How to get from Coron to El Nido

Coron to El Nido is one of Palawan’s signature hops. Your main choices are the popular fast ferry, a short flight (via boutique carriers) between Busuanga/Coron and El Nido, private speedboat charters for small groups, or multi-day “expedition” boats that turn the transfer into an island-hopping mini-cruise. Pick based on sea conditions, budget, and how much time you want on the water.

At A Glance (Coron to El Nido)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚤 Fast Ferry (Coron Town Pier → El Nido Ferry Terminal)	~3.5–5.5h (sea/weather-dependent)	Most travelers, straightforward and direct
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,500–3,800 one-way » compare ferries | alt. listings
✈️ Flight (USU/Coron → ENI/Lio El Nido)	~40–55m airtime (+ short transfers)	Fastest overall, bumpy-sea days
🏷️ Cost: typically ~PHP 3,500–9,500 one-way » search flights | Trip.com fares
🛥️ Private Speedboat Charter	~3.5–4.5h (direct)	Small groups, fixed timing, comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 35,000–80,000 per boat (size/season) » private transfers | more options
⛵ 2–3 Day Expedition Boat (Island-Hopping)	2D/1N or 3D/2N	Scenic slow travel, snorkeling stops
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 12,000–25,000 per person (incl. food/gear) » compare expeditions

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall: Fly USU→ENI if schedules and budget fit.
• Best value & most common: Fast ferry for a direct sea crossing between town centers.
• Most flexible/comfortable: Private speedboat (pricey but door-to-door timing).
• Most scenic/adventurous: Multi-day expedition with islands, reefs, and beach camps.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Sea conditions: Crossings can be choppy Dec–Mar; flights or private boats may be smoother, but always check weather.
• Reserve early (peak): Ferries and flights sell out—compare on 12Go, Klook, and Trip.com.
• Luggage & logistics: Leave non-essentials at your hotel or use city storage partners like Radical Storage Coron / El Nido.
• Getting around on arrival: Tricycles handle most transfers; for freedom, compare scooters on BikesBooking.
• Contingency: Weather can disrupt boats—avoid tight same-day flight connections; consider travel insurance.

🚤 Option #1 — Fast Ferry (Most Popular, Direct)

Direct route Budget-friendly Weather-dependent

• Overview: Daily fast ferries link Coron Town Pier and El Nido Ferry Terminal. Schedules vary by season; check morning vs. early afternoon departures.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 2,500–3,800 one-way. Secure seats with e-vouchers on 12Go (Coron→El Nido) or browse alternatives on Klook.
• Pros: Simple and direct; luggage accepted. Cons: Motion sickness possible—bring meds; delays in rough seas.

Step-by-step: Fast Ferry

1. From your hotel in Coron Town, ride a tricycle 5–10 minutes to Coron Port/Pier (allow 45–60 minutes pre-boarding in peak season).
2. Show your e-voucher (12Go/Klook) at the operator desk; pay any terminal/environmental fees if required.
3. Board the assigned ferry; keep valuables handy and sit mid-ship if prone to seasickness.
4. Arrive at El Nido Ferry Terminal; take a tricycle/town transfer to your accommodation (5–15 minutes for in-town stays).

Getting to the main embarking points (Coron Port & El Nido Ferry Terminal)

• Coron side: Most hotels are within a short tricycle ride of the port; confirm your ferry brand/desk location upon arrival.
• El Nido side: The ferry terminal is in town; larger resorts may send pickups—arrange the night before.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight: Busuanga/Coron (USU) → El Nido (ENI/Lio) (Fastest)

40–55m airtime Avoids rough seas Limited seats

• Overview: Boutique carriers fly between Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga and El Nido Airport (Lio, ENI), a few kilometers from town.
• How to book (with price): Typically PHP 3,500–9,500 one-way depending on season and baggage. Compare/search on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
• Pros: Fast and weather-resilient vs. ferries. Cons: Small planes, luggage limits; fewer departures.

