Port Barton and El Nido are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Palawan. Both are equally interesting and offer many beach and island hopping activities in the area. To travel from Port Barton to El Nido in the Philippines, you have a few transportation options. The choice of transportation depends on your budget, schedule, and preferences. Here are some of the best ways to get from Port Barton to El Nido.
Read: Best Ways to Get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Port Barton to El Nido Overview
How long is the Port Barton to El Nido travel time?
Travel time from Port Barton to El Nido is approximately 4 hours. Be prepared for a bumpy ride especially when you take the shared van or shuttle. Book your tickets here.
Comparison of Port Barton to El Nido Transfers
Transfer Type | Travel Time | Price | Tickets |
Shared Van/Shuttle | 4.5H | Php550 | Book Here |
Private Van/Shuttle | 4H | Php3500 | Book Here |
Port Barton to El Nido Shared Van/Shuttle
One of the most convenient and popular options is to take a van or shared shuttle. These are readily available in Port Barton and offer a relatively comfortable and faster journey. They typically depart in the morning and take around 4-5 hours to reach El Nido, depending on road conditions. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially if you choose a budget option.

Port Barton to El Nido Private Van/Shuttle
If you prefer a more private and comfortable experience, you can arrange for a private transfer or hire a car with a driver. This option allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way for sightseeing or breaks. Private transfers are more expensive but offer greater flexibility and comfort.
READ: Best Ways to Get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Port Barton to El Nido by Motorbike
For adventurous travelers with motorbike experience, renting a motorbike is an option. However, this is not recommended for inexperienced riders due to the challenging road conditions. Ensure your motorbike is in good condition, wear appropriate safety gear, and be cautious on the winding and often unpaved roads. You can rent motorbikes from Puerto Princesa or at Port Barton.
Before choosing your mode of transportation, consider your budget, time constraints, and comfort preferences. It’s also a good idea to check the current road and weather conditions, especially during the rainy season, as road travel can be affected. Always book your transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons when availability may be limited.
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Read all our travel planning articles about Palawan here.
GO AROUND PHILIPPINES USEFUL TIPS AND LINKS |
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BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS To travel around the Philippines, there are 3 local commercial airlines. Cebu Pacific Air, AirAsia and Philippine Airlines. Smaller airlines called AirSwift (El Nido, Boracay) and Royal Air also fly to limited destinations. Book your local flights here. For international flights, I found Kiwi and Trip.com have cheaper flight options to the Philippines. |
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION There are many choices of hotels, hostels, apartments and guesthouses to stay in the Philippines. Book through AGODA for the cheapest options and Booking.com. I also use Hotelscombined to see all prices from different websites to choose from. |
BOOK YOUR BUS/FERRY/VAN/CAR The Philippines can be difficult to go around because many buses, ferries and even private vehicles are offline. The best websites to book them are through Bookaway.com and 12GoAsia – they have many partners in different destinations and you can purchase tickets online. Car rentals are also available for you to choose from here. |
BOOK YOUR PACKAGE TOURS If you don’t know where to go and just want a hassle free trip to the Philippines, you can find package trips to different destinations with Klook – I recommend them for local tours and activities or Get Your Guide. |
DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE |
It is very important to be safe and ready whenever accidents happen, especially in the Philippines where some places don’t have quality hospitals and clinics. I use Safety Wings for whenever I travel in the Philippines or abroad. |
Have you got any questions about traveling to the Philippines? Join our Philippines Travel Planning FB Page to get your answers. Don’t know how to start planning your Philippines trip? You can start here. |

Angie is a travel consultant and blogger who has started by writing her travel memoirs on her blog and then got published on international travel sites. She’s now focused on creating in-depth travel itinerary and articles about planning trips to the Philippines.