Getting around in Panama

Arriving in Panama & Airport Transfers

Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

This is Panama’s main international gateway, conveniently located about 30 to 60 minutes from the heart of Panama City, with travel time subject to traffic conditions. While most international flights arrive here, a secondary airport, Panama Pacifico (BLB), serves some regional and budget carriers, most notably Wingo.

Airport Taxis vs. Ride-Sharing Apps

Official Airport Taxis:

• You will find the official taxi dispatch desk located immediately outside the arrivals hall.
• Fares to different city zones are based on a fixed-rate system. It is always wise to confirm the price for your specific destination at the official dispatch desk before selecting a vehicle.
• As a guideline, sample fares from the airport are typically in the range of $30-$35 to areas like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo, and slightly more for destinations such as Costa del Este.

Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Cabify, InDrive):

• These services are generally more affordable than the official airport taxis.
• The designated pickup area for ride-sharing apps is on the upper (departures) level. You will need to exit the arrivals hall and take an elevator or escalator up one floor to meet your driver.
• Using these apps requires a working internet connection. We recommend connecting to the free airport Wi-Fi or ensuring your international data plan is active upon landing to seamlessly book your ride.

Getting Around Panama City

Ride-Sharing Apps

• Primary Options: Uber and Cabify are the most common and reliable choices for visitors. InDrive is also popular, offering a model where you negotiate and agree upon the fare with the driver before the ride begins.
• Payment: Uber and Cabify conveniently use the credit card you have on file in the app. InDrive rides are often paid for in cash.
• Safety: For navigating the city with ease and security, ride-sharing apps are the most recommended option for visitors.

Yellow Taxis

• Hailing & Fares: These taxis are hailed directly from the street and do not use meters.
• CRITICAL ADVICE: It is essential to agree on the fare with the driver *before* you get in the car. Your hotel concierge can provide valuable guidance on typical rates to your destination to ensure a fair price.
• Sharing: Do not be surprised if your driver stops to pick up other passengers along the same route. This practice is common and known locally as a colectivo.

The Panama Metro (El Metro)

• Overview: The metro system is clean, safe, and remarkably efficient. It is an excellent way to bypass the city’s notorious traffic during peak hours.
• Lines: There are currently two main lines that connect key areas of the city, including the Albrook Mall and National Bus Terminal, with various central neighborhoods.
• Payment: To ride, you will need a rechargeable “Rapi>Pass” card. These can be purchased and topped up at automated kiosks in any metro station. This same card is also used for the Metro Bus system.

Metro Bus

• System: These modern, air-conditioned buses have replaced the city’s older, more chaotic “Diablo Rojo” buses, offering a more comfortable and organized public transit experience.
• Routes: The Metro Bus network is extensive, with routes covering the entire city. For the most effective route planning, we suggest using Google Maps or the local “MiBus” app.
• Payment: Like the metro, cash is not accepted on board. You must use a pre-loaded “Rapi>Pass” card to pay your fare.

Traveling Between Cities & Regions

Domestic Flights

• Main Airline: Air Panama is the primary domestic carrier, connecting the capital with key destinations across the country.
• Key Hub: Please note that domestic flights depart from Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” Airport (PAC), a smaller airport within the city, not from Tocumen (PTY).
• Popular Routes: The most frequented routes connect Panama City to Bocas del Toro (Isla Colón) and David (the gateway to Boquete).
• Please be aware that these small aircraft have strict luggage weight limits. We highly recommend booking flights well in advance, particularly if traveling during peak season (December to April), as seats fill up quickly.

Long-Distance Buses

• Main Hub: The Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, located in Albrook next to the Albrook Mall, is the central hub for bus services to nearly every corner of the country.
• How it Works: For major routes (e.g., to David, Santiago, Las Tablas), you can expect large, comfortable, air-conditioned coaches.
• Booking: For most routes, you can simply buy your ticket at the terminal on the day of travel. However, for travel during national holidays or festivals, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
• A practical tip: bring a jacket or sweater for the journey, as the air conditioning on these buses is often set to a very cold temperature.

Rental Cars

• Pros: A rental car offers unparalleled flexibility for exploring rural areas, remote beaches, and mountain towns at your own pace.
• Cons: We do not recommend renting a car for getting around Panama City. The combination of heavy traffic, a complex street grid, and limited parking can be challenging.
• Requirements: You will need a valid driver’s license from your home country, your passport, and a major credit card for the security deposit.
• Insurance: Panama requires all renters to purchase mandatory third-party liability insurance, known as Seguro Obligatorio. Please note this is a separate, required purchase from the rental agency and is not covered by insurance plans from your home country or credit card.
• Roads: The Pan-American Highway is generally well-maintained. However, secondary and rural roads can be in poor condition, with potholes and unpaved sections. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for exploring destinations like the Azuero Peninsula coast or the highlands around Santa Fe.

Tourist Shuttles & Private Transfers

This is a highly convenient, door-to-door option that offers more comfort than a public bus but is more affordable than flying. These services connect major tourist destinations, such as Panama City to Playa Venao, or the popular van-boat-van transfer between Boquete and Bocas del Toro. These services must be booked in advance, either online or through your tour operator.

Island & Coastal Transportation

Water Taxis (Lanchas)

In archipelagos like Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala (the San Blas Islands), small, open-air fiberglass boats known as lanchas are the standard mode of transport for hopping between islands. Fares are typically charged per person and paid in cash directly to the boat captain. We strongly advise protecting your electronics and valuables in a dry bag, as it is common to get wet from sea spray during the journey.

Ferries

Larger ferry services connect Panama City to several popular nearby islands.

• Taboga Island: Ferries to this historic island depart regularly from a terminal on the Amador Causeway.
• Pearl Islands (e.g., Contadora): High-speed catamarans service this beautiful archipelago, with primary departure points at the Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina and near the former Trump Ocean Club. Booking your tickets in advance is essential, especially for weekend travel.