Discover the Best of Panamá in 10 Days
Want to discover Panamá from end to end? Get in the car, roll down the windows, put on your favorite...
Getting To and Around Panamá
Panamá is a small country that stands out as an exceptionally easy-to-navigate and well-connected travel destination. Thanks to its unparalleled geographical position and world class infrastructure, Panamá offers adventure, deep cultural exchange and many different experiences without a heavy logistical stress.
Panama City – the capital of the country – acts as a vibrant, reliable hub, where all of its facilities are just a short distance away from wild nature and two oceans. This unique feature allows you to immerse yourself in deep and authentic experiences across the country and still return to the comfort of the capital city in multiple ways: by land, sea, and air. Here it is entirely possible to wake up on the Caribbean coast and enjoy dinner overlooking the skyline on the Pacific on the very same day.
How to Get to Panamá
By Air
Tocumen International Airport is called the “Hub of the Americas” — the heart of a vital network that connects travelers to more than 80 destinations across North, Central, and South America, as well as offering direct routes to Europe.
As our largest and most active gateway, Tocumen Airport (PTY) offers modern, world-class infrastructure comparable to that of major international capitals. It has also been recognized for its exceptional punctuality, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience.
A feature that sets PTY apart in the region is its direct Metro station connection, allowing travelers to link seamlessly to the Panama City center in minutes. A convenience unmatched by any other major airport in Central America.
Furthermore, Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB), complements this network by receiving direct flights from various other destinations in Central America and the Caribbean.
By Land
Panamá is linked by land to the rest of Central and North America through the Pan-American Highway. This route is the central artery that connects different destinations across the country.
It's important to note that the Pan-American Highway is interrupted in the area known as the Darién Gap. Because of this, direct travel by road between Central America and South America is not possible.
Moreover, Panamá is easily accessible by bus from neighboring countries. Travelers can arrive directly from the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte in Albrook, which acts as the main national and international bus hub.
By Sea
Panamá, as a major port country connecting two oceans, it’s accessible by boat — either on Cruise Ships or Private Sailing or Yachts.
Panamá has two main ports that receive cruise ships: one on the Pacific coast, located in Amador, within Panama City, and the other on the Caribbean coast, in Colon City — one of the country’s most important cultural spots.
Both ports offer travelers direct access to different sides of the country.
In addition, many marinas receive private boats such as yachts and sailboats. Be sure to research all the necessary entry requirements and compare the services and benefits that private marinas offer to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Explore Our Cruising through Panamá page for More Sailing Routes and Marina Information
How to Get Around Panama City, Panamá
Bus and Metro
Our bus and metro system is well connected. Buy the “MiBus” card at the airport or at an official sales point to use either service. Download the “MiBus” app to add credit to your card, find stops, and see your route. The buses and metro are air-conditioned and the system is well organized, making it a convenient way to get around the city.
Car Rental
Another option to get around at your own rhythm during your vacation in Panamá is by renting a car. This option gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace: beaches, towns, jungles, and cities are all within your reach and without a strict itinerary or schedule.
You can pick up your car at the country's main airports:
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
- Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB)
- Scarlett Martínez International Airport, Río Hato (RIH)
- Enrique Malek International Airport, David (DAV)
To rent a car, you only need to have on hand:
- Valid driver's license
- Required minimum age
- Credit card
- Mandatory coverage contratación
Taxi
There is a fleet of white taxis specialized in tourism, known as the Special Tourism Service (Servicio Especial de Turismo [SET]), with standardized rates and services. They are usually parked at Tocumen Airport and near large hotels and some of them accept either cash or credit cards.
Walkable Neighborhoods
In Panama City, Panamá, certain areas are better enjoyed on foot. Destinations such as the Amador Causeway, the Cinta Costera, Casco Antiguo — along with neighborhoods such as San Francisco, El Cangrejo, the banking area, and Calle 50 have been adapted for pedestrians. These neighborhoods serve as vibrant gastronomic hubs, packed with restaurants, bars and plenty of shops where you can find everything you need.
