Getting There and Around in Palawan
Part of the Palawan travel guide — see every topic in All Palawan Guides.
Palawan is a long, narrow island, and travel between its main towns takes time. Most visitors combine two or three places: Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron. Coron is not on the main island of Palawan but on Busuanga Island to the north. This guide explains the airports, the road north, the ferries and how to plan your route.
Airports
Palawan has three main airports for visitors. Puerto Princesa has the largest airport, with many daily flights from Manila and Cebu. Busuanga Airport serves Coron and is about 30 to 40 minutes by van from Coron town. El Nido has a small private airport, Lio Airport. Since 2026 its flights come mostly from Clark, with some from Cebu, Caticlan, Coron and Bohol. These flights are often more expensive. Many travellers fly into one airport and out of another, so they do not need to go back the same way. Book early in the busy season.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido by road
Shared vans run often from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The trip usually takes about five to six hours, with a short stop on the way. Vans can pick you up from the airport or your hotel if you book ahead. Buses are cheaper but slower. A private van is more comfortable for groups or families. The road is paved but has many curves, so take something for motion sickness if you need it. Port Barton and San Vicente, two quieter beach towns, are short side trips from this road and make good stops on the way.
El Nido to Coron by ferry
Fast ferries run between El Nido and Coron. The trip takes about three to four hours, depending on the boat and the sea. Book a day or more ahead in the busy season. Ferries can be cancelled when the sea is rough, especially from about June to October, so keep a spare day in your plans. Another option is a multi-day boat expedition between the two towns, sleeping in simple camps on islands. These trips are popular with adventurous travellers and must be booked well in advance.
Where to base yourself
In El Nido, the town centre is busy and close to the boats, bars and shops. Corong-Corong and Las Cabanas, just south of town, are quieter and have good sunset views. Nacpan, in the north, is very quiet but far from the tours. In Coron, most hotels are in Coron town, close to the harbour. Some resorts are on private islands nearby. In Puerto Princesa, stay in the city for easy access to the airport. Two to four nights in each place is a good plan.
Getting around in town
Tricycles, a motorbike with a covered sidecar, are the main transport in all three towns. Agree on the price before you ride. Scooter rental is common in El Nido and Coron, but roads can be busy and uneven, so only ride if you have experience and wear a helmet. Walking is easy in the centre of El Nido and Coron. ATMs exist in the main towns but can run out of cash, so bring enough money from Puerto Princesa or Manila. Mobile data works in the towns but can be weak on the islands.
Getting There and Around at a glance
| Getting there | Fly to Puerto Princesa, Busuanga (Coron) or El Nido (Lio) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van: about 5 to 6 hours |
| Cost | Vans and ferries are moderate; flights to El Nido are usually the most expensive |
| Best time | December to May; ferries may be cancelled in rough weather from about June to October |
| Tip | Fly in and out of different airports to save time |