Tocumen Airport, the main airport in Panama City and the busiest in the country, is located 21 km from the downtown area. There are four ways to reach your hotel in the city center; taxi, private transfer, bus, or a combined bus and metro journey.
Taking a Panama Airport transfer or Panama Airport taxi is the quickest way to travel, with a minimum journey time of 25 minutes and fixed fare prices. A private airport transfer also offers a direct trip and is just as affordable as a taxi, but provides a more personalized service.
The combined bus and metro transfer is the only public transport option that leaves directly from the airport, although it does require at least two changes. The journey takes around 1 hour, not including wait times. The bus has a similar transfer time, however, there is quite a bit of walking involved which may not be ideal for travelers with luggage. Nevertheless, both these options provide a very affordable way to travel, perfect for those on a budget.
4 options to go from Panama City Airport to city center
To save on your journey from Panama Airport to Panama City, you can split the cost of your taxi with a group of up to 4 passengers since it is common to share taxi rides.
Ensure you purchase a RapiPass or MetroBus pass before you try to board the bus. You can't pay the driver on the bus for a ticket, so if you don't have a pass you may have to ask another passenger to use theirs and pay them in cash.
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How to get from Panama Airport to the city by taxi
The only way to get directly from Panama Airport to the city is by taking a taxi. The journey time in a Panama Airport taxi is between 25 and 50 minutes, depending on traffic, and each air-conditioned cab can seat up to 4 passengers. Taxis are pale yellow with a black and white checkered stripe running the length of the vehicle, with rates charged on a fixed fare basis for two people.
How much is a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown?
Panama taxis don’t use taximeters so you’ll be offered a fixed rate fare for your ride downtown. The cost of a taxi from Tocumen Airport to Panama City is $30 (€27.60) for two people, which can be paid in cash to your driver. Each additional passenger will be charged $10 (€9.20), including children if they take up a seat.
Where do I find a taxi at Panama Airport?
Taxis are located at an official rank just outside the Arrivals Hall exit doors; directions to the taxi stand are well signposted throughout the airport.
Convenience
Since taking a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown is the only direct way to travel, it’s also the most convenient. A taxi will take half the time of public transport, and your driver can drop you off directly at the door to your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about carrying heavy luggage through the city or cramming onto the bus or metro.
Useful Tips
Prices and payments are in US Dollars.
Be sure to bring cash to pay for your taxi as the drivers don't accept card payments.
There is no need to tip your driver in Panama City unless they go above and beyond, in which case it is acceptable to let them “keep the change”.
Passengers are allowed two suitcases each after which they will be charged around $1 (€0.90) per item.
How to get from Panama City Airport to the city center by metro
If you’re traveling on a budget, the metro is very affordable and relatively quick, especially during heavier traffic. However, since there isn’t a direct metro train from Panama Airport to the city, you’ll first need to take the 20-minute E489 bus to the Pedregal Metro Station. From there, you can jump on a train toward Panama City. The metro journey to Estación Iglesia del Carmen takes around 40 minutes with a line change at the San Miguelito metro station, bringing the total journey time to around 1 hour, not including wait times.
How much is the metro from Panama Airport to the city?
The cost of the E489 bus is $0.25 (€0.25), and the metro costs $0.35 (€0.30), bringing the total journey from Tocumen Airport to Panama City to $0.60 (€0.55). However, to use the bus and metro, you must first purchase a MetroBus, Tarjeta Metro, or RapiPass card, which costs an additional $2 (€1.85).
Cost
€2.40
Trip Duration
60 Min.
There's a wait time of up to 30 minutes for the E489 bus and 20 minutes for the metro.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The metro is available 24/7 and the E489 bus runs from 05:00 to 24:00.
Where do I find the metro at Panama Airport?
There’s no metro service from Panama Airport so you must first take the E489 to Pedregal Metro Station, then take the metro from there. The bus departs from in front of Gate 2 at Terminal 1, and Gate 18 at Terminal 2. Once you arrive at the metro station, you should check the departures board to confirm which platform your train towards the city departs from.
Convenience
Taking the metro from Panama Airport to the city center is not the most convenient way to travel as it requires at least two changes, making the journey somewhat difficult and tiresome. However, it is the only public transport option that departs directly from the airport, which makes it easier to manage if you have luggage.
