How To Get Around In Panama

Getting Around Panama City

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Official Taxis

You will easily recognize Panama’s official taxis by their distinct yellow color. A key detail to remember is that these cabs do not use meters.

It is absolutely essential that you negotiate and agree upon the fare with the driver before you get into the vehicle. To give you a general idea, a trip from Casco Viejo to Albrook Mall should typically cost between $10 and $15 USD, depending on traffic. Clearly state your destination and confirm the total price for your party to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Taxis are plentiful throughout the city and can be hailed directly from the street. For added security, it is often best to have your hotel or restaurant call one for you.

Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/DiDi)

Services like Uber and DiDi operate in Panama and are generally considered a safer and more convenient option, especially for visitors. The main advantages are transparent, upfront pricing and the ability to track your journey within the app.

Availability is excellent within Panama City and its immediate surroundings, as well as in some other major towns like David. However, you should not expect to find service in more rural areas.

To ensure a smooth arrival, we strongly advise you to download your preferred ride-sharing app and set up your account and payment method before you leave home.

Metro System

Overview

The Panama Metro is a modern, clean, and remarkably efficient transit system. It is an excellent way to travel on a north-south axis through the city, bypassing the often-congested street traffic for key destinations.

You can view the network and plan your journey by consulting the official Panama Metro map.

Tickets & Payment

To use the Metro, you will need to purchase a rechargeable “Rapi-Pass” or “Metro Bus” card. This single card is your key to accessing both the Metro train network and the city’s bus system.

Cards can be purchased and topped up with credit at vending machines located inside every Metro station. You may also find them for sale at select kiosks and authorized retailers around the city.

Metrobus

Overview

The Metrobus is the capital’s main public bus system, featuring a large fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses. While it is the most affordable way to get around, the extensive network of routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Using the System

Cash is not accepted on board. You must use the same “Metro Bus” card required for the Metro. Simply tap your card on the reader as you board.

Route numbers and destinations are displayed on the front of each bus. For the most straightforward experience, we suggest using a navigation app like Google Maps, which has integrated Metrobus routes and can provide step-by-step directions to your destination.

Traveling Between Cities & Regions

Domestic Flights

Key Airline

Air Panama is the primary airline for domestic travel within the country, connecting the capital to key regional destinations.

Main Routes

Popular and essential routes fly from Panama City’s Albrook “PAC” airport to destinations including David (the gateway to Boquete), Bocas del Toro (landing on Isla Colón), and various airstrips serving the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala).

It is crucial to book these flights well in advance, particularly if you are traveling during the high season (December to April) or around national holidays, as seats fill up quickly. Be aware that these smaller aircraft have strict luggage weight limits, often much lower than international flights, so pack accordingly.

Airport Info

Please note that nearly all domestic flights depart from the smaller, centrally located Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” Airport (PAC), not from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) where you will arrive internationally.

Long-Distance Buses (Coaches)

The Hub: Albrook Bus Terminal

The Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, located next to Albrook Mall, is the central nervous system for the entire country’s bus network. Nearly all long-distance and cross-country buses depart from this massive, well-organized terminal.

We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This will give you ample time to purchase your ticket from the correct company’s window and locate your specific departure bay (dársena).

Types of Buses

You will generally find two classes of service: standard coaches, which make more stops, and express (expreso) buses, which are more direct and slightly more comfortable. Both are generally safe and reliable.

A useful tip for any long-distance bus journey in Panama: bring a sweater, jacket, or scarf with you. The air conditioning is often kept at a very high, cold setting, and you will be grateful for the extra layer.

Major Routes

From Albrook, you can find direct or connecting service to virtually anywhere in the country. Key routes include service to David (for Boquete), Santiago de Veraguas, Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula, and Almirante, the port for boat transfers to Bocas del Toro.

Rental Cars

Requirements

To rent a car in Panama, you will typically need the following:

• A valid driver’s license from your home country. An International Driving Permit is not usually required but can be helpful.
• Your passport.
• A major credit card for the security deposit.
• To be at least 25 years of age (some agencies may rent to younger drivers for a surcharge).

Things to Know

• Driving in Panama City is known for its aggressive style and heavy traffic; we only recommend it for confident and experienced city drivers.
• Outside the capital, the Pan-American Highway is generally in good condition, but secondary roads can vary significantly, with potholes and poor signage being common. A 4×4 is recommended for more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path travel.
• We strongly advise you to purchase the mandatory third-party liability insurance (Seguro Obligatorio) directly from the rental agency. This insurance is required by Panamanian law, and coverage offered by credit cards or home country policies is almost never accepted as a substitute. Declining it can lead to significant complications.
• Major highways around Panama City use an electronic toll system called Panapass. Rental cars are usually equipped with a transponder, and the rental agency will bill you for any tolls incurred.

Specialized Local Transport

Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Water Taxis (Lanchas)

The primary mode of transportation between the islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago is the water taxi, locally known as a lancha. These open-air motorboats are the lifeblood of the region.

They operate on fixed, frequent routes between popular islands (like from Isla Colón to Isla Bastimentos or Isla Carenero) and are also available for private hire for customized excursions. Always confirm the price with the captain before you board. As a guideline, a short hop between nearby islands typically costs around $3-5 USD per person.

On the Islands

On the main island of Isla Colón, you will find standard land taxis, which are often 4×4 pickup trucks. Bicycles and ATVs are also popular rental options for exploring the island at your own pace.

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

Getting There

Reaching the remote San Blas Islands is a two-part journey. It begins with a trip in a licensed 4×4 vehicle from Panama City over the hilly jungle terrain to the port of Cartí, followed by a lancha (boat) ride out to your specific island lodge.

Please note that this entire door-to-island transportation is complex to arrange independently and is always included as part of your pre-booked tour package, which we manage for you.

Inter-Island Travel

Once in the archipelago, all movement between the various small, sandy islands for snorkeling, fishing, or visiting Guna communities is done exclusively by small boat. These excursions are arranged and operated by your local Guna hosts as part of your stay.