5 Ways to Travel from Manila to El Nido - by Direct Flight, Direct Ferry, Flight + Minivan Via Puerto Princesa, Flight + Minivan 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 Manila to El Nido. 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 Manila to El Nido. You can choose between the flight + minivan via puerto princesa, direct flight, indirect ferry via coron, direct ferry, flight + minivan via san vicente*. The most affordable option is by direct flight, starting from $7. The fastest route is by direct flight (2h 20m).

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Compare Your Options

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
Direct FlightFastestBudget	2h 20m	($7)	--
Flight + Minivan via San Vicente*	6h 15m	($173)	--
Flight + Minivan via Puerto Princesa	6h 50m	($37)	--
Direct Ferry	12h	($33)	--
Indirect Ferry via Coron	16h 30m	($92)	--

Route Overview

ManilaEl Nido623 km

Via CoronVia San Vicente, Palawan IslandVia Puerto Princesa ("airport")

Explore interactive map

Flight + Minivan via Puerto Princesa

6h 50m - 8h 5mFrom ~$37

You can reach El Nido by flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa. This is the most common option because it's cheap. It's not as fast as a direct flight, but still faster than taking a ferry. From Puerto Princesa Airport, you can continue by van to El Nido. Airfares on this route are cheaper than direct flights from Manila to El Nido, making it possible to travel this journey from Manila to El Nido via Puerto Princesa for around .

Ready to book your flight + minivan via puerto princesa?

From ~$37 · 6h 50m - 8h 5m

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Direct Flight

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

The easiest and direct way to travel from Manila to El Nido is by a direct flight with either AirSWIFT or Cebu Pacific. El Nido is a popular spot, but its airport has a short runway, so only small planes can operate here. That makes flight tickets quite expensive. But this is your best option if you’d rather save time than money.

Ready to book your direct flight?

From ~$7 · 2h 20m - 2h 50m

Indirect Ferry via Coron

16h 30mFrom ~$92

You can travel from Manila to El Nido by sea. It’s a much longer journey compared to the flight options, but if you like to make an adventurous trip, this is the way to go. Like the flight, there are direct and indirect ferries for the Manila to El Nido route. Indirect ferries are faster. They make a stop in the beautiful Coron Island, so you can consider spending a few days there before continuing to El Nido.

Ready to book your indirect ferry via coron?

From ~$92 · 16h 30m

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KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Manila ("Manila North Harbour")

Manila North Harbour Pier 4

Manila

Baseco Port

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit El Nido?

El Nido is Palawan Island's northernmost tip, popular around the world as the gateway to paradise — the Bacuit Archipelago. This group of picture-perfect limestone islands boasts white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, and beautiful underwater.

El Nido's town centre leaves much to be desired with its mediocre beach, narrow streets, and mostly backpacker and mid-range hostels. But the island-hopping adventures from here are some of the best you will see in the world. Outside town, you should also include in your El Nido itinerary a visit to Nacpan-Calitang Beach and a hike to Taraw Peak.

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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

Tips and corrections from our community of travelers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.

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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

Your Name

Your comment or question

STAY

Where to Stay in El Nido

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

Treat Yourself

Cadlao Resort and Restaurant

Area: Next to El Nido town — 10-minute walk to town centre Your only negative comment about this place is that you wish you’d stayed longer. This place really is the tropical island resort that you’ve been dreaming of. The infinity pool overlooks the sea, there are palm trees everywhere and the service is incredible. Here you’ll get to enjoy your own spacious cottage, with some of them opening up right onto the beach.

Three swimming pools
Beach-side bungalows
Incredible views
Tasty breakfast included

Double rooms start from $150 per night

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Duli Beach Resort

Area: Duli Beach — around 1-hour to El Nido town There’s no better way to start your day than drawing back the curtains and seeing the ocean right there. That’s exactly what you can get at Duli Beach Resort. Their spacious bungalows with private terraces are set right on the beach. The remote location means that a lot of the time you’ll have the beach to yourself. You also don’t have to worry about finding food or a drink as the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar will undoubtedly satisfy you. If you want to head to El Nido town, it’s just under an hour's drive away.

Right on the beach
Secluded location
Amazing staff
Delicious breakfast included

Double rooms start from $50 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Spin Designer Hostel

Area: El Nido town — only a 5-minute walk around the town and beach You might have guessed by the name, Spin Designer Hostel has been designed to perfection. It’s so nicely and creatively designed that you probably wouldn’t expect it to be a hostel. The great thing about staying in a hostel, whether you’re in a private room or the dorms, is that there’s often great facilities. Spin Designer Hostel has a shared kitchen with BBQ facilities, a games room and a terrace surrounded by the forest. How about enjoying your complimentary breakfast here?

Stylish and modern hostel
Great amenities
Delicious breakfast included
Private and dorm rooms

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Hutch Lodging House

Area: Next to El Nido town — approx. 20-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre Hutch Lodging House brings the outside inside. With most of the hotel being open-air and plants scattered throughout, there’s a very relaxing ambience here. You also have the option to relax on your own private balcony as every room has one. It’s beautifully designed! The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from town — far enough that you get peace and quiet, but not too far.

Great location
Beautiful design
Air conditioning
Every room has a private balcony

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

View on Booking.com

Budget

Bale Cabugao Cottages

Area: Near El Nido town - approx. 10-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre Only steps from the beach, all you have to do is stand on the balcony at Bale Cabugao Cottages to hear the sound of the waves. Imagine eating your breakfast with this view! Great news: it’s included in the price. The hosts go out of their way to help you organise anything in El Nido. Their energy is also guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Incredible views
Great location
Helpful and happy hosts
Comfortable rooms

Double rooms $15-$30 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Manila to El Nido

Compare Your Options

Flight + Minivan via Puerto Princesa

Ready to book your flight + minivan 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 El Nido?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Direct Ferry

Departure and arrival ports

Ready to book your direct ferry?

Flight + Minivan via San Vicente*

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

Where to Stay in El Nido

Cadlao Resort and Restaurant

Duli Beach Resort

Spin Designer Hostel

Hutch Lodging House

Bale Cabugao Cottages