How to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is a classic Palawan hop. Most travelers use shared vans direct from the city or airport; budget travelers can piece together public buses/jeepneys via the highway junction; and those wanting flexibility can book a private car or self-drive. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.
At A Glance (Puerto Princesa to Port Barton)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚐 Shared Van/Minivan (City/Airport → Port Barton) | ~3–4h (direct; hotel pickup common) | Most travelers, simplest & fastest |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 500–800 per person » compare vans | more listings | ||
| 🚌 Public Bus/Jeepney (via Highway Junction) | ~5–7h (connections) | Lowest cost, flexible travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 300–500 total (bus + local jeepney) | ||
| 🚖 Private Car/Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~3–3.5h (direct) | Families, late arrivals, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 4,500–7,000 per vehicle » get quotes | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (Car/Scooter) | ~3–4h (road conditions vary) | Stop when/where you like |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~PHP 2,000–3,500/day; scooter ~PHP 500–900/day » car rentals | scooters | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Shared van direct from Puerto Princesa (PPS airport or your hotel) to Port Barton.
- Cheapest: Public bus/jeepney via the highway junction—slow but very economical.
- Most Comfortable: Private transfer—door-to-door, your schedule.
- Most Flexible/Scenic: Self-drive—stop at viewpoints and beach towns along the way.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Reserve seats for vans in high season: Compare operators and time slots on 12Go or browse Klook.
- Cash is king in Port Barton: ATMs are limited—withdraw in Puerto Princesa before departure.
- Luggage & pickups: Vans often include hotel pickup; confirm time and bag size limits when booking.
- Local rides: Tricycles cover short hops in Puerto Princesa/Port Barton; for longer fixed-price rides consider GetTransfer.
- Stash bags if sightseeing: Check spots on Radical Storage Puerto Princesa.
🚐 Option #1 — Shared Van/Minivan (Most Popular & Easiest)
Direct Hotel/airport pickup Scheduled departures
- Overview: Air-con vans run several times daily from Puerto Princesa (city hotels or PPS airport) straight to Port Barton transport terminal (walkable/short tricycle to most guesthouses).
- How to book (with price): ~PHP 500–800 per person. Compare departure times and operators on 12Go or browse Klook transfers. Many include hotel pickup.
- Pros: Fastest point-to-point; minimal hassle. Cons: Fixed times; limited space for oversized bags.
Step-by-step: Shared Van
- Pick a departure that matches your flight/checkout. Reserve seats on 12Go or Klook.
- If arriving by air at PPS, add airport pickup; otherwise set your hotel as the pickup point (be ready ~15–30 minutes early).
- Ride ~3–4 hours with a rest stop on the highway; keep small cash for snacks/comfort breaks.
- Arrive at Port Barton Transport Terminal; walk or take a short tricycle to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Puerto Princesa City/PPS Airport)
- PPS Airport: Tricycles wait outside; if your van doesn’t pick up at PPS, ride a tricycle 5–15 minutes to the van office or hotel pickup zone.
- City hotels: Confirm lobby pickup time by SMS/WhatsApp with the operator on the morning of travel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Public Bus/Jeepney (Cheapest, Slowest)
Budget Local experience Multiple transfers
- Overview: From Puerto Princesa’s bus/van terminals, ride a northbound bus/van to the Port Barton junction on the highway, then transfer to a jeepney/van for the final leg to the village.
- How to book (with price): Buy tickets on the spot; expect ~PHP 300–500 total (two segments). For curated tickets when available, check 12Go.
- Pros: Cheapest way; departures throughout the day. Cons: Longer waits and transfers; limited luggage space.
Step-by-step: Public Bus/Jeepney
- Take a tricycle to Puerto Princesa’s San Jose Terminal (New Market/Transport Hub).
- Board a northbound bus/van toward the Port Barton Junction (ask staff to drop you there).
- At the junction, hop on a local jeepney/van bound for Port Barton village.
- Walk or take a short tricycle from the village drop-off to your stay.
Getting to the main embarking points (San Jose Terminal & Junction)
- San Jose Terminal: Reach by tricycle (15–25 minutes from the airport/center); arrive early for seats.
- Highway junction: Transfers are informal—keep small bills and confirm the fare before boarding.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Private Car/Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Comfort Custom schedule Higher cost
- Overview: A driver meets you at PPS or your hotel and takes you straight to your resort in Port Barton—no transfers, full luggage space.
- How to book (with price): ~PHP 4,500–7,000 per vehicle (size/time). Get instant quotes on GetTransfer; you can also check set-rate listings on Klook.
- Pros: Total convenience; great with kids/boards/gear. Cons: Price vs. shared van; advance booking recommended in peak months.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter pickup (PPS or hotel) and drop (hotel in Port Barton) when requesting a quote on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, night surcharge) and vehicle size for luggage/surfboards.
- Meet your driver at arrivals or hotel lobby; ride ~3–3.5 hours with rest stops on request.
- Arrive at your accommodation; pay remaining balance if applicable.
Getting to the main embarking points (PPS & City Hotels)
- PPS pickups: Share flight number for delay monitoring; drivers wait at arrivals with a sign.
- Hotel pickups: Be ready in the lobby 10 minutes early; keep phone/data on for coordination.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Car or Scooter; Most Flexible)
Freedom Photo stops Road awareness
- Overview: Roads are paved most of the way; expect occasional rough patches toward the coast. Drive time ~3–4 hours depending on traffic and weather.
- How to book (with price): Cars from ~PHP 2,000–3,500/day on Booking.com Car Rental; scooters from ~PHP 500–900/day on BikesBooking.
- Pros: Leave at sunrise, stop where you like. Cons: Night driving not advised; allow extra time in rain.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your vehicle in Puerto Princesa (airport or city); check spare tire, lights, and fuel.
- Navigate to the Port Barton Junction on the national highway, then turn toward the coast following signs to Port Barton.
- Park at your guesthouse; some properties have limited spaces—confirm ahead.
- Return via the same route or continue north to San Vicente/El Nido if road conditions permit.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Junction)
- Rental depots: Airport counters and downtown shops; verify insurance and helmet/gear (for scooters).
- Fuel/ATMs: Top up in Puerto Princesa; services thin out near the coast.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Puerto Princesa to Port Barton)
How long is the trip?
~3–4 hours by direct van/private car; ~5–7 hours by public bus/jeepney with transfers.
Do vans run from the airport?
Yes—many services pick up at PPS or nearby; confirm when booking on 12Go or Klook.
Is there an ATM in Port Barton?
Access is limited and may be offline; bring enough cash from Puerto Princesa.
What about seasickness—do I need a boat?
No boat is needed between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton; it’s a road journey. Boats are for island-hopping day tours once you arrive.
Where should I stay?
Beachfront cottages and small resorts cluster around the main bay—compare deals on Booking.com (Port Barton) or base in Puerto Princesa before/after on Booking.com (Puerto Princesa).
Any packing tips?
Bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light rain layer, and dry bags for island-hopping. Keep small bills for tricycles and local fees.