5 Ways to Travel from El Nido to Manila - by Direct Flight, Direct Ferry, Minivan + Flight Via Puerto Princesa, Minivan + Flight Via San Vicente* and Indirect Ferry Via Coron

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 623 kilometre distance from El Nido to Manila. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 5 ways to get from El Nido to Manila. You can choose between the minivan + flight via puerto princesa, direct flight, indirect ferry via coron, direct ferry, minivan + flight via san vicente*. The most affordable option is by direct ferry, starting from $1. The fastest route is by direct flight (2h 20m).

COMPARE

Compare Your Options

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
Direct FlightFastest	2h 20m	($7)	--
Minivan + Flight via San Vicente*	3h 45m	($3)	--
Direct FerryBudget	6h	($1)	--
Minivan + Flight via Puerto Princesa	7h	($38)	--
Indirect Ferry via Coron	16h 30m	($98)	--

Route Overview

El NidoManila623 km

Via CoronVia Puerto Princesa

Explore interactive map

Minivan + Flight via Puerto Princesa

7h - 7h 30mFrom ~$38

The most popular option to travel from El Nido to Manila is a combination of a 5 to 5.5-hour minivan ride to Puerto Princesa and a 1.5-hour flight to Manila. Even though there are direct flights from El Nido to Manila, more airlines operate from Puerto Princesa to Manila and fares are cheaper for this route. In fact, combined fares for this indirect flight option are less than half of the direct flight fare from El Nido to Manila.

Ready to book your minivan + flight via puerto princesa?

From ~$38 · 7h - 7h 30m

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Direct Flight

2h 20m - 2h 50mFrom ~$7

The direct flight is the fastest option from El Nido to Manila, but it is also the most expensive. It’s ideal if you’re short on time and don’t mind spending a bit more. AirSWIFT and Cebu Pacific offer direct flights on this route. Including airport transfers, the total travel time comes to around .

Ready to book your direct flight?

From ~$7 · 2h 20m - 2h 50m

Indirect Ferry via Coron

16h 30mFrom ~$98

Travelling by ferry from El Nido to Manila is an option, if you're not in a hurry. You can take an indirect ferry from El Nido to Manila that takes around . You'll first need to take a fast ferry from El Nido to Coron Port, and then another ferry from Coron to Manila North Harbour Pier 4. This is a good option if you want to explore the beautiful island of Coron.

Ready to book your indirect ferry via coron?

From ~$98 · 16h 30m

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KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

El Nido

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Manila?

Manila is the capital of the Philippines — an old city often disregarded by travellers who use it only as a gateway to the country's more visually appealing islands. But if you have an extra day in your itinerary, we think Manila's colourful history is a great way to kick off your trip. Explore the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church — all of which were first built in the late 1500s. Art and anthropology also attract many locals to Manila. You will find here the National Museum, a complex of three museum buildings that tell the story of the Filipinos.

TRUST

How We Research

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ROUTES RESEARCHED

Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

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BY TRAVELERS

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Carbon Footprint

This 623 km journey produces approximately 55 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

Preview: This section shows sample data. Real content will be added by the editorial team.

4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Manila

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Somerset Central Salcedo Makati

Area: Makati City centre — approx. 10-minute walk to shopping malls and business centre As soon as you step into Somerset Central, you forget about the hustle and bustle going on outside the doors. Inside the hotel you’re met with luxury, relaxation and a chance to rejuvenate yourself in the gym or outdoor pool. The grandeur of the hotel continues in the rooms, decorated in a stylish and modern design. The highlight of the room are the beds. They’re huge and super comfortable, guaranteeing you a great night's sleep.

Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
A la carte restaurant
Continental breakfast included

Double rooms start from $50 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Hotel 101 Manila

Area: Along Mall of Asia complex — approx. 10-minute drive to shopping malls and airport Hotel 101 Manila has everything you could ask for from a city hotel. It has a refreshing outdoor pool, a delicious on-site restaurant and it’s close to the airport — perfect if you’re flying in or out of Manila. The rooms are large, comfortable and exceptionally clean. With their incredible hospitality, the staff make you feel like you’re staying in a 5-star hotel.

Outdoor swimming pool
On-site restaurant
Amazing staff
Great and convenient location

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

View on Booking.com

Budget

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue

Area: Makati City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to nearest shopping mall Only passing through Manila? Hop Inn Hotel is perfect for those spending just a few nights in the busy city. It’s clean, modern and has all of the basic amenities that you could possibly need. Modern minimalism would be a good way to describe this place. Plus you won’t be spending too much time in your room as you’re located in Makati, one of the best neighbourhoods in Manila.

Clean and modern rooms
Great location
Air conditioning
Helpful staff

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from El Nido to Manila

Compare Your Options

Minivan + Flight via Puerto Princesa

Ready to book your minivan + flight via puerto princesa?

Direct Flight

Ready to book your direct flight?

Indirect Ferry via Coron

Ready to book your indirect ferry via coron?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Manila?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Direct Ferry

Departure and arrival ports

Ready to book your direct ferry?

Minivan + Flight via San Vicente*

Ready to book your minivan + flight via san vicente*?

Where to Stay in Manila

Somerset Central Salcedo Makati

Hotel 101 Manila

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue