How to get from Coron to Manila

Coron (Palawan) to Manila is easiest by direct flight from Busuanga/Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU). If you prefer to travel by sea, an overnight ferry sails to Manila on select days; when schedules are sparse, sail to Batangas then continue by bus to Metro Manila. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.

At A Glance (Coron to Manila)

Mode	Duration	Best For
✈️ Direct Flight (USU → MNL)	~1h10 flight (+30–45m to USU)	Fastest, most convenient
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,500–7,500 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. fares
⛴️ Overnight Ferry (Coron Port → Manila Pier)	~11–15h (schedule-dependent)	Budget, scenery, no flight
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 1,200–3,000 (berth/class) » compare sailings
⛴️🚌 Ferry (Coron → Batangas) + Bus to Manila	~12–17h total	Backup when Manila ferry days don’t fit
🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~PHP 1,100–2,500 + bus ~PHP 200–350 » check Batangas route
🛫 Flight via Cebu (USU → CEB → MNL)	~3–6h incl. layover	When directs sell out / bad weather
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 3,500–9,500 total » multi-leg search | alt. search

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Direct flight USU→MNL (1h10) with frequent departures in peak months.
• Cheapest without flying: Overnight ferry to Manila (bring snacks/earplugs; book a bunk/berth).
• When Manila ferry doesn’t run your day: Ferry to Batangas then bus to Metro Manila.
• When direct flights are full/cancelled: Connect via Cebu (more seats and weather resilience).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book ahead for weekends/holidays: Compare flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; ferries on 12Go.
• Transfers at both ends: In Coron, tricycles/van shuttles serve USU and the port; in Manila, use official airport taxis or Grab. For fixed-price cars, compare GetTransfer.
• Luggage & timing: Be at USU ~2 hours before flights; for ferries, arrive 60–90 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
• Stashing bags: Early/late arrivals in Manila? Use Radical Storage Manila drop points before hotel check-in.

✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (USU → MNL) — Fastest & Easiest

Fast Multiple daily (peak) Weather-sensitive

• Overview: Fly from Coron’s Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU/Busuanga) to Manila (MNL). Total air time ~70 minutes; ground transfers add ~30–60 minutes combined.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 2,500–7,500 one-way. Compare times/fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Manila hotel for late arrivals: see stays.
• Pros: Fastest by far; frequent services in season. Cons: Fares fluctuate; occasional weather delays.
• Official site(s): Check your airline email/app for terminal and baggage rules at MNL.

Step-by-step: Direct Flight USU→MNL

1. From Coron Town Proper, take a tricycle or prebooked van (35–45 minutes) to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU).
2. Search and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online where possible.
3. Fly USU→MNL (~1h10). On arrival at NAIA (MNL), follow signs to taxis or request Grab for your hotel.
4. If you have hours before check-in, leave bags at a Radical Storage partner and explore.

Getting to the main embarking points (USU Airport & NAIA)

• USU departures: Tricycles and shared vans can be arranged via your hotel; allow for traffic on the two-lane road.
• NAIA arrivals: Use official airport taxis or Grab (app) from the arrivals bays.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #2 — Overnight Ferry to Manila (Scenic, Budget)

Budget No baggage fees Longer travel

• Overview: Sail from Coron Port to Manila North Harbor (select days). Book a bunk or upgraded cabin; bring layers (AC) and snacks.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 1,200–3,000 depending on class/date. Compare on 12Go (Coron→Manila). Official: Check sailing days and check-in cutoffs on the ferry operator’s site (e.g., 2GO Travel).
• Pros: Cheap, scenic island views. Cons: Infrequent schedule; longer travel time.

Step-by-step: Ferry Coron→Manila

1. From Coron Town Proper, ride a tricycle (5–10 minutes) to Coron Port with your printed/e-ticket and ID.
2. Compare sailings and classes on 12Go; arrive 60–90 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
3. Board, secure your bunk/cabin, and keep valuables with you. Bring earplugs, snacks, and a light layer for AC.
4. Arrive at Manila North Harbor; take a taxi/Grab to your hotel or onward transit.