Step-by-step: Flight USU→ENI

1. From Coron Town, take a van or prearranged hotel shuttle (~30–45m) to USU (Busuanga Airport); arrive 1.5–2h before departure.
2. Check in (have printed/electronic ID and booking); confirm baggage allowance to avoid fees.
3. Fly to Lio Airport (ENI); upon landing, follow signs to transport counters for shuttles/tricycles to El Nido Town (10–20m).
4. If your hotel is in Lio Beach area, it may be walkable or a 5–10m ride.

Getting to the main embarking points (USU & Lio/ENI)

• USU transfers: Vans run from Coron Town to the airport; arrange through your hotel or local travel desks.
• Lio arrivals: Use shuttles/tricycles to town/resorts; some properties offer free pickups.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛥️ Option #3 — Private Speedboat Charter (Most Flexible)

Custom schedule Direct pickup/drop Expensive

• Overview: Charter a speedboat from Coron Town to El Nido for a nonstop sea transfer with departure time tailored to your day (weather permitting).
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 35,000–80,000 per boat. Compare offers and inclusions (fuel, crew, safety gear) on GetYourGuide or search providers on Klook.
• Pros: Fast, private, and direct; you choose departure. Cons: Pricey; weather can postpone.

Step-by-step: Private Speedboat

1. Request quotes with headcount and luggage; verify boat size, safety equipment, and captain’s credentials.
2. Meet at Coron Town Pier (or hotel jetty if arranged) for boarding; bring dry bags and motion meds.
3. Ride direct to El Nido; coordinate your hotel’s jetty/transfer point for smooth arrival.
4. Pay balance on arrival if required; confirm return/backup plans in case of weather changes.

Getting to the main embarking points (Piers/Jetties)

• Coron side: Tricycles can take you to the exact pier gate; arrive 30–45m early for briefings.
• El Nido side: Some resorts have private jetties; otherwise, disembark near the ferry terminal or a calm beach for pickup.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛵ Option #4 — 2–3 Day Expedition Boat (Island-Hopping Adventure)

Island time Meals & camping Fixed itinerary

• Overview: Multi-day boats travel Coron↔El Nido with snorkeling stops around Linapacan and remote beaches; expect basic beach camps or simple island lodges.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 12,000–25,000 per person incl. meals/gear/camps. Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide or browse Klook.
• Pros: Turns a transfer into a highlight. Cons: Rustic facilities; weather can reroute landings.

Step-by-step: Expedition Boat

1. Pick a 2D1N or 3D2N trip; confirm inclusions (tents/bedding, snorkel gear, park fees) and pickup point in Coron Town.
2. Pack light in a soft bag (dry bags recommended); store excess luggage at your hotel or with Radical Storage.
3. Attend the morning briefing; sail south with stops in the Linapacan area for reefs and sandbars.
4. Camp overnight on a beach or simple island lodge; arrive El Nido on the final afternoon.

Getting to the main embarking points (Coron Town pickup & El Nido drop)

• Coron pickup: Most expeditions meet at a central shop or pier in town—follow your voucher instructions.
• El Nido drop: Typically near the ferry terminal or town beach; tricycles connect to hotels.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Coron to El Nido)

Ferry or flight—which is better?
Ferry is the classic, budget-friendly route and puts you right in town. Flight is fastest and smoother in rough seas, but seats are limited and pricier.

How rough is the crossing?
It varies—expect moderate chop at times. Sit mid-ship, take motion meds 30–45 minutes before departure, and avoid heavy meals.

Can I bring big luggage on ferries?
Yes within practical limits; large suitcases are stowed. Keep valuables and essentials in a small carry-on.

Do expeditions run year-round?
Most operate in the dry season; some pause or alter routes during monsoon periods—always check dates and weather flexibility.

Where should I stay on arrival?
In El Nido, choose Town Proper for convenience or Lio for a calmer beach vibe—compare on Booking.com. In Coron, Town Proper is best for ports and tours—see Coron stays.

Any add-on tours?
Yes—book island-hopping (A/B/C/D), kayaking, and lagoons on GetYourGuide or Klook.