Timetables
E489 Bus Timetable
Panama Airport – Pedregal Metro Station
Panama Metro Information
Pedregal Metro Station – Carmen Church Station
Useful Tips
Make sure you tap on and off with your metro card at the yellow card reader machines on board.
Be sure to travel light, there's no luggage storage space on the bus or metro.
The metro isn't direct, you will need to make a change at the San Miguelito metro station.
You can purchase your RapiPass at the airport or the train station.
How to get from Panama Airport to the city by bus
The cheapest way to travel from Panama City Airport to the city center is by bus, using the Metrobus network. While this is a direct service, it does require a 10-minute walk to the main road outside the airport, to the “Aeropuerto-I” bus stop. From the bus stop, take the S480 service towards Albrook – Bahia E for roughly 40 minutes, before disembarking at Aquilino de la Guardia. Once in the city, you will need to walk or take a taxi to your hotel; if you choose to walk you should allow for a further 15 minutes. This brings the total journey time to a little over an hour, not including wait times.
How much is thr bus from Tocumen Airport to Panama City?
The cost of a one-way journey on the bus from Panama Airport to the city is $0.25 (€0.25). As mentioned above, you will first need to purchase a MetroBus or RapiPass, which costs $2 (€1.85), bringing the total cost to $2.25 (€2.10) per person.
Cost
€2.10
Trip Duration
60 Min.
*There's a wait time of up to 30 minutes for the bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The bus runs from 05:00 to 24:00.
Where do I find the bus at Panama Airport?
To catch the bus you will need to walk around 10 minutes to the main Calle Aeropuerto/Avenida Domingo Diaz Road. This walk is comfortable and safe as there’s a covered walkway from Terminal 1 to the bus stop.
Convenience
Although a cheap transfer option, taking the bus from Panama Airport to the city isn’t the most convenient as you will need to walk with all your luggage for around 10 minutes to a bus stop on the main road. Plus, if you just missed a bus, you will have to wait for up to 30 minutes in the hot sun for the next one to come.
For a direct and hassle-free journey, we recommend pre-booking an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups so you arrive at your accommodation relaxed and stress-free.
Timetables
S480 Bus Timetable
Aeropuerto-I Bus Stop – Aquilino de la Guardia
Useful Tips
There's no storage for luggage on the bus and there is quite a bit of walking involved on both ends of this journey so try to travel light.
The bus fills quickly during peak travel times so try to arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus departs to secure a seat.
The Panamanian balboa is tied to the US dollar so they are worth the same amount, however, only US dollars are used when paying in cash.
Getting from Panama Airport to Panama City by private transfer
While an airport taxi is a great choice of transport, nothing beats the convenience of being greeted by an English-speaking driver upon arrival and knowing that all your travel arrangements have been taken care of. When you book a Panama City Airport transfer with a company like Welcome, you can relax knowing you’ll have access to a 24/7 customer support team and unbeatable fixed fare prices.
Moreover, your flight will be monitored for any changes, and during your ride to the hotel, your driver will highlight the best of what this cosmopolitan has to offer and throw in some local tips and tricks while they’re at it. You won’t get a warmer welcome than that!
How much is a private transfer from Panama Airport to Panama city center?
One of the advantages of booking a private transfer is knowing the exact cost before you travel and being able to pay in advance so you don’t get stung with ATM withdrawal fees on arrival. For a transfer into the city center, you’ll pay €33 for up to 3 passengers and one suitcase each for a ride in a stylish air-conditioned sedan. For larger groups with up to 8 passengers, our spacious minivans cost €45 and allow plenty of room for luggage and stretching out.
Booking is easy and takes less than a minute. You have two options to book, either via our website or the Welcome Pickup app and all you need is a few personal details and your flight information.
Cost
€33
Trip Duration
25 Min.
*Your pre-booked vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Tocumen International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
When you book an airport transfer with Welcome, your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 1 or 2, depending on which terminal you land. To help you spot them, your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it, plus you’ll be sent a photo of them the day before. After a warm introduction, you’ll be helped with any baggage and shown to your pre-selected vehicle so your journey can begin.
