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How to Get from Manila to El Nido

Travel from Manila to El Nido: P2P bus to Clark, AirSWIFT flights to El Nido, or fly to Busuanga and take the Coron to El Nido ferry.

Philippines ManilaEl Nido

Last updated: November 12, 2026

How to Get from Manila to El Nido

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Contents

El Nido is where limestone cliffs rise straight out of Bacuit Bay, hidden lagoons wait behind the rock walls and the beaches are pale and quiet. It is at the northern tip of Palawan, far from the capital, and the quickest way there is by air.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Manila to El Nido by Flight

Since 29 March 2026, all AirSWIFT flights, including the ones to El Nido, use Clark International Airport in Pampanga instead of Manila.[1] AirSWIFT flies El Nido to Clark and back every day.[2]

Getting From Manila to Clark

A P2P bus runs from NAIA Terminal 3 to Clark Airport every day, with 20 departures between 00:00 and 22:30.[3] Plan the bus into your day, then board the flight to El Nido at Clark.

Manila to El Nido via Coron

You can also fly from Clark to Busuanga, the airport for Coron, and take the ferry to El Nido. The MV November Cattleya leaves Coron every day at 07:00, arrives at 11:00 and costs ₱2,600.[4] Clark has flights to Busuanga from Philippine Airlines and Sunlight Air.[2] This route fits well if you want to see Coron's lakes and wrecks first.

Tips for Traveling from Manila to El Nido

  • Book early: The aircraft on this route are small, and seats sell out in the dry season.
  • Check the baggage allowance: Smaller turboprops enforce weight limits strictly.
  • Allow for weather: Heavy rain and wind can delay flights and ferries, so keep a little slack in your schedule.
  • Bring cash: Many small shops and boat operators in El Nido prefer cash, and ATMs can run empty.

Timetable

Manila - El Nido More info / Tickets
Flight Manila - El Nido $ 112.39–133.57 1h 25m – 1h 30m
  • →  Economy 05:10, 05:55, 10:20, 10:50, 14:05, 16:15

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Manila to El Nido?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Manila to El Nido, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Manila to El Nido?

Fares change with the date and airline, so compare AirSWIFT from Clark with the Busuanga flight plus the Coron to El Nido ferry (₱2,600).

What is the fastest way to get from Manila to El Nido?

Take the P2P bus from NAIA Terminal 3 to Clark Airport and fly AirSWIFT directly to El Nido.

Do flights to El Nido leave from Manila?

No. Since 29 March 2026 AirSWIFT flights use Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Are there many daily flights available?

AirSWIFT flies between El Nido and Clark every day, and on some days more than once.

How do I get from Manila to Clark Airport?

A P2P bus leaves NAIA Terminal 3 for Clark Airport every day, 20 times between 00:00 and 22:30.

Is there a ferry to El Nido?

Yes, from Coron. The MV November Cattleya leaves Coron at 07:00 every day and arrives in El Nido at 11:00.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Cebu Pacific: Cebu Pacific Destinations, Airports, and Terminal Numbers. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
  2. [2] Clark International Airport: Flights (schedule as of October 28, 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026.
  3. [3] P2P Bus Philippines: NAIA Terminal 3 - Clark Airport Schedule. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  4. [4] Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc.: Coron to El Nido. Retrieved October 29, 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.