Overall3.3/10Harder to reach than about 75% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- El Nido airport (Lio) is very small and efficient—security and check-in are fast, but luggage handling can be slow. Arrive 45–60 minutes before flights.
- AirSWIFT is the only airline serving El Nido directly; flights fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Book early for better prices.
- The Coron–El Nido ferry is one of Southeast Asia's most scenic routes and is popular for multi-day island-hopping expeditions; it can be rough in bad weather so consider seasickness medication.
- All ferry and van tickets require cash payment; many ATMs in smaller towns have limited withdrawal amounts. Withdraw sufficient funds at the airport.
- If your hotel is in El Nido town proper (downtown), note that vehicle access is restricted; vans drop at El Nido Terminal and you'll need a tricycle (₱200–₱300) for the final short ride.
- Vans from Puerto Princesa depart early (typically 7–10 AM) and may experience random delays—budget extra time. Roads are mostly paved but the final 30–40 km are winding.
- Tricycle rides around El Nido and from the airport are cash-only. Agree on price before boarding; night rates are higher.
Airports
Lio Airport (El Nido)
- Code
- ENI
- Distance From Center
- 7 km
- Distance Notes
- Small airport located ~7 km from El Nido town proper
Ground Transport
~15-30 Minutes
- Cost
- ₱200
- Type
- Tricycle
- Notes
- Standard metered tricycle to town center. Cost varies based on destination within El Nido.
~30 Minutes
- Type
- Hotel transfer (pre-arranged)
- Notes
- Many hotels offer free or included airport pickup. Pre-booking recommended.
Puerto Princesa International Airport
- Code
- PPS
- Distance From El Nido
- 250 km
- Distance Notes
- Main airport serving Palawan region, ~5-6 hour van drive to El Nido
Ferry Connections
Coron to El Nido (and Return)
- Type
- Fast ferry
- Departure
- El Nido Ferry Terminal (near town center; 7 AM typical departure to Coron, 12:30 PM return)
- Travel time
- 3.5–5 hours
- Notes
- One of Palawan's most scenic routes. Journey can be rough in bad weather.
- Booking Notes
- Popular with travelers doing the Palawan circuit. Board 30–45 min early; ferries fill up.
- Duration Notes
- Standard ferries take 4–5 hours; faster operators (2Travel, Jomalia) complete journey in 3.5–4 hours
Operators
- Montenegro Lines
- 2Travel
- Jomalia Shipping Lines
- Atienza Interisland Ferries
Cost Range
- Amount USD Max
- 52
- Amount USD Min
- 31
- Currency Local
- PHP
- Amount Local Max
- 2850
- Amount Local Min
- 1760
Manila to El Nido (Overnight, Via Coron)
- Type
- Slow ferry
- Booking
- 12go.asia or direct with ferry operators
- Departure
- ~4 PM from Manila Port
- Cost Range
- ₱1,800
- Travel time
- ~18 hours
- Notes
- Budget option. Hot, crowded, uncomfortable but least expensive. Usually one ferry per day. Not recommended if time is tight.
Flights To El Nido
1.5 Hours
- Route
- Manila to El Nido (direct)
- Operator
- AirSWIFT
- Frequency
- Daily service available
- Cost Notes
- Early bookings ~₱5,000; peak season can reach ₱7,000 or higher. AirSWIFT (Cebu Pacific subsidiary) is the only airline flying this route.
Cost Range
- Amount USD Max
- 130
- Amount USD Min
- 90
- Currency Local
- PHP
- Amount Local Max
- 7000
- Amount Local Min
- 5000
40 Minutes
- Route
- Coron to El Nido
- Operator
- AirSWIFT
- Frequency
- 2 direct flights daily
- Cost Range
- ₱5,000
Day Trip And Nearby Access
Nearby Towns
3.5–5 Hours by Fast Ferry
- Destination
- Coron
- Notes
- Scenic route; part of Palawan's iconic island-hopping circuit.
- Transport Route Description
- El Nido Ferry Terminal to Coron Port
Cost
- Amount USD Max
- 52
- Amount USD Min
- 31
- Currency Local
- PHP
- Amount Local Max
- 2850
- Amount Local Min
- 1760
Port Barton
- Notes
- Laid-back town en route to or from El Nido; good stopping point
Nacpan Beach
- Notes
- Day trip accessible via local transport; part of El Nido region
Ground Transport From Puerto Princesa
5–6 Hours
- Type
- Shared van (most popular)
- Cost Range
- ₱400
- Operator Example
- Recaro (runs shuttles between Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido)
- Notes
- Departs Puerto Princesa Airport or town; pick-up typically 7–10 AM. Mostly paved road with final 30–40 km winding. Book in advance, especially peak season.
5–6 Hours
- Type
- Private van/taxi transfer
- Notes
- More expensive but flexible. Many drivers available at airport arrivals.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About El Nido
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.