On the Amador Causeway and the Cinta Costera you can walk freely while enjoying the tropical climate and stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline. Don’t miss a stroll through Calle 50 – the city’s main artery – to discover the most striking skyscrapers and landmark buildings.
Outside of these areas, or when going from one neighborhood to another, it is better to use a different type of transportation.
Bicycle
The best way to truly experience the Amador Causeway and the Cinta Costera is to rent a bicycle. We recommend leaving your car in the nearest parking lot and walking to one of the bicycle rental spots. Once on two wheels, you can feel the ocean breeze as you ride along dedicated paths, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the Panama Canal. It is a safe, accessible, and scenic experience perfect for all fitness levels.
There are also guided tours by bicycle to visit Casco Antiguo, that offer a unique perspective of the city’s past. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, it’s best to park on the outskirts and wander through the historic district on foot to discover its hidden gems.
Ridesharing Apps
To move around the city efficiently, using a transportation app is a good option. These apps are the preferred method of transport for many locals and visitors alike once you are already in Panama City.
Keep in mind that while these services are widely available and reliable within the metropolitan area, their coverage and driver availability may decrease significantly in towns and destinations farther away from the capital.
How to Get from Panama City to the Rest of the Country.
Plane
From Panama City, domestic flights make it easy to reach destinations across the country in under an hour. Depending on where you are headed, flights depart from the following airports:
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Located in Panama City, this airport offers direct domestic flights to:
- David, in Chiriqui Province
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Also located in Panama City, this airport serves several key domestic routes, including:
- David (Chiriqui Province)
- Changuinola and Isla Colón (Bocas del Toro Province)
- Chitre (Herrera Province)
Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB)
Located on the outskirts of Panama City, this airport offers domestic flights to:
- David, in Chiriqui Province
If you want to take private trips to any destination with a landing strip, you can also charter flights in small aircraft or helicopters.
Air Panama, operating from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport in Albrook—and COPA Airlines, operating from Tocumen International Airport— both offer charter flights to several destinations:
- Guna Yala, San Blas Archipelago on the Caribbean Coast.
- Contadora Island and San Jose Island, in Las Perlas Archipelago, on the Pacific Coast.
- Piña Bay and Jaque in the Darien Province on the Pacific Coast.
Additionally, a variety of private operators offer specialized charters to additional destinations.
Car Rental
Exploring Panamá by car is as rewarding as it is convenient, offering the freedom to discover the country’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. The Pan-American Highway serves as Panamá’s scenic backbone, running across the country, from Darien Province in the east, to Paso Canoas in Chiriqui Province, on the Costa Rica border, making your road trips effortless and unforgettable.
From this main artery, you have direct access to the sun-soaked beaches of the Riviera Pacifica and surf-rich coast of Veraguas. As you drive toward the highlands, the air turns crisp and the scenery shifts to the green mountains of Boquete and Tierras Altas, regions world-renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and rich coffee culture.
To reach the Atlantic side, the Panamá–Colon Highway offers a swift and well-marked connection to the Caribbean. By paying a small toll (exclusively in cash), you’ll unlock the historic charm of Portobelo, the vibrant energy of Colon City, and the engineering marvels of the Agua Clara Panama Canal Visitors Center. Whether chasing Pacific sunsets or Caribbean history, having your own wheels turns every mile into an adventure.
Bus
Getting around Panamá by bus is an authentic, efficient, and affordable way to explore the country and to immerse yourself in the local culture. The journey begins at the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte in Albrook—the main hub of land travel in the country. This bustling hub is more than just a terminal; it is a key gateway that connects Panama City to other local destinations and different countries in Central America.
From here, an extensive bus network spreads out across every province, allowing you to visit popular destinations like Cocle, with the artisanal charm of Penonome or the mystical, volcano-surrounded town at El Valle de Anton.
For those looking to visit more distant treasures like the turquoise waters of Bocas del Toro, the journey is a bit longer. You will probably have to transfer to another bus at smaller stations, such as Changuinola or David, Chiriqui, to reach Puerto Almirante (Bocas Del Toro port) to get a water taxi to the islands.
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