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Flights to Panama City
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Cheapest flights to Panama City airports
Find the cheapest flights to these Panama City airports from your nearest city or airport
When is the best time to fly to Panama City?
Choose a month below to see average flight prices and weather conditions
Panama has 2 very distinct seasons: the dry and the rainy. Regardless of when you choose to visit, you will find that the city stays lively year-round and rarely lets the weather affect the activities. Dry season runs from mid-December – mid-April. This is peak tourist season too though and while you do not see much rain, the forest areas remain moist and covered with clouds. Rainy season starts late in April and goes as far as November. Certain activities only occur in the rainy season, like river rafting.
What is the absolute cheapest flight to Panama City?
Users booking trips to Panama City from David found flights 87% cheaper than the average price of flights to Panama City. To find the cheapest price to Panama City from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Panama City?
The cheapest month to fly to Panama City from United States is in September. Flight prices, which tend to average around $419, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you don’t want to visit Panama City in September, then you should wait until March to fly from United States, when ticket prices are also cheap, with an average price of $519.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Panama City?
We recommend purchasing flights from United States to Panama City 37 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Panama City for $613. Keep in mind that you might also find cheap flights to Panama City outside of this time window. In fact, momondo users recently found flights from United States to Panama City for $167.
What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Panama City?
The cheapest day to depart on your flight to Panama City is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $680. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. The most expensive day to fly to Panama City is Sunday, with ticket prices averaging around $734.
What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Panama City?
In the afternoon is the cheapest time of day to fly from United States to Panama City when you can find flight prices for as low as $495. Flying to Panama City in the afternoon is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. At noon is when there is more demand to fly to Panama City, so prices are often more expensive at around $756 per ticket.
What is there to do in Panama City when it’s raining?
Users planning a flight to Panama City during the months of May, June, or July should anticipate rain. There are still things to do in Panama City even when it's raining, though. Shopping centers like Albrook Shopping Mall are very popular destinations for those visiting the Panama City area. Albrook Shopping Mall is a great place to go if you’re looking to spend some time inside.
Is there an alternative airport near Panama City?
Those flying to Panama City could potentially find better pricing at Panama City Panamá Pacifico Airport (7 mi from Panama City city center), Panama City Tocumen Intl Airport (11 mi from Panama City city center), Contadora Airport (42 mi from Panama City city center), Isla San Jose San Jose Island Airport (58 mi from Panama City city center) or Río Hato Scarlett Martinez Intl Airport (59 mi from Panama City city center) depending on the month and departure airport.
Is there a cheaper alternative to flying into Panama City?
Contadora Airport has an average price of $158 per person and is typically the cheapest airport to fly into when visiting Panama City. This average price does vary based on departure city. Try momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool to find the cheapest flight.
What are the current travel restrictions for Panama City?
Currently, Panama travel restrictions include travel to Panama City. Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR-RT test issued within 48 hours of departure to Panama. Travelers without a negative COVID-19 PCR-RT test must undertake a test at the airport for USD 50, at their own expense. It is now possible to transit Panama. Transit travelers will need to have a confirmed onward flight and will not be allowed to leave the airport. They may also need to take a COVID-19 test and receive a negative result to be able to fly. Travelers should check the requirements for the country of final destination as requirements may vary. If you are planning to travel to Panama City at this time, it is recommended that you stay up to date on current restrictions and follow proper safety measures while in public.
Panama City flight deals found on momondo
Check out some of the best fares from airports in United States to Panama City found recently by users on momondo
Cheapest
Best
Quickest
Copa Airlines
Nov 23
MIA
Miami
2h 56m
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Dec 5
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
3h 02m
MIA
Miami
$167
Find similar
Multiple Airlines
Nov 9
MIA
Miami
2h 56m
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Nov 12
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
3h 02m
MIA
Miami
$172
Find similar
Spirit Airlines
Oct 27
EWR
Newark
6h 48m
1 stop
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Nov 6
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
7h 12m
1 stop
EWR
Newark
$178
Find similar
Copa Airlines
Nov 23
MIA
Miami
2h 56m
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Dec 4
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
3h 02m
MIA
Miami
$168
Find similar
Spirit Airlines
Dec 7
ORD
Chicago O'Hare Intl
15h 55m
1 stop
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Dec 14
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
7h 37m
1 stop
ORD
Chicago O'Hare Intl
$178
Find similar
Multiple Airlines
Dec 5
MIA
Miami
2h 56m
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
Jan 6
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
3h 18m
MIA
Miami
$183
Find similar
Find the cheapest one-way flights to Panama City Tocumen Intl
If you're looking for one-way flights to Panama City, view some of our deals below provided by Spirit Airlines and Copa Airlines
Cheapest
Best
Quickest
Spirit Airlines
Oct 31
EWR
Newark
7h 42m
1 stop
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
$43
Find similar
Copa Airlines
Nov 22
MIA
Miami
2h 56m
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
$53
Find similar
Multiple Airlines
Nov 20
MCO
Orlando
19h 57m
2 stops
PTY
Panama City Tocumen Intl
$68
Find similar
Which airlines fly to Panama City?
