El Nido airport, also called Lio Airport (ENI), is a small turboprop airport a short ride from town, and flying in saves the long drive from Puerto Princesa. This guide explains which flights serve it since the 2026 changes, how to get there from Manila, the transfer into town, and the alternatives: the van from Puerto Princesa, the ferry from Coron and the road from Port Barton.
El Nido Airport sits in Barangay Villa Libertad, about 4 km (2.5 miles) north of the town proper, next to the Lio tourism estate. Its 1,000-meter runway takes only turboprop aircraft, which is why fares are usually higher than flights to Puerto Princesa and baggage allowances deserve a careful look before you pack.
For years the only airline here was AirSWIFT, which the Ayala group's ALI Capital sold to Cebu Pacific in 2024. Since July 1, 2026 all former AirSWIFT flights are operated by Cebu Pacific's regional subsidiary Cebgo, with flight codes changed from T6 to DG; schedules stayed the same and tickets are sold through Cebu Pacific.
The main route is Clark–El Nido, with several flights a day. Cebu Pacific added daily direct flights from Cebu in October 2025, and from El Nido the network continues to Boracay (Caticlan) and Coron (Busuanga) daily and to Bohol several times a week, according to the airline's announcements in mid-2026.
The direct flight between El Nido and Busuanga is a useful alternative to the ferry, especially in the rainy season when boats are more often canceled. Seats are limited on the small planes, so book early for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Holy Week.
There are no longer flights to El Nido from Manila's NAIA. Under a Department of Transportation slot decision, all turboprop flights moved out of NAIA on March 29, 2026, and the Manila–El Nido service became Clark–El Nido. Clark International Airport is in Pampanga, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila, so if you are starting in the city, allow plenty of time for the road; some international flights land at Clark directly.
The other option from Manila is a jet flight from NAIA to Puerto Princesa, which Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia all fly, followed by the van north. It is cheaper but costs most of a day. If your trip also includes Coron, consider flying into one and out of the other; our getting around Palawan guide compares the three airports.
Tricycles and hotel vans are the usual transfer, taking about 10-20 minutes into town or to Corong-Corong; agree the fare first, and check whether your hotel includes a pickup. Hotels in the Lio estate, such as Seda Lio, Huni Lio and Piece Lio, are only a few minutes from the runway, and Lio Beach is within walking distance of most of them. For Nacpan Beach, about 45 minutes north, arrange a transfer in advance. Our where to stay guide compares Lio with town.
Shared vans are the standard way north from Puerto Princesa. The ride takes about 5-6 hours on a winding road, with a meal stop around Roxas and a shorter break near Taytay; bring motion-sickness tablets if you need them. Several companies, including Lexxus, Fortwally and Eulen Joy, run departures through the day, many with pickup at the airport or your hotel. Shared seats have cost around ₱700 (about $11) per person; private vans are priced per vehicle and pay off for groups.
Buses run by Cherry Bus and Roro Bus are cheaper but slower, often 6-9 hours with stops. Vans and buses are not allowed into El Nido's narrow center: they stop at the transport terminal in Corong-Corong, from where a tricycle takes you into town in about 10 minutes. Avoid arriving after dark if you have not booked a room.
From Coron, fast ferries from several companies take roughly 3 h 30 min to 5 h, and slower boats take longer; the crossing is open water and is canceled in rough seas. Our El Nido to Coron ferry guide compares the operators, and multi-day boat expeditions make the same trip over several days.
From Port Barton, shared vans take about 3 h 30 min to 4 h, or you can take a bus to Roxas and change. Coming the other way, the same vans make Port Barton a good stop between El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Once you arrive, see our El Nido guide and Palawan itineraries.
Yes. El Nido Airport, also called Lio Airport (ENI), is about 4 km north of town and is served by Cebgo turboprops from Clark and Cebu, with links to Coron, Boracay and Bohol.
Not from NAIA since March 29, 2026. Fly from Clark, about 80 km north of Manila, or take a jet from NAIA to Puerto Princesa and a 5-6 hour van to El Nido.
About 5-6 hours by shared van, with a meal stop on the way; buses take longer, often 6-9 hours.
About 4 km, or roughly 10-20 minutes by tricycle. Hotels in the Lio estate are only a few minutes from the terminal.
Since July 1, 2026, the former AirSWIFT flights are operated by Cebgo, part of Cebu Pacific, and booked through Cebu Pacific.
A convenient way to get between Lio Airport and your El Nido accommodation, covering arrivals and departures. Useful for anyone flying in who prefers not to arrange local transport on the spot.
from ~$33 per person
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A private van for your group only, useful for travelers heading to the airport or a downtown Puerto Princesa hotel. Four vehicle types are used, including Toyota Grandia and Nissan NV350 models.
from ~$201 per person
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Suits travelers who prefer not to wait for a shared van to collect other guests from several hotels. Leave when you like and ask the driver for restroom or quick snack stops along the route.
from ~$207 per person
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A private van ride between the two towns, with pickup at your El Nido location and drop-off at your Puerto Princesa destination. The air-conditioned vehicle passes varied Palawan scenery on the way.
from ~$222 per person
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Combines the UNESCO-listed Underground River with your move north to El Nido by private van. Covers entry permits, a buffet lunch at Sabang Wharf and an audio-guided paddle through the cave.
from ~$307 per person
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Door-to-door ride in an air-conditioned van with an English-speaking driver, suited to groups of up to 8-10 people. A return trip to Puerto Princesa can be added.
from ~$397 per person
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Fly directly from El Nido to Busuanga in about 45 minutes, instead of a long overland and sea journey. Only your group and the pilot are on board.
from ~$5,146 per person
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A seaplane link from Busuanga to El Nido that saves hours of travel between Coron and El Nido. Suits travelers who want to skip a long transfer.
from ~$5,146 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 17, 2026.
El Nido island hopping tours Tours A, B, C and D compared: the stops on each route, fees paid on top, shared or private boats, combos and weather cancellations. 
Big Lagoon El Nido's most famous lagoon on Miniloc Island: time slots and visitor caps, kayak rules, fees, the best time of day and the lagoons nearby. 
Nacpan Beach El Nido's long golden beach and its twin, Calitang: how to get there, what to expect, safe swimming and staying overnight. 