How to Get to Palawan (Without Getting Confused by the Different Airports!)
Planning a trip to Palawan? You’re in for a breathtaking adventure—turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable island-hopping experiences. But before you pack your bags, there’s one thing you must know:
Palawan has multiple airports, and choosing the wrong one can seriously affect your itinerary.
To help you avoid confusion, here’s a simple guide on how to get to Palawan and which airport you should use depending on your destination.
🛫 1. The Four Main Airports in Palawan
Palawan is a long, narrow island, so different areas have their own airports. Here’s a clear breakdown:
✈️ 1. Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)
Best for: Puerto Princesa City, Underground River, Honda Bay, Port Barton, Southern Palawan routes
Flights from: Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and selected international charter flights
Why fly here?
Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Central and Southern Palawan—perfect if you plan to explore the Underground River (a UNESCO site), island-hop in Honda Bay, or connect to Port Barton and El Nido by land.
Travel Note:
- PPS ➝ Port Barton: approx. 3 hours by van
- PPS ➝ El Nido: approx. 5–6 hours by van
- PPS ➝ San Vicente Long Beach: approx. 3–3.5 hours
✈️ 2. San Vicente Airport (SWL)
Best for: Port Barton, San Vicente Long Beach, Taytay area
Flights from: Manila (seasonal / limited schedules)
Why fly here?
San Vicente is the closest airport to Port Barton. If your main destination is the chill, less commercial side of Palawan, this is the fastest and most convenient entry point.
✈️ 3. El Nido Airport / Lio Airport (ENI)
Best for: El Nido town, Bacuit Bay, the famous lagoons, luxury island resorts
Flights from: Manila, Cebu
Why fly here?
It’s the premium and most convenient option for El Nido travelers. Lio Airport is only 15–20 minutes away from El Nido town proper.
Perfect for travelers who want:
- Less travel time
- Hassle-free transfers
- Same-day island-hopping opportunities
✈️ 4. Busuanga Airport / Coron Airport (USU)
Best for: Coron Town, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Coron island-hopping
Flights from: Manila, Cebu, Clark
Important reminder:
Coron is NOT connected by land to the rest of Palawan.
Even though it’s part of Palawan province, you cannot travel from Puerto Princesa or El Nido to Coron by van—you must take a fast ferry or a flight.
Ferry travel time:
- El Nido ➝ Coron: 3.5–4 hours
- Puerto Princesa ➝ Coron: NO direct ferry, must connect via El Nido
🗺️ Choosing the Right Airport Based on Your Itinerary
To avoid confusion (and extra travel time!), here’s a simple guide:
✔ Going to Puerto Princesa?
Fly to PPS.
✔ Going to Port Barton / San Vicente Long Beach?
Fly to SWL (San Vicente Airport)
or PPS if SWL flight schedules don’t match.
✔ Going to El Nido?
Fly directly to ENI (Lio Airport)
or PPS + land transfer (4.5–5 hrs).
✔ Going to Coron?
Fly to USU (Busuanga Airport).
✔ Going to Balabac?
Fly to PPS.
🚢 Can You Combine Routes (e.g., Puerto Princesa + El Nido + Coron)?
Absolutely—Palawan is perfect for multi-city itineraries!
Here’s the ideal flow:
Option A: South to North Route
Puerto Princesa ➝ Port Barton ➝ El Nido ➝ Coron
(flight out from Coron)
Option B: North Loop Route
Fly to El Nido ➝ Fast ferry to Coron ➝ Fly out from Coron
This avoids backtracking and maximizes your island time.
🧭 Tips to Avoid Airport Confusion
✔ Double-check your airport code when booking online
✔ Remember: Coron = USU, El Nido = ENI, San Vicente = SWL, Puerto Princesa = PPS
✔ If unsure, ask your travel agent (Pobreng Byaheros is always here to guide!)
✔ Always check the distance from airport to hotel
✔ Book transfers in advance to avoid last-minute hassle
🌴 Final Thoughts
Palawan is a tropical paradise—but it’s also a geographically long province with multiple gateways. Choosing the right airport ensures your trip is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re exploring the Underground River, chilling in Port Barton, chasing the lagoons of El Nido, or diving in Coron, there’s a perfect airport that will bring you closest to the adventure.
And if you need help planning your route, flights, ferries, or full tour packages—
we got you! ✈️🌊
Message Pobreng Byaheros / Vacationers Travel Services for customized itineraries, land transfers, and hassle-free Palawan trips.
