Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesa Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Puerto Princesa, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Philippines vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Puerto Princesa is roughly 60 minutes from PPS via Tricycle/Van. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in PHP. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
The Best Way Into Puerto Princesa from PPS
From PPS, the Tricycle/Van gets you to Puerto Princesa in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Tricycle/Van offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Exploring Puerto Princesa on a Layover
For a layover visit to Puerto Princesa, we’d suggest Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park and Baker’s Hill. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PPS, you can spend time at Souvenir Shops at PPS or try PPS General Departure Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
In Puerto Princesa
If you make it into town, Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Ka Lui Restaurant.
Inside PPS
If you’re staying in the terminal, Jollibee Puerto Princesa Airport is your main option. PPS Terminal Food Stalls works too if you want something quick.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Puerto Princesa might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Puerto Princesa Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at PPS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Puerto Princesa’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PPS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Puerto Princesa itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Philippines that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at PPS include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Philippines also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Puerto Princesa with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Puerto Princesa may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.