towns. The road is paved throughout and in good condition, though winding in sections.
Choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level.
| Option | Price | Duration | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Van | ₱600–800/person | 5–6 hours | A/C, 10–12 seats | Most travelers — fastest & affordable |
| Private Van | ₱5,000–8,000/van | 5–6 hours | Flexible stops, door-to-door | Families, groups, flexible schedule |
| Public Bus | ₱500–600/person | 7–8 hours | Basic, more stops | Budget travelers with extra time |
| Motorbike | ₱800–1,200/day rental | 6–7 hours | Freedom to stop anywhere | Experienced riders, adventurers |
Prices as of March 2026. Shared van is the most popular and recommended option for most travelers.
Major pickup and drop-off points between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
Main departure point for shared vans. Terminal opens at 4:00 AM. Ticket counters inside.
Some operators offer airport pickup. Arrange when booking for ₱100–200 surcharge.
Small rest stop area. Some vans pause here briefly.
Common rest stop roughly halfway. Restaurants, bathroom, and convenience stores. 10–15 minute break.
Historic town with a Spanish-era fort. Some passengers alight here. Optional stop on private transfers.
Final stop for shared vans. Tricycles available to take you to your hotel (₱50–150).
A scenic 5–6 hour drive through the heart of Palawan island.
The national highway is fully paved and in good condition. Some sections are winding through mountains. Road improvements completed in recent years have shortened the journey.
Pass through lush tropical forests, rice paddies, coconut plantations, and small fishing villages. The last hour approaching El Nido features dramatic limestone karst mountains.
1–2 planned stops for bathroom breaks and snacks. Roxas (halfway) has the best selection of food stalls and small restaurants. Bring water and snacks for the journey.
Shared vans are air-conditioned, which can get cold. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Buses vary in A/C quality. Sit in the middle for the most comfortable temperature.
December to April is peak season. Shared vans fill up fast, especially morning departures. Book at least a day ahead through the Palawan.bz app to guarantee your seat.
The earliest vans depart at 5:00–6:00 AM and arrive by lunchtime, giving you a full afternoon in El Nido. Later departures mean arriving after dark.
The winding mountain sections can cause motion sickness. Take medication 30 minutes before departure. Sit in the front seat if possible. Ginger candies also help.
There are no ATMs between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Bring enough pesos for the journey, rest stop snacks, and your first day in El Nido. Pack water and light food.
No charging outlets in shared vans. Bring a fully charged power bank. Mobile signal is intermittent along the route. Download offline entertainment beforehand.
Large bags go on the roof rack. Keep your phone, wallet, passport, and camera in a small daypack with you inside the van at all times.
3–4 hours, ₱500–600. A quieter alternative to El Nido with great snorkeling and a backpacker atmosphere.
2 hours, ₱500. Gateway to the Underground River UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3–4 hours by ferry, ₱1,760–2,500. Connects Palawan's two top destinations.