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How to Get to Puerto Princesa

How to Get to Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa Palawan, Philippines Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) serves as the main gateway to Palawan, located just a few kilometers from the central area.

Flight Details

  • Philippine Airlines (PAL) flies from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB).
  • Cebu Pacific operates frequent flights from Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo (ILO).
  • AirAsia Philippines connects Gateway To the cave river with Manila and Cebu.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

Flight availability and prices change with the seasons. Booking several months ahead often secures better fares.

Travel Timing

  • High Season (Dec-Apr): Flights are more frequent, prices are notably higher.
  • Shoulder Season (May, Nov): Prices are a little less, availability is generally good.
  • Low Season (Jun-Oct): Best prices and availability, but higher risk of weather delays.

Flight Deals

Look for discounted airfares through services like Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Comparison

Compare flight options and prices using search engines like Skyscanner.

Accommodation Transfers

Many hotels and tour operators furnish pre-arranged airport transfers, often included in package deals.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Amenities

  • ATMs are present for cash needs.
  • A few cafes and concession stands.
  • Souvenir shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Wi-Fi is typically accessible, though sometimes inconsistent.

Transfer Options

  • Tricycles: Most common and affordable for city hotels (₱50-₱150).
  • Taxis: Offer more space, direct service (₱150-₱300 into the city's core).
  • Vans: Many hotels and operators provide shared services (e.g., ₱150-₱250 per person).
  • SIM Cards: Counters for Smart and Globe are located in the arrivals hall.

Domestic and International Connections

No Direct International Flights

All international travelers must connect through a major Philippine gateway like Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB).

Domestic Hubs

Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) serve as common connection hubs.

Layover Time

For international connections, a minimum of 3-4 hours is a good idea for transfers, especially if changing terminals or re-checking luggage.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Travel by Van & Bus

Vans serve as the main long-distance land transport between Puerto Princesa and other popular Palawan destinations. Companies like Lexxus Shuttle, Cherry Bus, and Eulen Joy operate these routes.

Route Information

  • Puerto Princesa to The Nido: Approximately 5-A six-hour period, ₱600-₱800.
  • Gateway To the underground river to Port Barton: Approximately 3-4 hours, ₱400-₱600.
  • Buses (RoRo Bus, Cherry Bus) offer a slower, less frequent, and cheaper alternative, used more by locals.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Car rental is available but not as common for visitors traveling long distances. An International Driving Permit is a precondition if you plan to drive. Road conditions vary throughout the island.

Driving Notes

  • Main highway towards El Nido is for the most part paved and in good condition.
  • Secondary roads can be unpaved, dusty, or muddy.
  • Safety concerns include aggressive driving, weaving motorcycles, and animals on the road. Night driving is generally not advised outside of urban limits.

Sea Arrivals: Ferries & Cruises

While most visitors fly, go by sea offers an alternative, especially from other Philippine islands. Puerto Princesa Port serves inter-island ferries and a few international cruise lines.

Sea Routes

  • 2GO Travel operates regular ferry services connecting Gateway To the underground river to Manila, Iloilo, and Coron.
  • Manila to Gateway To the cave river: Approximately 22-28 hours (often overnight).
  • Coron to Gateway To the underground river: Approximately 10-12 hours.

Departure Information

Departure procedures are straightforward. Terminal fees for domestic flights are typically part of the airline ticket price. For international flights connecting through Manila or Cebu, international terminal fees are also typically included.

Departure Guidelines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at PPS at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
  • International Connections: Allow a minimum of 3-4 hours layover for transfers.
  • Online check-in is suggested when available.

Important Travel Notes

  • No direct international flights to Gateway To the underground river. Connections via Manila or Cebu are the norm.
  • Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals if self-driving.
  • Gateway To the subterranean river Airport (PPS) has limited food and beverage options in the departure area.
  • For domestic taking the ferry, a valid identification document (passport or national ID) suffices.
  • Plan long-distance land travel during daylight hours due to various road hazards and poor lighting at night.
  • Booking flights several months in advance is wise for better fares, particularly in peak season or holidays.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Terminal fees for domestic flights from The port Princesa International Airport (PPS) are generally included in the airline ticket price. Always confirm with your airline or check your ticket breakdown to prevent surprises.

Departure Checklist

  • Confirm terminal fees are included in your ticket.
  • Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight, 3-4 hours for international connections.
  • Consider online check-in for quicker processing.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

The exit area at Puerto Princesa Airport maintains limited food and beverage options, a few souvenir shops, and bathrooms.

What to Expect

  • Limited places to have a meal.
  • Small selection of souvenir shops.
  • Wi-Fi availability exists but reliability varies.

Passport Validity

Confirm your passport's validity extends at least six months beyond your departure date.

Onward Ticket

Have your confirmed onward or return flight ticket ready for immigration.

Hotel Bookings

Keep printed or digital copies of your hotel reservations for easy reference.

Sea & River Transportation

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Gateway To the underground river Port connects the city to other islands via regular ferry services. These journeys are often overnight, offering a scenic way to travel between islands.

Inter-island Connections

  • 2GO Travel offers services to Manila, Iloilo, and Coron.
  • Manila to Puerto Princesa takes about 22-28 hours.
  • Coron to Gateway To the underground river takes around 10-12 hours.

Immigration & Port Transfers

For international cruise ship arrivals, standard immigration procedures similar to airports apply. For domestic ferry travel, a valid identification document usually suffices.

Port Access

  • Upon arrival at Gateway To the underground river Port, tricycles and taxis are readily available.
  • The port is close to the city, making transfers quick.
  • River watercraft are not a main mode for arrival or departure, serving specific tours only.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car Rental Availability

Numerous local car rental agencies operate at The harbor Princesa; international chains are less common.

Required Documents

A valid home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed, along with a passport and credit card for deposit.

Cost and Conditions

Expect to pay around ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 per day for a basic vehicle. Road conditions vary, with secondary roads sometimes unpaved.

Travel Smart

Opting for shared vans for long-distance land travel is often more comfortable and practical than self-driving in Palawan.