How to Get from El Nido to Manila
No direct flights run from El Nido to Manila. Fly AirSWIFT to Clark and take the P2P bus, or go by bus to Puerto Princesa.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Contents
Leaving the limestone karsts and turquoise lagoons of Bacuit Bay behind is always bittersweet. The trip from the slow pace of El Nido back to the energy of Manila starts with a small plane and a view over scattered emerald islands.
Since 29 March 2026, AirSWIFT flights from El Nido no longer land at NAIA in Manila. All Cebgo and AirSWIFT services moved to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and there are no direct flights between El Nido and NAIA.[1] You fly to Clark first and cover the last stretch to Manila by road.
El Nido to Manila by Flight via Clark
AirSWIFT flies between El Nido and Clark every day, with extra flights on selected days of the week.[2] Flights use small aircraft, so luggage limits can be stricter than on larger planes. Check your allowance before you reach the airport.
At Clark, Genesis P2P buses run to NAIA Terminal 3 every hour from 02:00 to 19:00, plus a bus at 20:30.[3] Allow plenty of time for the road into Metro Manila before an onward flight.
El Nido to Manila via Puerto Princesa
You can also travel by road to Puerto Princesa and fly on from there. Cherry Bus runs four trips a day from El Nido to Puerto Princesa, at 07:00 (Economy), 09:00 (Deluxe AC with toilet), 11:00 (Lazy Boy with toilet) and 21:00 (Lazy Boy with toilet). The ride covers about 260 km and takes around 5 hours.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Route | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Flight to Clark, then P2P bus to NAIA | AirSWIFT flies daily[2]; buses to NAIA 3 leave hourly[3] |
| Bus to Puerto Princesa, then flight | Four Cherry Bus trips a day[4] |
Tips for Traveling from El Nido to Manila
- Book in advance: Flights out of El Nido use small aircraft with limited seats, so book at least a few weeks ahead in the high season.
- Check your terminal: NAIA has four terminals that are not connected inside. Know which one your onward flight uses.
- Mind your baggage: Heavy dive gear or souvenirs may need extra weight. Buy it online beforehand.
- Arrive early: The airport is small, but check-in and security take time in peak season.
- Ask your resort: Many resorts in El Nido offer a shuttle to the airport. If yours does not, a tricycle is an easy way to get there.
Timetable
| Flight El Nido - Manila $ 175.07–181.69 6h 4m – 1days 7h 14m | |
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| Flight El Nido - Pampanga $ 181.69 19h 54m – 20h 34m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from El Nido to Manila, including current prices and schedules.
No. Since 29 March 2026, AirSWIFT flights from El Nido use Clark International Airport instead of NAIA, and there are no direct flights between El Nido and NAIA.
Fly from El Nido to Clark with AirSWIFT and take a Genesis P2P bus from Clark Airport to NAIA Terminal 3.
Genesis P2P buses run from Clark Airport to NAIA Terminal 3 every hour from 02:00 to 19:00, plus a bus at 20:30.
Yes. Cherry Bus runs four trips a day from El Nido to Puerto Princesa, and the ride takes around 5 hours.
Small aircraft often have stricter baggage limits than larger planes. Check your ticket and buy extra weight in advance if you need it.
Many resorts offer a shuttle. Otherwise take a tricycle from the town center.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Cebu Pacific: Transfer of Cebgo (DG) and AirSWIFT (T6) Flights from Manila to Clark. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] Clark International Airport: Flights (schedule as of October 28, 2026). Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [3] P2P Bus Philippines: NAIA Terminal 3 - Clark Airport Schedule. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [4] Cherry Bus Palawan: Trips. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.