How to Get to Palawan: Flights, Ferries & Getting Around
The main entry point to Palawan is Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), served by direct flights from Manila (1h10m), Cebu (1h), and Clark. From Puerto Princesa, Port Barton is reached by shared van in 2–3 hours (₱600) and El Nido in 5–6 hours (₱700–900). Ferries from Batangas Port connect to Coron and El Nido but take significantly longer. Tour Z provides complimentary hotel pickup for whale shark tour guests from Puerto Princesa city centre.
Getting to Palawan is straightforward — but the onward journey from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton or El Nido catches many first-time visitors off guard. This guide covers every transport option with honest time and cost estimates so you can plan without guesswork.
Flying to Palawan — Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS)
Puerto Princesa International Airport (IATA: PPS) is the primary gateway to Palawan. Multiple daily flights connect from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. There are no scheduled direct international flights — all visitors from overseas connect through Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
San Vicente Airport (SWL) — Closest to Port Barton
San Vicente Airport serves flights from Manila on a limited schedule. While geographically closer to Port Barton, flight frequency is low and an onward van transfer is still required. Most travellers find Puerto Princesa more practical for its daily connections and simpler logistics.
From Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Port Barton is 97km north of Puerto Princesa on Palawan's west coast. The road is largely paved and takes 2–3 hours.
- Shared van: ₱600/person — most popular option. Departs approximately 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM from the transport terminal near the market.
- Private van hire: ₱4,500–6,500 for the whole vehicle — good value for groups of 4 or more.
- Habal-habal (motorcycle): Adventure option, not recommended with luggage.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The shared van to El Nido takes 5–6 hours and costs ₱700–900. The road has improved significantly in recent years but long stretches remain bumpy. Most travellers break the journey with a night in Port Barton — which sits roughly halfway and is worth visiting in its own right.
From El Nido to Port Barton
Shared van via San Vicente — approximately 3 hours, ₱600–700. This route is perfect for a Palawan loop: fly into Puerto Princesa, go north to El Nido, travel south to Port Barton, then return to Puerto Princesa for departure.
Getting Around Puerto Princesa
Tricycles (motorcycle with sidecar) are the standard transport for short city trips — ₱10–50 per ride. Grab operates in the city centre for metered rides. For whale shark tour guests, Tour Z provides complimentary hotel pickup from city centre hotels — no transport logistics needed on tour day.
Getting Around Port Barton
Port Barton is a small village best explored on foot. The main beach, all accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators are within a 5-minute walk. Bangka boats are the only transport between islands. No cars, no tricycles, no noise — just the beach.
Ferry Options to Palawan
2GO Travel operates ferries from Manila's North Harbor to Puerto Princesa (approximately 22 hours) and from Batangas Port to Coron (10–12 hours). Ferries are significantly cheaper than flights but the time cost is substantial — most international visitors fly and save the journey time for exploration.
Whale Shark Tour Guests Get Free Hotel Pickup
Tour Z collects guests directly from Puerto Princesa city centre hotels at 7:00 AM — no transport stress on tour day.
🦈 Book Whale Shark Tour 🐢 Port Barton TourFrequently Asked Questions
The flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes 1 hour 10 minutes. With airport transfers and check-in time, allow 3–4 hours door to door from central Manila to your Puerto Princesa hotel.
Shared van transfer — approximately 2–3 hours, costing ₱600 per person. Vans depart from the transport terminal several times daily. Book through your hotel the evening before for the morning departure.
San Vicente Airport (SWL) is geographically closest but has very limited flights and still requires an onward van transfer. Most travellers find Puerto Princesa's daily connections more reliable.
Yes — shared van transfers run daily between El Nido and Port Barton via San Vicente, taking approximately 3 hours and costing ₱600–700. This is a popular route for travellers doing a Palawan loop.