✈️ How to Get to El Nido From Sydney [2025 Guide]
El Nido, located on Palawan Island in the Philippines, is one of the most stunning tropical destinations in the world. Known for its limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and world-class diving, it’s a bucket-list spot for Australians seeking a paradise getaway.
This 2025 travel guide explains the best ways to get to El Nido from Sydney, including flights, transfers, costs, and travel tips to make your journey smooth.
✈️ By Air – Sydney to El Nido (Fastest & Most Popular)
There’s no direct flight from Sydney to El Nido, but you can connect via Manila or Cebu.
Option 1 – Via Manila
- Step 1: Fly Sydney (SYD) → Manila (MNL)
- Airlines: Philippine Airlines (direct), Qantas, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar (connecting)
- Duration: ~8 hours (direct)
- Step 2: Fly Manila (MNL) → El Nido (ENI)
- Airline: AirSWIFT (only airline with direct Manila–El Nido flights)
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
Total Travel Time: ~10–12 hours (including transit)
Approx. Cost: AUD $550–$1,000 round trip
📍 Official Info: AirSWIFT | Philippine Airlines
Option 2 – Via Cebu
- Step 1: Fly Sydney → Cebu (MCIA)
- No direct flights; connect via Manila or Singapore
- Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Cebu Pacific
- Step 2: Fly Cebu → El Nido (ENI)
- Airline: AirSWIFT (direct)
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
💡 Tip: This route is ideal if you want to explore Cebu’s beaches before heading to El Nido.
Option 3 – Via Puerto Princesa (Budget-Friendly)
- Step 1: Fly Sydney → Manila or Cebu
- Step 2: Fly Manila/Cebu → Puerto Princesa (PPS) (2 hours)
- Step 3: Travel Puerto Princesa → El Nido by van or bus (~5–6 hours)
Why choose this?
- More airlines fly to Puerto Princesa than El Nido
- Often cheaper than flying directly to El Nido
🛥️ Ferry Route (Alternative for Island Hopping Travellers)
If you’re already in Coron, Palawan, you can take a ferry to El Nido.
- Operator: Montenegro Lines, Atienza Shipping
- Duration: ~4–5 hours
- Cost: AUD $50–$70
💡 This is perfect if you’re doing a multi-island Palawan itinerary.
📋 Sydney to El Nido Travel Summary (2025)
| Route Option | Duration | Approx. Cost (AUD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney → Manila → El Nido | 10–12h | $550–$1,000 | Fastest, most direct |
| Sydney → Cebu → El Nido | 12–14h | $600–$1,050 | Combine Cebu & El Nido trip |
| Sydney → Manila/Cebu → PPS → Van to El Nido | 14–16h | $450–$850 | Budget-friendly & flexible |
| Coron → El Nido Ferry | 4–5h | $50–$70 | Island-hopping travellers already nearby |
🌤 Best Time to Visit El Nido
- Dry Season (Nov–May): Best weather for island hopping & diving
- Peak Season (Dec–Apr): Book flights & hotels early to avoid price surges
- Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Cheaper but risk of storms & trip cancellations
🗒 Travel Tips for El Nido
- Book AirSWIFT early: Flights to El Nido sell out months in advance
- Pack light: Smaller planes to El Nido have strict baggage limits
- Bring cash: ATMs in El Nido are limited and sometimes unreliable
- Tours: Join Island Hopping Tours A–D to see lagoons, hidden beaches, and reefs
📖 FAQs
Q1: What is the fastest way to get to El Nido from Sydney?
The fastest way is to fly Sydney → Manila → El Nido with AirSWIFT, taking about 10–12 hours total.
Q2: Can you fly directly from Sydney to El Nido?
No, there are no direct flights. You must connect via Manila, Cebu, or Puerto Princesa.
Q3: What’s the cheapest way to get to El Nido from Sydney?
The budget option is Sydney → Manila/Cebu → Puerto Princesa, then a van/bus to El Nido, taking ~14–16 hours.
Q4: Is El Nido worth visiting?
Yes, El Nido is world-famous for its limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and island-hopping tours — a must-visit in the Philippines.