Getting Around Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is a sprawling, low-density city, and that geography shapes how you move: the main choice you will make is between short hops inside the city proper, the transfer between the airport and your hotel, and longer runs out to attractions such as Honda Bay or Sabang. The city has no rail, metro, or tram network of any kind, so everything below is road- or water-based.
Jeepneys, Multicabs and Tricycles
Jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles are the most common ways to get around Puerto Princesa. Jeepneys run on fixed routes, much as they do in Manila, and are the cheapest option for longer in-town trips; fares are flat or distance-based and you pay the driver on boarding or pass your fare forward. Routes are often unclear to visitors and do not cover every tourist spot, so jeepneys suit travellers with flexible time, light luggage and a willingness to ask around.
Tricycles — motorbikes with sidecars — are the workhorse for short trips. They operate either as shared public transport on set routes or as private, point-to-point hires, and they reach places jeepneys do not. They are cramped, open-air, and best for short distances, light bags and fair weather; they are a poor choice for bulky luggage, heavy rain, or long rides outside the centre. Tricycles are not accessible for travellers with mobility challenges, since boarding requires stepping in and out of a low sidecar.
- Agree on the fare before boarding, and confirm whether the price is per person or per ride.
- State your destination clearly, or show a saved address or map pin to avoid pronunciation mix-ups.
- Keep small bills and coins ready — drivers may lack change for large notes, especially early in the morning or late at night.
- Ask your hotel or guesthouse staff for the current usual fare to common destinations before you negotiate.
- Tricycles generally run from early morning until around 10–11 PM, with some key areas served around the clock; jeepneys run daytime only and are crowded at peak hours.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are present but less common than tricycles for short city rides, and you will mostly find them at the airport, large hotels and some malls. They are metered, but some drivers will try to quote a fixed fare — insist on the meter. Taxis take cash in Philippine pesos only.
Ride-hailing is inconsistent. Grab is available in principle and offers fare estimates before booking, cashless payment and electronic destination entry, which reduces language barriers — but reports on how reliable it actually is vary, with some travellers finding service very limited or effectively non-existent. Download and register any ride-hailing app before you arrive, using a local or international number, and treat it as a bonus rather than your main plan.
Vans, Rentals and Pre-Arranged Transport
For touring, it is worth arranging special transport — a jeepney, or for more comfort an air-conditioned van or AUV — so you are not at the mercy of public transport availability. Vans come in shared and private forms and are used for airport pickups, day tours, group travel and longer routes such as Sabang, the Underground River and Honda Bay. Shared vans are cheaper but take longer on pickups and drop-offs and depend on seats filling; private vans cost more but give you control.
Cars and motorcycles are widely available for rent from local firms, shops, guesthouses and some hotels. Expect to show a valid home-country driver's licence, possibly an International Driving Permit, your passport, and a credit card for deposit, with minimum ages set by most agencies. Motorcycle rentals are inexpensive and handy for narrow roads, but helmets are legally required and usually included. Before signing anything, check the vehicle's condition and insurance, and photograph any existing damage to a rental scooter before you ride off. Driving is on the right-hand side, and the main hazards are pedestrians, animals, motorcycles and tricycles. There are no formal bike-share programmes.
Walking and Cycling
The city centre around Rizal Avenue and the Baywalk is relatively walkable, with a cluster of attractions — the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel and the Palawan Heritage Center — close enough together for a self-guided walking tour, though some sites charge small entrance fees. Pavements are uneven in places, traffic is busy, and the heat is intense.
Beyond that, walking is a challenge. There are few pedestrian crossings, and most drivers do not yield to pedestrians, leaving them stranded in the middle of the street. Tourist vans and other vehicles are often parked along Rizal Avenue and other main streets where pedestrians and cyclists could once move. Dedicated bike lanes are limited and cycling on main roads is difficult; it is better suited to quieter residential areas, resort compounds and less-trafficked roads outside the centre. Avoid busy main roads at peak hours and dimly lit or deserted streets at night. If you want to walk or bike in a clean, green and safe area downtown, ask at the tourist office at the airport where such an area exists.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Puerto Princesa International Airport sits on the National Highway in San Miguel, close to downtown and to many city hotels. The modern terminal handles both domestic and international flights, and boarding and alighting are still done on the ground.
Because the airport is near the centre, you can skip the overpriced tricycles waiting in front of the terminal and walk out to the highway to catch a tricycle for a much lower fare. Jeepneys also run along the highway in front of the airport, both into town and to the bus terminal, for a nominal fare. A taxi to the resorts costs considerably more.
- Tricycle from the highway: the cheapest do-it-yourself option; walk out to the main road rather than accepting the tricycles parked at the terminal.
- Jeepney: runs along the highway in front of the airport to town or the bus terminal.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: readily available with slightly higher rates; app booking can give fixed prices.
- Hotel shuttle: pre-bookable with your accommodation — the recommended choice if you have luggage, arrive late or on a delayed flight, or are travelling with kids or seniors.
- Private van or car transfer: bookable through travel agencies or online platforms.
Whatever you choose, confirm booking details and pick-up times in advance, especially for late-night or early-morning arrivals, and screenshot your hotel name, address, phone number, map pin and booking confirmation to store offline.
Reaching Destinations Outside the City
Longer trips need separate planning. Underground River tours usually include hotel transport; going independently means a van or tricycle to the Sabang area, and a private charter or organised tour is recommended given the permits, registration steps and boat schedules involved. Honda Bay is reachable by tricycle or taxi from the city centre, with negotiable tricycle fares to the marina, and island-hopping tours often include pick-up. Routes further north in Palawan, such as Port Barton and El Nido, involve longer road travel and terminal or van arrangements, so build in time buffers — long-distance transport runs on local timing, which matters if a flight, ferry or paid activity follows.
Practical Tips
- Carry small bills and coins for jeepneys, tricycles and market stalls.
- Confirm fares before starting trips, especially with unmetered tricycles.
- Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables on public transport, particularly in crowded places such as public markets.
- Use apps or offline maps for navigation, especially if you rent a vehicle.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen on open-air transport in hot weather.
- Check the weather before long trips outside the city; some roads are affected by rain or flooding.
- Accessibility infrastructure is generally very limited — some newer hotels and resorts have ramps and accessible rooms, but this is not standard, so travellers with mobility challenges should arrange specific tour operators or private transport.