✈️ How to Get There
Getting to and around Panama
✈️ Flying to Panama
Main Airport
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) — Panama's main international gateway and Latin America's busiest hub, 24km east of Panama City centre. Modern, extensive, and extremely well-connected. Copa Airlines, Panama's national carrier, uses it as a hub and flies to 80+ destinations across the Americas.
Other Airport:
- Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) — In David, Chiriqui Province. Copa Airlines flies daily from Panama City. Good gateway to Boquete and the highlands without the long bus journey.
💡 Insider Tip
Copa Airlines connects Panama to virtually every major city in North and South America. If coming from Europe, most routes connect via Miami, Amsterdam, or Madrid. Flight time from Miami is just 2h 45min. From London via Miami: around 12 hours total.
🚉 From Tocumen Airport to City Center
Metro (Cheapest Option)
Line 2 of the Metro runs directly from Tocumen Airport to the city centre. Take Line 2 to San Miguelito, transfer to Line 1 for central destinations. Total cost: $0.85. Journey: 35–45 minutes. Pay by tapping a Visa/Mastercard contactless card directly at the turnstile—no Panama Metro card needed.
Uber or Cabify (Best Value Door-to-Door)
App-based ride-sharing costs $25–30 to the city centre. Pick up from the parking area (rows 15–18), a 2-minute walk from arrivals. Cashless, price confirmed before booking. Slightly cheaper than taxis and far more transparent.
Official Taxi
Licensed yellow taxis charge $25–35 (cash only, US dollars). Available 24 hours at the arrivals exit. Fixed rates—insist on them. Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Panama is visa-free for most Western passport holders. US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand and many other nationalities can enter without a visa for up to 180 days. A valid passport (6+ months remaining), return or onward ticket, and proof of funds may be required at the border.
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency alongside the Panamanian balboa (1:1 parity). No currency exchange needed if arriving with USD. Check specific entry requirements for your passport nationality before travel.
Check visa requirements for Panama →🚗 Getting Around Panama
Panama Metro (Panama City)
Two metro lines cover Panama City efficiently. Line 1 runs east–west through the city; Line 2 connects outer districts and the airport. Fares: $0.35 per trip on Line 1, $0.50 on Line 2. Pay contactless at turnstiles. Clean, fast, air-conditioned. Essential for city travel. Metro de Panama
Intercity Buses (Albrook Terminal)
The Gran Terminal de Transportes in Albrook is Panama's main bus hub. Buses depart for every province. David (gateway to Boquete): $18, 6.5 hours. Bocas del Toro: requires bus to Almirante, then water taxi. Buses are air-conditioned and frequent. Extremely cheap by any standard.
Domestic Flights
Copa Airlines and Air Panama fly between Panama City (PTY) and David (DAV), Bocas del Toro, and other regional airports. The Copa City–David flight takes 55 minutes and saves 6+ hours on the bus. Worth it for longer distances.
🎶 Panama Canal Railway
The historic Panama Canal Railway runs between Panama City and Colon on the Atlantic coast—a 90-minute journey through rainforest alongside the canal. One of the great short train rides of the Americas. Passenger service runs on selected days—check the timetable at panarail.com before visiting.
🚋 Local Transportation in Panama City
The Metro is the fastest way across the city. Uber and Cabify supplement it for door-to-door trips. The MiBus network (city buses) is very cheap at $0.25 per trip but requires a prepaid card and can be confusing for visitors. In Casco Viejo, most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Tickets & Passes
- Metro single trip: $0.35 (Line 1) or $0.50 (Line 2)
- Daily Metro cap: $2.50 unlimited
- MiBus: $0.25 per trip (prepaid card required)
- Metro card: $2.00 to buy, reloadable at station machines
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring the Azuero Peninsula, the Riviera Pacifica, and the highlands around Boquete. Less useful in Panama City due to traffic. International driving licence accepted. Roads are generally good in the main tourist areas.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits: 60 km/h (city), 80 km/h (main roads), 100 km/h (highways)
- Panama City rush hour traffic (7–9am and 4–7pm) is extremely congested—avoid if possible
- Fuel is cheap—around $0.80–$1.00 per litre
- All major rental companies at Tocumen Airport
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Panama
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly with Copa: Best connections to Panama and often the most competitive fares from the Americas
- Use the Metro from the airport: $0.85 vs $30 taxi—massive saving over a trip
- Take the bus to Boquete: $18 vs $80+ for a domestic flight. Worth it if you have time
- Book flights to David if heading to Chiriqui—saves 6+ hours and arrives at a reasonable cost
- Book car rental away from the airport: Airport surcharges can add 15–25% to the daily rate