How to get to El Nido

El Nido is about 420 kilometres (260 mi) south-west of Manila, and about 238 kilometres (148 mi) north-east of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. El Nido is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago.

By Air

The most practical way for the short-term visitor to get into El Nido is by air.
El Nido Lio airport is the primary and sole airport in El Nido. It’s located about 15 minute drive from El Nido downtown.

Lio is a private airport mainly used by Air Swift airline, which belongs to the group of El Nido Resorts. Travellers staying at any of their properties (Apulit, Miniloc, Lagen, Casa Kalawan etc..) can avail of a discounted fare.
As of September 2018, Air Swift fly directly to El Nido via:

• • Manila
  • Cebu
  • Caticlan (Boracay)
  • Clark
  • Puerto Princesa
  • Davao

For the latest updated, routes and flight schedule, please check their website at https://air-swift.com

By Road

El Nido is located at the North-western coast of Palawan Island. There is a two lane (one lane per direction) highway from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The road is paved and the road conditions are good.

The journey between Puerto Princesa takes approximately 5 hours and is generally a nice drive. For lunch, it’s possible to stop along the way at the restaurant in Roxas or in Taytay.

It’ s possible to book a private van for this journey, but is generally pretty expensive. If you cannot afford the luxury, there are also shared vans and buses (Cherry Bus) departing from Puerto Princesa airport and San Jose Terminal several times per day.

By Sea

Montenegro Shipping Lines and Phimal Fast Ferry runs ferries between El Nido and Coron daily. The journey takes approximately 3.5hrs.

It’s possible to book the ferry tickets in advance. Click here to book the tickets online.

There used to be Bunso Ferry, but is has stopped operating this route.

Get Around El Nido

By Tricycle

The easiest way to get around El Nido is by tricycle. Tricycles are used for short-distance and can accommodate up 4 passengers. Fares are fixed, but you can try to negotiate.
From El Nido town to Nacpan Beach and return is about PHP 1,000, from Lio airport to town is PHP 300 and from Las Cabanas and Corong Corong to town is PHP 150.

By Boat

Travel by boat around the Islands of Bacuit Bay is easy. You can hire a private boat or join one of the island hopping tours.

By motorbike

A motorbike can be hired from the plenty of motorcycle rentals spread out throughout town. The cost ranges from PHP 300 to PHP 800 depending on the model.