Convenience
For the same price or less than that of a taxi, a private transfer offers a personalized service that can be customized to suit your needs. Whether you need a minivan, a booster seat, or simply want to ensure you’ll reach your destination quickly and seamlessly, this is your best transfer option.
Useful Tips
Your driver's details will be emailed to you before you travel so that you recognize them on arrival.
Any customizations can be made at the time of booking.
Don't worry if your flight is delayed, all of our drivers receive live status updates to ensure they are right on time to greet you, with no extra cost for waiting.
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Tocumen Airport to Panama City?
There are four ways to get from Panama Airport to Panama City: taxi, private transfer, bus, or metro. Taking a Panama Airport taxi or private transfer is the only direct option, with a journey time of 25 minutes in light traffic. The bus is the cheapest option and will take at least 1 hour, including up to 25 minutes of walking. The final option is the metro, which also takes 1 hour but requires a 20-minute bus, and at least one train transfer.
How much is a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown?
The local drivers charge a set fare for the journey from Panama Airport to Panama City. You will be charged $30 (€27.60) for two passengers to the city center which should be paid in cash.
How far is Panama Airport from the city?
The distance from Panama Airport to the city is 21 km. Taking a Panama Airport taxi will take just 25 minutes to complete this journey in light traffic, whereas the bus or bus-metro combination will take around 1 hour to reach downtown.
The only way to get directly from Panama Airport to the city is by taking a taxi. The journey time in a Panama Airport taxi is between 25 and 50 minutes, depending on traffic, and each air-conditioned cab can seat up to 4 passengers. Taxis are pale yellow with a black and white checkered stripe running the length of the vehicle, with rates charged on a fixed fare basis for two people.
How much is a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown?
Panama taxis don’t use taximeters so you’ll be offered a fixed rate fare for your ride downtown. The cost of a taxi from Tocumen Airport to Panama City is $30 (€27.60) for two people, which can be paid in cash to your driver. Each additional passenger will be charged $10 (€9.20), including children if they take up a seat.
Where do I find a taxi at Panama Airport?
Taxis are located at an official rank just outside the Arrivals Hall exit doors; directions to the taxi stand are well signposted throughout the airport.
Convenience
Since taking a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown is the only direct way to travel, it’s also the most convenient. A taxi will take half the time of public transport, and your driver can drop you off directly at the door to your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about carrying heavy luggage through the city or cramming onto the bus or metro.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreIf you’re traveling on a budget, the metro is very affordable and relatively quick, especially during heavier traffic. However, since there isn’t a direct metro train from Panama Airport to the city, you’ll first need to take the 20-minute E489 bus to the Pedregal Metro Station. From there, you can jump on a train toward Panama City. The metro journey to Estación Iglesia del Carmen takes around 40 minutes with a line change at the San Miguelito metro station, bringing the total journey time to around 1 hour, not including wait times.
How much is the metro from Panama Airport to the city?
The cost of the E489 bus is $0.25 (€0.25), and the metro costs $0.35 (€0.30), bringing the total journey from Tocumen Airport to Panama City to $0.60 (€0.55). However, to use the bus and metro, you must first purchase a MetroBus, Tarjeta Metro, or RapiPass card, which costs an additional $2 (€1.85).
The metro is available 24/7 and the E489 bus runs from 05:00 to 24:00.
Where do I find the metro at Panama Airport?
There’s no metro service from Panama Airport so you must first take the E489 to Pedregal Metro Station, then take the metro from there. The bus departs from in front of Gate 2 at Terminal 1, and Gate 18 at Terminal 2. Once you arrive at the metro station, you should check the departures board to confirm which platform your train towards the city departs from.
Convenience
Taking the metro from Panama Airport to the city center is not the most convenient way to travel as it requires at least two changes, making the journey somewhat difficult and tiresome. However, it is the only public transport option that departs directly from the airport, which makes it easier to manage if you have luggage.
