Heading to Port Barton after flying into Puerto Princesa? Thankfully, this is an easy journey to organize and a beautiful part of the world to visit.
Port Barton is around 125 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa by road and you have three main options for getting there: a shared van, bus or private transfer.
For most travelers, I recommend taking a shared van from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. There are plenty of departures throughout the day, the trip generally takes around 3–4 hours and it’s inexpensive.
However, taking the bus can save you a little money, while a private transfer is worth considering if you’re traveling as a family or group.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all three options so you can decide which is best for you. I’ll also explain how to make the journey in the opposite direction from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa.
Map: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton
Puerto Princesa is on the eastern side of Palawan, while Port Barton is on the west coast, around 125 kilometers away by road.
Despite looking relatively close on a map, allow around 3–4 hours for the journey. Shared transport can also take longer if there are additional passenger pickups or drop-offs along the way.
Most of the way you are on the main highway in Palawan and road conditions aren’t too bad. The last 22 kilometers is on a more local road and it’s not in as good condition. We did not find the journey that bumpy though.
BEST OPTION: How To Get From Puerto Princesa To Port Barton
The easiest and a fast way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is by shared van.
Vans run throughout the day and generally take around 3.5 hours – although mine was just 2.75 hours. They are also only a little more expensive than the bus, making them the best combination of convenience, price and travel time.
You can check current schedules and book your van in advance on 12Go.
Here’s a quick comparison of your options:
| Transport | Travel Time | Approximate Price | Best For | Book |
| Shared van | 2.5–4 hours | From around PHP600 | Best option for most travelers | Book here |
| Bus | Around 4 hours | Around PHP500 | Saving money/more luggage | Book here |
| Private transfer | Around 2.5-3.5 hours | From around US$68 per vehicle | Families, groups and convenience | Book here |
Prices and schedules can change, so check current options before you travel.
Vans and buses will take you to the Port Barton Bus Terminal. From here, the beach of Port Barton is less than 10 minutes walk away. There are also tricycles if you don’t want to walk to your accommodation.
Option 1: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Van / Shuttle
Taking a Puerto Princesa to Port Barton van is the option I recommend for most travelers.
Several companies operate this route, including SBE Transport and Recaro Transport, and there are departures from early morning until the evening.
The journey generally takes around 3½–4 hours. SBE, for example, lists the trip at approximately 3½ hours with a standard fare of PHP600, although online booking prices vary by operator and departure.
When I took a van on this route, it only took 2.75 hours and while I booked with Recaro on 12Go, it was ran by SBE. This was in the off-season and the van only had three people other than me and my son. It only stopped for one more pick-up after picking us up near the airport.
It stopped once along the way for the toilet.
Another big advantage of taking a van is the number of departures. Current schedules have vans leaving throughout the day, so you don’t have to plan your arrival in Puerto Princesa around one or two services.
Be aware that pickup points differ between operators. Some services leave from operator-specific terminals or offices, while others offer airport or accommodation pickup. Check the departure location carefully when booking.
Many pick up from near the airport which can be handy if you want to go to Port Barton as soon as you arrive. Our pick up with Recaro/SBE was a 5 minute walk from the airport. There was an undercover area with a bench to wait on.
Shared vans can also be cramped when full and luggage space is limited. There were four seats (with seat belts) across a row in the van we took which would usually be for three people. I was very glad our van wasn’t full.
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, check your allowance before booking. Van drivers also have a reputation for driving fast so the bus can be considered a safer option.
Check van schedules and prices here.
Option 2: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Bus
The Puerto Princesa to Port Barton bus is a good alternative if you’d prefer a larger vehicle or want to save a little money.
SBE Transport operates buses on this route with a journey time of around four hours. Its published fare is PHP500, although the price you’ll actually pay can vary depending on where and how you book.
Unlike the vans, there are only a small number of bus departures each day. The current online schedule is morning and afternoon services, so I recommend checking the latest timetable before planning around one.
The saving compared with a shared van isn’t huge. Unless the bus schedule happens to suit you particularly well, I’d pay the small difference and take the van.
Click here for the latest schedules and prices.
Option 3: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Private Transfer
If you’re traveling with children, have lots of luggage or simply don’t want to deal with shared transport, a private transfer from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is the easiest option.
The main advantage is convenience. You can arrange a departure time that suits you and travel directly without waiting for other passengers.
It’s obviously much more expensive for one or two people, but the price becomes easier to justify if you can split it between a group.
For example, currently prices start at around US$68 per vehicle, with an estimated journey time of 3½ hours. Prices vary significantly between operators, though, so compare what’s available for your dates.
Click here for the latest options and prices.
Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Ferry?
You may come across searches for a Puerto Princesa to Port Barton ferry, but there is no direct ferry service connecting the two.
Although both places are on the coast, traveling overland by van, bus or private vehicle is the only practical way to get between them.
How To Get From Port Barton To Puerto Princesa
Traveling from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is just as straightforward, with shared vans, buses and private transfers available in the opposite direction.
Again, I’d choose the shared van in most circumstances.
There are multiple van departures throughout the day. Current schedules include services from Recaro, SBE and JCalbert, with departures starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening. Most scheduled journeys take around 3–3½ hours.
Click here for all the options.
The bus is another option. SBE operates the route in the opposite direction too, although there are far fewer bus departures than vans.
Buses and vans all tend to depart from the Port Barton Bus Terminal which is a short walk from the main beach. There is a small waiting area.
You can also book a private vehicle back to Puerto Princesa. This can be particularly useful if you’re heading straight to Puerto Princesa Airport and have a flight to catch, as you don’t have to rely on shared transport schedules or passenger pickups.
Click here for all the options.
Whichever option you choose, leave yourself plenty of spare time if you’re connecting with a flight. Shared vans can make additional stops and road or traffic conditions can affect journey times.
Final Words
Getting from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is thankfully pretty simple.
For most travelers, I recommend taking a shared van. It’s relatively inexpensive, there are plenty of departures and you’ll usually reach Port Barton in around 3–4 hours.
The bus is worth considering if its limited schedule works for you, while a private transfer is the most convenient choice for families and groups.
Click here for prices and schedules now and you’ll soon be in gorgeous Port Barton.
If you are traveling on to El Nido, don’t miss my guide to traveling between Port Barton and El Nido here.
Once you arrive, make sure you read my guide to the best things to do in Port Barton to help plan your stay. And if you’re spending some time in Puerto Princesa before leaving, I also have a Puerto Princesa itinerary for 1–3 days to help you make the most of your time there.