Here you can see a selection of the most popular and cheapest airlines for flights to Panama City
Direct flights from the U.S. to Panama City include United Air Lines, American Airlines, Copa, and Spirit Airlines. Other airlines with a few stops and cheap flights to Panama City are offered by Aeromexico, KLM, TACA, Air France, Avianca, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
How to get from the airport to Panama City city center?
Below you will find all the airports in Panama City along with the distance from the city center
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport is the largest airport in Panama, and the one Americans use when traveling to the area. In 2017, the new south terminal is expected to open, which will make getting through the airport a little easier. To get over to city center, you have a few options available right from PTY.
Metro Bus
The airport has a few public bus routes that run from the airport to central Panama City. The journey time is slow, taking about 60 minutes, but the fare is very reasonable at just $1.25 USD per trip. Most buses accept only a Metro Bus card except the large white buses with ‘Tocumen’ written at the top. Since these cards are not sold anywhere at the airport or in the vicinity, visitors often pay locals in cash and request them to swipe the card for them
Shuttle
The free airport shuttle goes from the airport to the Metro Mall and takes just 15 minutes. Hotels in the area also have free shuttles that go to-and-from the airport but wait times can be lengthy.
Taxi
The city heavily regulates all taxi services from the airport. You can find pre-purchased fares to the city center for about $35 USD and it takes about 20 minutes to reach downtown.
Car Rentals
Plan ahead and look for deals on car rentals with momondo.
Popular routes to Panama City
Most frequently searched flights to Panama City along with the cheapest price and shortest flight duration
How to get around in Panama City?
Panama is an exciting, modern capital city. Therefore, you will find plenty of public transportation options to take you around. Once you are in the city center, you can expect it to take only 15 minutes to get from one end to the other, and explore most of the city on foot.
Taxi
Taxis are the easiest and safest way to get from your hotel to any place downtown. Most rides will cost anywhere from $5 to $10 USD per trip, and there are no taxi meters. You must remember to negotiate the price before you get into the cab. Note that hotel taxis cost more than the ones you flag on the street.
Ride share
Uber does operate downtown in Panama. Download their app ahead of time so you can request a vehicle. The price, however, depends on how many people will share the ride and how far you are going. Uber will often cost more than taxis.
City tour bus
The red double-decker buses stop at all major attractions around town including the Miraflores Museum, Panama Canal, Albrook Mall, and Casco Viejo. You need a 24 or 48-hour pass to get on and off the bus, but it is the best deal for seeing everything in Panama City. While there are multiple deals and combos available on these tickets, a 24-hour pass purchased directly from City Sightseeing Panama is $33 USD per adult while the 48-hour pass is $35 USD per adult. For children between the ages of 4 – 12, tickets are at $20 USD per child.
Bus and subway
The city’s bus and subway are crowded; therefore, they are not recommended for tourists. The Metro Bus only visits one attraction, which is the Albrook Mall. The subway fares, however, are affordable at just $0.35 USD per ride, but you will need a $2.00 USD ride card to start.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are another option in the city, but the rental agencies are all at the airport. You can choose between National, Thrifty, and Dollar Car Rental, but remember that you will be dealing with heavy traffic and different road rules than what you are familiar with in the U.S.
What are the visa and passport requirements when flying to Panama City?
U.S. nationals do not need a visa to visit Panama for up to 180 days. However, they need a Tourist Card for $5 USD at the time of purchasing their travel ticket. For other nationals, please check the Embassy of Panama in the USA website.
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Top car rentals in Panama City
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Get an overview of the top hotels in the most popular neighborhoods of Panama City
Additional info and tips about visiting Panama City
Things to do and places of interest in Panama City
Panama is the heart of Central America. Home to the famous Panama Canal, it is a lively city that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you want to embrace the nightlife of the Latino culture or just explore the sights, you have a few attractions to consider.
- Head over to Panama Viejo, which is the original Spanish settlement of the area. The ruins here date back to 1519 and are still available to explore.
- Casco Viejo is another historic district but was renovated to create modern hotels, boutiques, and chic coffee bars. It is the perfect neighborhood to stroll, buy interesting food, and just soak up experiences.
- Cinta Costera is a nice strip with sports facilities, shopping, and quick access to the ocean. Skyscrapers line the back of the neighborhood, and the walking paths are perfect if you prefer to walk rather than drive.
- For the best views of the city, climb up to the top of Ancon Hill, known to the locals as Cerro Ancon. You do have to go through a security checkpoint and then 30 minutes of hiking to reach the top. Once you are there, you overlook the city and harbor. It is best to do this in the morning, before the temperatures get too hot.
- Via Argentina is an upscale neighborhood of Panama City and has some of the finer eateries and bars for nightlife.
- Attractions are equally plentiful in the area, like the Metropolitan National Park and the trails. You can also visit the Biomuseo (Museum of Biodiversity), which is a fun place to stop in and explore. Naturally, you need to see the famous Panama Canal and the Railway, which are all accessible by the Metro Bus.
- Head over to the small, ancient fishing village of Portobelo and include a visit to Isla Grande to see the simpler life of Panama.
- For a relaxing day on the beach, head to Taboga Island, which is 30 minutes from Panama City and offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than the beaches right next to the city.
Tips and tricks for visiting Panama City
Panama City has a reputation for being safe overall, but also sketchy at times. If you stick to the tourist areas, you do not have to worry about venturing into unsafe areas.
Mind the weather