Timetables
E489 Bus Timetable
Panama Airport – Pedregal Metro Station
Panama Metro Information
Pedregal Metro Station – Carmen Church Station
Useful Tips
The cheapest way to travel from Panama City Airport to the city center is by bus, using the Metrobus network. While this is a direct service, it does require a 10-minute walk to the main road outside the airport, to the “Aeropuerto-I” bus stop. From the bus stop, take the S480 service towards Albrook – Bahia E for roughly 40 minutes, before disembarking at Aquilino de la Guardia. Once in the city, you will need to walk or take a taxi to your hotel; if you choose to walk you should allow for a further 15 minutes. This brings the total journey time to a little over an hour, not including wait times.
How much is thr bus from Tocumen Airport to Panama City?
The cost of a one-way journey on the bus from Panama Airport to the city is $0.25 (€0.25). As mentioned above, you will first need to purchase a MetroBus or RapiPass, which costs $2 (€1.85), bringing the total cost to $2.25 (€2.10) per person.
The bus runs from 05:00 to 24:00.
Where do I find the bus at Panama Airport?
To catch the bus you will need to walk around 10 minutes to the main Calle Aeropuerto/Avenida Domingo Diaz Road. This walk is comfortable and safe as there’s a covered walkway from Terminal 1 to the bus stop.
Convenience
Although a cheap transfer option, taking the bus from Panama Airport to the city isn’t the most convenient as you will need to walk with all your luggage for around 10 minutes to a bus stop on the main road. Plus, if you just missed a bus, you will have to wait for up to 30 minutes in the hot sun for the next one to come.
For a direct and hassle-free journey, we recommend pre-booking an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups so you arrive at your accommodation relaxed and stress-free.
Timetables
S480 Bus Timetable
Aeropuerto-I Bus Stop – Aquilino de la Guardia
Useful Tips
While an airport taxi is a great choice of transport, nothing beats the convenience of being greeted by an English-speaking driver upon arrival and knowing that all your travel arrangements have been taken care of. When you book a Panama City Airport transfer with a company like Welcome, you can relax knowing you’ll have access to a 24/7 customer support team and unbeatable fixed fare prices.
Moreover, your flight will be monitored for any changes, and during your ride to the hotel, your driver will highlight the best of what this cosmopolitan has to offer and throw in some local tips and tricks while they’re at it. You won’t get a warmer welcome than that!
How much is a private transfer from Panama Airport to Panama city center?
One of the advantages of booking a private transfer is knowing the exact cost before you travel and being able to pay in advance so you don’t get stung with ATM withdrawal fees on arrival. For a transfer into the city center, you’ll pay €33 for up to 3 passengers and one suitcase each for a ride in a stylish air-conditioned sedan. For larger groups with up to 8 passengers, our spacious minivans cost €45 and allow plenty of room for luggage and stretching out.
Booking is easy and takes less than a minute. You have two options to book, either via our website or the Welcome Pickup app and all you need is a few personal details and your flight information.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Tocumen International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
When you book an airport transfer with Welcome, your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 1 or 2, depending on which terminal you land. To help you spot them, your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it, plus you’ll be sent a photo of them the day before. After a warm introduction, you’ll be helped with any baggage and shown to your pre-selected vehicle so your journey can begin.
Convenience
For the same price or less than that of a taxi, a private transfer offers a personalized service that can be customized to suit your needs. Whether you need a minivan, a booster seat, or simply want to ensure you’ll reach your destination quickly and seamlessly, this is your best transfer option.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Tocumen Airport to Panama City?
There are four ways to get from Panama Airport to Panama City: taxi, private transfer, bus, or metro. Taking a Panama Airport taxi or private transfer is the only direct option, with a journey time of 25 minutes in light traffic. The bus is the cheapest option and will take at least 1 hour, including up to 25 minutes of walking. The final option is the metro, which also takes 1 hour but requires a 20-minute bus, and at least one train transfer.
How much is a taxi from Panama City Airport to downtown?
The local drivers charge a set fare for the journey from Panama Airport to Panama City. You will be charged $30 (€27.60) for two passengers to the city center which should be paid in cash.
How far is Panama Airport from the city?
The distance from Panama Airport to the city is 21 km. Taking a Panama Airport taxi will take just 25 minutes to complete this journey in light traffic, whereas the bus or bus-metro combination will take around 1 hour to reach downtown.
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