Getting Around Palawan 2025
Navigate Palawan like a local with our transportation guide.
Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Palawan.
Public Transit
No conventional public bus network; jeepneys and tricycles handle local transport. Inter-town vans are the closest equivalent to public buses.
Taxis
Tricycles serve as local taxis — agree on price before boarding (₱100-300 typical for short town rides). In Puerto Princesa, Grab app works for car rides.
Car Rental
Motorcycles and scooters are the most flexible option for exploring El Nido and Coron surrounds. Cars can be rented in Puerto Princesa.
Walking
El Nido's main strip is walkable (1.5km). Coron town center is compact and walkable. Puerto Princesa requires tricycles between attractions.
Getting There
How to arrive in Palawan.
✈️ By Air
Puerto Princesa International Airport
The main international airport in Palawan, serving domestic routes from Manila (1h), Cebu (1h), and other Philippine cities. Limited international charter flights operate seasonally.
El Nido Airport (Lio Airport)
Small airport in the Lio tourism estate north of El Nido town served by Air Juan and other small carriers from Manila. The runway accommodates small turboprop aircraft only.
Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga/Coron)
The airport serving Coron and northern Palawan/Calamian Islands, located in Busuanga. The long van transfer to Coron town is included in most resort packages.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Palawan.
Local transportation within Palawan's towns relies heavily on tricycles, with motorcycle or bicycle rentals available for more flexibility. Island transport uses bangka boats.
Tricycle (for short in-town distances)
Motorcycle rental (for exploring El Nido surrounds)
E-bike rental (Puerto Princesa)
Island-hopping tours (for lagoons and islands)
Shared vans (for inter-town travel on main road)
🚌 Buses
Tricycles dominate local transport at ₱50-300 per trip depending on distance and negotiation
🛺 Local Alternatives
Motorcycle rentals from ₱500/day, bicycle rentals from ₱200/day in El Nido, Grab car service in Puerto Princesa
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Shared van (5-6h, ₱850) or flight (30 min, ₱3,000+). El Nido to Coron: Speedboat (4-5h, ₱2,500-3,500) or flight via Manila. Puerto Princesa to San Vicente/Port Barton: Shared van (2.5-4h, ₱300-500).
Long-Distance Buses
No formal long-distance bus. Shared vans: Puerto Princesa-El Nido ₱850 (5-6h), Puerto Princesa-San Vicente ₱300 (2.5h), Puerto Princesa-Coron (no direct road)
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared van terminals at the Puerto Princesa Lexus Terminal (El Nido) and San Jose Terminal (southern Palawan routes)
Domestic Flights
Cebu Pacific and AirAsia fly Manila-Puerto Princesa from ₱1,500-5,000 one-way; Manila-Coron from ₱2,000-6,000
Private Car/Driver
Private van hire Puerto Princesa to El Nido from ₱5,500-8,000 per vehicle
Driving in Palawan
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended; Philippine license accepted
Road Conditions
Main highway from Puerto Princesa to El Nido (230km) is paved but road conditions vary; some sections are single-lane. Mountain roads can be challenging.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Book El Nido-bound vans through your accommodation or at Puerto Princesa terminal the day before
El Nido to Coron speedboats operate seasonally (October-June) and cancel in bad weather — have a backup plan
Always negotiate tricycle fares before boarding and clarify if it's per person or per trip
Flying Manila to El Nido direct (Air Juan) saves the 5-6 hour van ride but costs significantly more
The Puerto Princesa-El Nido van journey passes through stunning limestone landscapes — sit by the window
Boat transfers between islands are subject to weather and sea conditions — be flexible with your schedule
Download the Grab app before arriving in Puerto Princesa for the most reliable city transport
Useful Apps
Grab
Ride-hailing app for car and motorcycle rides in Puerto Princesa — most reliable app-based transport
Philippine Airlines App
Book domestic flights and manage bookings for flights to/from Puerto Princesa
AirAsia App
Budget airline with frequent Manila-Puerto Princesa routes — book early for best fares
Cebu Pacific App
Popular budget carrier serving Puerto Princesa and Coron with frequent seat sales
Navigate Palawan Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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