Getting to the main embarking points (Coron Port & Manila Pier)

• Coron Port: Tricycles readily available from town; confirm your gate/terminal with staff.
• Manila Pier: Official taxis and Grab operate at the port; expect urban traffic.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️🚌 Option #3 — Ferry to Batangas + Bus to Manila (Good Backup)

More sailing days Flexible arrivals One transfer

• Overview: If Manila-bound ferries don’t match your date, sail Coron→Batangas, then take a provincial bus (PITX/Buendia/Cubao-bound) into Metro Manila.
• How to book (with price): Ferry ~PHP 1,100–2,500 on 12Go (Coron→Batangas); bus ~PHP 200–350 at the terminal. For late-night arrivals, consider a fixed car via GetTransfer.
• Pros: Often more departure days; may arrive earlier than Manila ferries on some weeks. Cons: Extra transfer at Batangas Port.

Step-by-step: Coron→Batangas→Manila

1. Get to Coron Port; check your Coron→Batangas sailing on 12Go and arrive 60–90 minutes early.
2. Sail to Batangas Port; follow signs to the bus terminal area for Manila-bound coaches (PITX/Buendia/Cubao).
3. Buy a ticket for the next bus (aircon). Travel time to Manila is ~2–3.5 hours depending on traffic and endpoint.
4. Use Grab or a taxi for the last mile to your hotel once in Manila.

Getting to the main embarking points (Coron Port, Batangas Port, Manila)

• Coron side: Tricycles connect town and port quickly; carry small bills.
• Batangas Port: Bus bays are signed; ask staff for the next Manila-bound departure (PITX, Buendia, or Cubao).
• Manila arrival: From PITX/Buendia/Cubao, take Grab/taxi or the nearest city bus/rail to your accommodation.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛫 Option #4 — Connecting Flight via Cebu (USU → CEB → MNL) — When Directs Are Full

More seats Same-day options Layover time

• Overview: Fly USU→CEB (Mactan-Cebu), connect to CEB→MNL. Useful during peak dates or disruptions.
• How to book (with price): ~PHP 3,500–9,500 total. Search multi-leg fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Leave buffer time (≥1.5–2.5h) between flights.
• Pros: Higher chance of seats; frequent Manila legs from Cebu. Cons: Longer total travel; possible delays.

Step-by-step: USU→CEB→MNL

1. Reach USU by tricycle/van from Coron Town (35–45 minutes).
2. Book a through itinerary or separate legs on Booking.com Flights/Trip.com; allow ample layover in CEB.
3. At Mactan-Cebu (CEB), follow transfer signs; if on separate tickets, recheck luggage as needed.
4. Fly onward CEB→MNL; on arrival, use Grab or taxi to reach your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (USU, CEB & MNL)

• USU: Simple terminal; arrive 2 hours early.
• CEB: Domestic transfers are straightforward; check terminal for your onward flight.
• MNL: Expect urban traffic; consider hotels near your arrival terminal if landing late.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Coron to Manila)

Flight or ferry—what’s better?
Flights are fastest and run most days; ferries are cheaper and scenic but operate less frequently and take overnight.

How early should I arrive for the ferry?
Plan 60–90 minutes before departure for check-in, ID verification, and boarding.

Is the sea crossing rough?
It can be choppy in the Amihan/Habagat seasons—bring motion-sickness meds if prone.

Which Manila terminal will I arrive at?
Flights land at NAIA (Terminals vary by airline). Ferries typically dock at Manila North Harbor (check your ticket).

Can I bring large luggage?
Yes—ferries are flexible; flights have airline-specific limits—check your fare class.

Any storage if I arrive early?
Yes—use Radical Storage Manila near transport hubs and tourist areas.