Panama is one of the most accessible destinations in Latin America, with direct flights from major US cities and excellent connections worldwide through Copa Airlines' hub. Here's everything you need to know about getting there.
Direct Flights from the US
Multiple airlines offer nonstop service from US cities to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY):
| Airline | From | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copa Airlines | New York (JFK), Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Tampa | 3–6 hrs |
| American Airlines | Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte | 3–5 hrs |
| United Airlines | Houston, Newark, Chicago | 4–6 hrs |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta | 4 hrs |
| Spirit Airlines | Fort Lauderdale | 3.5 hrs |
Copa Airlines: Panama's Hub Carrier
Copa Airlines is Panama's flagship carrier and a Star Alliance member, operating from its hub at Tocumen International Airport. With connections to 77+ destinations across the Americas, Copa makes Panama a natural transit point—which is why so many travelers add a Panama stopover to their itineraries.
- Most direct US–Panama routes of any airline
- Star Alliance member (United miles, Avianca miles work)
- Free stopover program for connecting passengers
- ConnectMiles loyalty program
Best Time to Book
Flight prices to Panama vary by season and demand:
- Cheapest months: May–June and September–November (green season, fewer tourists)
- Most expensive: December–April (dry season), especially around Yeshiva Week (late January) and Pesach
- Book early: 6–8 weeks in advance for the best prices; 3+ months for peak season
- Typical range: $250–$500 roundtrip from Miami; $350–$700 from New York
Tocumen Airport (PTY) Arrival Guide
Tocumen International Airport is Panama's main airport, located about 25 km (16 miles) east of downtown Panama City. Here's what to expect when you arrive:
Immigration & Customs
- US citizens: passport valid for 3+ months, no visa needed (up to 180 days)
- Israeli citizens: visa-free entry with valid passport
- Complete the digital migration form online before arrival (recommended)
- Immigration typically takes 15–40 minutes depending on time of day
Getting to the City
- Taxi: $30–35 USD to downtown (fixed rate, ~30 min). Use only official airport taxis
- Uber/DiDi: Available at departures level pickup area, typically $15–25
- Private transfer: Pre-arranged through Go Beyond with meet-and-greet service
- Metro: Line 2 connects the airport area to downtown (cheapest option, requires Metro card)
At the Airport
- SIM cards: Claro, Digicel, and Movistar kiosks in the arrivals hall. A tourist SIM with 10GB data runs ~$10–15
- ATMs: Available in arrivals—withdraw in USD (Panama uses the US Dollar)
- WiFi: Free airport WiFi available
- Currency: No exchange needed—Panama uses the US Dollar as its official currency
Domestic Flights Within Panama
For destinations beyond Panama City, domestic flights save significant travel time:
| Destination | Flight Time | Airline | Drive Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Blas / Guna Yala | 30 min | Air Panama | 3 hrs by 4x4 |
| Bocas del Toro | 1 hr | Air Panama | 10+ hrs by bus |
| David (for Boquete) | 45 min | Copa, Air Panama | 6 hrs by car |
| Contadora Island | 20 min | Air Panama | 2 hrs by ferry |
Albrook Airport
Domestic flights depart from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Albrook), located in the city center next to Albrook Mall. This is different from Tocumen Airport (international flights). The two airports are about 30 minutes apart.
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