The primary 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). 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.
Flying to Palawan — Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS)
Puerto Princesa International Airport (IATA: PPS) is the primary gateway. Multiple daily flights connect from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. There are no scheduled direct international flights — all overseas visitors connect through Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
| Route | Flight Time | Airlines | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila (NAIA) → PPS | 1h10m | Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, PAL | ₱1,500–4,500 one way |
| Cebu → PPS | ~1h | Cebu Pacific, AirAsia | ₱1,200–3,500 one way |
| Clark (CRK) → PPS | ~1h20m | Cebu Pacific | ₱1,500–3,000 one way |
Book flights 4–6 weeks ahead for peak season (December–April, Holy Week, Christmas).
San Vicente Airport (SWL) — Alternative for Port Barton
San Vicente Airport (SWL) has flights from Manila on a limited schedule and is geographically closer to Port Barton. However, flight frequency is very low and an onward van transfer is still required. Most travellers find Puerto Princesa’s daily connections more reliable and practical.
From Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Port Barton is 97km north of Puerto Princesa on Palawan’s west coast. The road is mostly paved and takes 2–3 hours.
- Shared van — ₱600/person. Departs approximately 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM from the transport terminal near the market. Take the 7:00 AM van — it gives you a full afternoon in Port Barton.
- Private van hire — ₱4,500–6,500 for the whole vehicle. Good value for groups of 4 or more.
Motion sickness tip: The road to Port Barton has winding sections through the hills. Take medication 30 minutes before departure and sit near the front of the van if you’re sensitive.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Shared van: 5–6 hours, ₱700–900. The road has improved significantly but long stretches remain bumpy. Most travellers break the journey with a night in Port Barton — which sits roughly halfway and is worth visiting independently for island hopping.
From El Nido to Port Barton
Shared van via San Vicente — approximately 3 hours, ₱600–700. Perfect for a Palawan loop: fly into Puerto Princesa, go north to El Nido, travel south to Port Barton, return to Puerto Princesa for departure.
Getting Around Puerto Princesa
Tricycles (motorcycle with sidecar) are standard for short city trips — ₱10–50 per ride. Grab available in city centre for metered fares. Tour Z provides complimentary hotel pickup for whale shark tour guests from Puerto Princesa city centre hotels — no transport logistics 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. No cars, no tricycles — just the beach and bangka boats.
Ferry Options to Palawan
2GO Travel operates ferries from Manila’s North Harbor to Puerto Princesa (~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 use the saved journey time for exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Palawan from Manila?
The flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa is 1 hour 10 minutes. With airport transfers and check-in, allow 3–4 hours door to door from central Manila to your Puerto Princesa hotel.
How do you get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
Shared van transfer — 2–3 hours, ₱600 per person. Vans depart from the transport terminal several times daily. Book through your hotel the evening before for the morning departure.
Can I travel directly from El Nido to Port Barton?
Yes — shared vans run daily between El Nido and Port Barton via San Vicente (approximately 3 hours, ₱600–700). This is a popular route for travellers doing a Palawan loop.
Is there an airport closer to Port Barton?
San Vicente Airport (SWL) is geographically closest but has very limited flights. Most travellers find Puerto Princesa’s daily connections more reliable.
Book the whale shark tour — free hotel pickup included → · Port Barton island hopping →
