How To Get From Manila to El Nido

El Nido is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, making it a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Philippines. You’ll likely start off in Manila, but how to get from Manila to El Nido? You’ve a few options.

What you choose depends on a number of factors, including your budget and how much time you have to spare. You’ll be in paradise in no time… Get ready to swim through a hole in the limestone rocks to enter a hidden bay, explore 30 dive sites and enjoy sunset hiking routes.

How To Get From Manila to El Nido

1. Fly from Manila to El Nido

This is the fastest option, but also the most expensive, as the airport on El Nido itself is privately owned. If you’re very short on time however, you might not mind splashing out.

The flight is only 90 minutes long but can cost you upwards of USD $180 for a single ticket. Book as far in advance as possible on Air Swift’s official site to try get a decent deal.

2. Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa or Coron

For a more budget-friendly option, consider flying to a different airport and travelling from there. Puerto Princesa and Coron both have land and sea connections (respectively) to El Nido. Both of these options will take a total of 12 hours or so.

Flight prices vary, so check flight comparison sites as well as the official sites for Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines.

3. Book Tickets Online Via Bookaway

Once you’ve decided on your mode of transportation, it’s best to buy your tickets for trains, buses, or vans online. Not only are the lines incredibly long at most transport stations, but booking online is a great way to lock in your price. It also ensures your peace of mind; you’ll know your ticket is purchased and ready for your day of travel!

So, make life easier for yourself and book tickets for flights, private buses and boats in the Philippines in advance via Bookaway.

4. Grab a Minivan from Puerto Princesa…

From Puerto Princesa you can take a minivan from the airport directly to El Nido. Both private minivan companies and public bus routes begin departing at early in the morning and run until late at night, making this a great option if you’re looking to leave at an odd hour.

We suggest you pay a few dollars more for a minivan as it will take six hours (the bus takes eight) and is comfier!

5. Or take the Boat from Coron

Coron is a pretty place to stop in Palawan, with diving sites and lagoons, so it’s not a bad idea to make this part of your trip. Coron and El Nido are connected by three daily ferry trips – you can choose slow ferries (eight hours) or a fast – but more expensive – ferry that takes 4.5 hours.