Want to visit a tropical paradise and wondering how to go from Manila to Coron, Palawan? We can help!
Imagine stepping off the plane into the tropical paradise of Coron, Philippines. The warm sun kisses your skin, and the salty breeze from the azure sea fills your lungs. As you gaze at the stunning landscape, you can’t help but feel a sense of adventure bubbling up inside you. The jagged limestone cliffs, the lush green jungles, and the sparkling turquoise waters are all beckoning you to explore.
Now picture yourself snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful marine life. Or perhaps you’re more inclined to hike up Mount Tapyas, where the panoramic view of the island will leave you breathless. The local cuisine is another delight, with fresh seafood and exotic fruits that will tantalize your taste buds. Coron is not just a destination, it’s an experience that will ignite your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime.
While it’s not far from Manila to Coron, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day.
Below, I break down exactly how to go to Coron, Palawan from Manila so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a ferry to Coron from Manila or cheap flights Manila to Coron, Palawan. This way, you will be in paradise as quick as possible!
I also describe the reverse journey from Coron to Manila.
Map: Manila-Coron
The direct distance from Manila to Coron is approximately 300 kilometers.
BEST OPTION: How To Get To Coron From Manila
The quickest option for traveling from Manila to Coron is flying.
The cheapest option is to take a ferry.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Flight | 5 hours | People who like the quickest option | Book here |
| Ferry | 15 hours | People who can travel on a Friday night | Book here |
| Bus/Ferry | hours | People who | Book here |
First, make your way to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). It’s conveniently located within the city and accessible by taxi, bus, or private vehicle.
From here, you’ll need to buy connecting flights via Cebu to Busuanga, the main airport on Coron island.
Several airlines serve this route, including Philippine Airlines/PAL Express and Cebu Pacific/Cebgo. These airlines offer multiple flights daily, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.
As for the cost, a typical one-way ticket price ranges start from 4,400 PHP, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
Click here to see the prices and options for your dates.
Upon landing, you’ll arrive at Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron. It’s a small airport, making navigation straightforward. From there, it’s a short 45-minute drive in a shuttle to Coron town.
Click here to book your shuttle.
Option 2: Manila To Coron Ferry
To travel from Manila to Coron by ferry, you have one great option – the weekly direct ferry. It’s also possible to take a series of buses and boats which is described in option 3 below.
If you’re opting for the direct route, 2Go Travel offers a ferry service from Manila to Coron. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and is an enjoyable way to arrive in Coron. Unfortunately, they only depart once a week at 5:30pm on Fridays. They arrive in Coron at 6:30am the next day.
The cost for a Mega Value Class ticket starts at PHP 2,857. You can pay more for a cabin. Meals are included.
Ferries depart from the Manila North Harbor Pier 4 which is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. You have got to be at the ferry terminal in Manila a few hours before with the departure gate closing 60 minutes beforehand.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.
Option 3: Overland Bus/Ferry From Manila To Coron
If you don’t want to fly and can’t travel on a Friday night, you can travel overland and by sea from Manila to Coron via Mindoro.
It’s not a fast or easy journey and the last ferry only runs twice a week so it’s not possible to take this route every day. It combines long-distance buses, RORO (roll-on/roll-off) ferries, and local passenger ferries. It’s also more expensive than taking the direct ferry.
Overview of the Route
- Leg 1: Manila to Batangas Port (Bus) – book here
- Leg 2: Batangas Port to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (Ferry) – Book here
- Leg 3: Calapan to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (Bus / Van)
- Leg 4: San Jose to Coron, Palawan (Passenger Ferry) – Book here
Step 1: Manila to Batangas Port
- Transport: Long-distance air-conditioned bus.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (depending on Manila traffic).
- Details: Depart early in the morning from Manila (Cubao or Pasay bus terminals). Operators like JAM Liner and ALPS Bus run frequent direct routes to Batangas International Port.
- Book here. Prices start at PHP 372
Step 2: Batangas Port to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
- Transport: RORO Ferry or Fastcraft (FastCat, Starlite Ferries, SuperCat).
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Details: Upon arriving at Batangas Port, pay the terminal fee and catch a ferry across the Verde Island Passage to Calapan Port on Mindoro Island. Ferries run almost hourly.
- Book here. Prices start at PHP 830
Step 3: Calapan to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
- Transport: Overland Aircon Bus (Dimple Star / Ceres) or Van-for-Hire (V-Hire).
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours.
- Details: From Calapan Port, take a tricycle or jeepney to the Calapan Grand Terminal. Board a southbound bus or van heading to San Jose in Occidental Mindoro. The route crosses through the interior/southern roads of Mindoro via Roxas and Bulalacao.
- Overland bus/van tickets along this stretch are generally walk-in only at the Calapan Public Terminal. It is best to arrive early in the morning.
Step 4: San Jose, Mindoro to Coron, Palawan
- Transport: Passenger Ferry (Bunso Transport / Local Ferries).
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours.
- Details: Departs from San Jose Pier/Port to Coron Port (Busuanga Island).
- Crucial Timing Note: Bunso Ferry typically operates only on specific days (traditionally Tuesdays and Saturdays at around 9:00 AM). You must plan your Mindoro overland leg to arrive in San Jose the day before departure.
- Book here. Given this ferry only runs twice a week, I recommend booking at least a week before travel. Prices start at PHP 2,200
It’s also worth noting that weather conditions in the Mindoro Strait can cause sudden coast guard delays or ferry cancellations, especially during typhoon season (June to October). Allow an extra buffer day in San Jose.
In addition to ticket prices, there are likely to be port terminal and environmental fees at Batangas, Calapan, and San Jose.
Coron To Manila
Traveling from Coron to Manila is similar to traveling from Manila to Coron. You just need to reverse the directions above.
You have several options when traveling from Coron to Manila: by flight, ferry or a combination of bus and ferry. Each has its own unique benefits and challenges.
Flying is the quickest method. While you’ll have to fly via Cebu to get from Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, connecting flights can take as little time as 3.25 hours. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer daily flights.
Click here to look up flights now.
Ferries offer a slower but scenic route. 2Go Travel operates a ferry service that takes around 13 hours. It departs on Sundays from Coron Town at 8:30pm and tickets start at PHP 2,733.
Click here to find tickets and more information.
The bus/ferry combination is the longest route and involves taking a ferry to San Jose Mindoro (only on Mondays and Fridays – find schedules and tickets here), then a bus/van to Calapan, and another ferry to Batangas (schedules and tickets here) and then a bus onto Manila (schedules and tickets here). This can take up to 24 hours, but realistically, you’d want to stop somewhere on the way overnight.
Remember that schedules can change due to weather or other factors.
Final Words
Navigating your way from Manila to Coron has never been easier. Just follow the directions provided above and you’re set for an effortless journey. The quickest and most convenient option is to take a flight. With several airlines offering daily services, you can be soaking up the sun in Coron within a few hours of leaving Manila.
However, if you have the time and can leave on a Friday, consider taking the direct ferry.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.
The overland journey with buses and ferries is really only for people wanting to see more as they travel with plenty of time as it doesn’t save time or money.
I hope you found this guide to how to get to Coron, Palawan from Manila useful. You can find our complete travel guide to Manila here and to Palawan here.
