What To Expect
Two different types of bus services are available for your trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. You may choose between an airconditioned bus with 40 seats or a minibus (van) with 9 seats only.
The most comfortable bus type is the airconditioned bus with 40 seats as you will have enough space for your luggage and yourself inside the bus.
The minibus, usually a Toyota Hiace, does not have enough space for your luggage and it might be possible that you have to share your seat with your luggage or your stuff goes onto the roof. If the van is fully booked you will find yourself in a cramped minibus for about 5-6 hours.
The advantage of buying a ticket for the minibus shuttle is that the operating company would pick you up at your hotel or airport and can drop you off along the way, if needed. The van shuttle runs more frequently than the large bus. The schedule for the 40seater bus is limited to four departures a day.
Airconditioned Bus (40 seats)
The bus runs daily from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The trip starts at Common Terminal, New Market in San Jose and ends at El Nido Bus Terminal. The travel time is 6 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Two meal stops will be made along the route, one stop in Roxas and one stop in Taytay.
Bus schedule Puerto Princesa City (Common Terminal, New Market, San Jose) to El Nido
Travel Time: 6 hours
Puerto Princesa City (Common Terminal, New Market, San Jose)
El Nido Bus Terminal
from 10 USD per person
Minibus (9 seats)
The van shuttle runs daily from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. If you stay in a hotel within Puerto Princesa Downtown the shuttle company will pick you up at your hotel. You may board the minibus at the airport or at the bus terminal as well. Please be aware that your pick up time from your hotel or airport might be different from the published schedule. Please plan to be ready up to 45 minutes prior the published departure time. The travel time is approx. 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The minibus makes a short stop in Roxas and Taytay.
Minibus schedule Puerto Princesa City to El Nido
Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Puerto Princesa City
El Nido Bus Terminal
from 10 USD per person
Shuttle left the airport on time. Space is limited, but the driver was good.
The pick-up was on time. The van was new. I like to book tickets online so I do not need to look for a transportation on the spot. Saves time.
A bit delayed from the scheduled departure time but the staff were friendly and the van was comfortable.
The overall experience was okay. Van was delayed. Pro: After landing we received a call where to find the counter at the airport.
The van left on time and was in a good condition. Value for money.