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Transport & Getting Around in Panama

Panama has surprisingly modern transport infrastructure — from Central America's largest international airport to a clean metro system. Here's how to get around.

Airports & Flights

Panama's Airports

Tocumen International (PTY)

Panama City

Central America's largest airport. Direct flights to North America, Europe, and South America.

David (DAV)

Chiriquí

Domestic flights to the capital. Gateway to Boquete and western Panama.

Río Hato (RIH)

Coclé

Charter flights from Canada available. Near Coronado and El Valle.

Chitré / Azuero

Herrera

Limited domestic flights to Panama City.

Bocas del Toro (BOC)

Bocas del Toro

Flights from the capital. The gateway to the archipelago.

Public Transport

🚇

Metro (Panama City)

$0.35

Modern, clean, and air-conditioned. Runs end-to-end across the city. The fastest way to move through Panama City during rush hour. Three lines cover most major areas.

🚌

City Bus (Metrobús)

~$0.35

Requires a rechargeable Metrobús card. Covers a wide network across Panama City. Less reliable scheduling than the metro but covers more neighborhoods.

🚐

Intercity Bus

$3–$20

Departs from Albrook Terminal (Gran Terminal de Transportes) in Panama City. Price depends on destination: David ~$12–18, Chitré ~$8, Bocas del Toro ~$20. Air-conditioned coaches on main routes.

🚕

Taxi

~$3 in city

No meter — always agree the fare before getting in. Prices are negotiated, not metered. Short city trips: $3–5. Longer rides: negotiate beforehand.

📱

Uber / InDrive

App-based pricing

Available in Panama City and growing in other urban areas. More predictable pricing than taxis. Uber is the more reliable option; InDrive allows fare negotiation. Both require a smartphone and data.

⛵

Water Taxis (Bocas del Toro)

$2–$20

Pangas (small motorboats) are the primary transport between islands in Bocas del Toro. Price varies by island. Boarded at the main dock in Bocas Town.

Driving in Panama

Driving in Panama City can be a challenge: many streets are unnamed, intersections may lack signals, traffic is heavy, and horns are used constantly — not as a hostile gesture, but as normal communication. In the interior, driving is far calmer and more enjoyable.

Side of the roadRight (same as the US)
Speed limit100 km/h (62 mph) on highways
Fuel sold inLiters (~4 liters = 1 gallon)
Foreign license valid for90 days — then Panamanian license required
Mandatory requirementsSeat belt + insurance
Traffic enforcementStrict — respect speed limits
Pro tip: Provincial borders are sometimes staffed with checkpoints where authorities may ask to see your passport and driver's license. Keep both accessible when traveling between provinces.

Getting a Panamanian Driver's License

Your foreign license is valid for the first 90 days in Panama. After that, you need to obtain a Panamanian license. The process requires:

  • ✓Valid residency visa or temporary residency card
  • ✓Valid foreign driver's license (apostilled or authenticated)
  • ✓Medical exam (vision + general health)
  • ✓Payment of government fees
  • ✓Visit to the Transit Authority (ATTT) office

Driving Distances from Panama City

Panama City → Coronado80 km~1 hour
Panama City → El Valle de Antón120 km~2 hours
Panama City → Chitré250 km~3.5 hours
Panama City → Santiago250 km~3 hours
Panama City → David480 km~6 hours
Panama City → Boquete510 km~6.5 hours
David → Boquete38 km~30 minutes

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