Airports in Panama

From its world-renowned Panama Canal connecting the pacific and atlantic ocean, beautiful forests, and breathtaking beaches and the islands of San Blas – not to mention the abundance of wildlife – Panama has it all.

Guide to Panama’s Airports

So don’t let the various airports in Panama confuse you; we’ll guide you through which airports are most suitable for your travels and how to get around the country.

How many airports are there in Panama?

With over 100 airports in – both international and domestic – it is no surprise why this Central American country holds the record of having more private airstrips per square mile than any other nation! Unfortunately, many of these airports are just small strips; thus leaving you with only a handful of choices.

What are Panama’s major airports?

There are four main airports in Panama:

1. Tocumen International Airport in Panama City (PTY)
2. Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport (PAC) in Panama City
3. Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) in David Sur
4. Bocas Del Toro International Airport

Tocumen International (PTY) is the biggest and busiest airport in Panama

When it comes to international flights, the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is your most likely destination. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the largest and most essential airport of Panama and all of Central America, connecting you to more than 65 cities across Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. All European connection flights are routed through Frankfurt, Madrid or Amsterdam prior to arriving here at this hub. If you’re looking for intercontinental flight options between these regions- PTY Panama airport has just what you need. It is also home to Copa Airlines and is  conveniently situated just thirty minutes away from the bustling city center.

Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport (PAC) in Panama City

Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport (PAC) Panama airport is located at the former United States airbase, this airport is Panamá’s second-biggest one and houses Air Panama as its premier airline with flights to San Blas and Guna Yala. The airport services both domestic and international flights. You can take advantage of daily flights to most major locations within the country! Additionally, there are bus services and public transportation to metromall shopping center nearby known as Albrook (formerly part of an airbase).

Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) in David Sur

Named after the renowned Panamanian politician, Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) Panama airport has become Panama’s number three airport for international flights to and from San José in Costa Rica, and Bogota in Colombia (Copa airlines Colombia and Costa Rica daily connections) as well as domestic ones to Albrook airport and Bocas del Toro.

Bocas Del Toro International Airport

Bocas del Toro (BOC) Panama airport, situated just one mile from Isla Colón in stunningly picturesque Boco Del Torres. This airport has only one terminal with flights available from two cities – Panama City’s Albrook airport via AirPanama or San Jose de Costa Rica – making it easy for passangers to reach their dream destination!

How to choose an airport in Panama City

If you’re planning a trip to Panama City, there are two airports from which to choose: Tocumen International and Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” airport (IATA: PAC). Which should you select for the best airport experience? The decision will depend on your origin city as Tocumen airport is the larger of the two, offering more domestic and international flights and prominent airlines (including Copa Airlines) while Albrook Panama Airport operates mainly with international flights originating in Central and South America. So depending how far away your flight takes off, it might not be up to you!

Proximity to Panama City Center

Albrook airport (PAC) is much nearer to downtown (only 4.3 miles to the capital as opposed to 12.4 miles from Tocumen International PTY)), plus it has an integrated metro line that connects directly with the city center – something Tocumen International (PTY) Panama airport doesn’t offer.

Although both airports possess one terminal, Tocumen PTY airport offers more in terms of amenities due to its larger size terminal. Albrook (PAC) Panama airport will also be considerably more budget-friendly if you are flying from Central America to Panama’s capital.

Best Hotels in Panama

Getting from Tocumen International Airport to Panama City Center

Tocumen airport is the country’s main international airport. And although it may seem that PTY Panama airport is slightly out of reach located 12 miles from the city center, a few transportation options to get there to and from the capital exist.

Bus services

If you’re looking to visit Panama City at an affordable cost, the Metrobus is your best bet! Make sure that once you arrive at the airport, you purchase a prepaid bus card in order to board. Single bus fares are not only inexpensive but start as low as $0.25 per ride! To make it straight into town, take the Corredor Sur bus and enjoy all of Panama City’s attractions without breaking your bank account.

Metro mall

Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service provided by the Panama Tourism Authority and located in kiosks within Tocumen airport. The buses will transfer you to Metro Mall Shopping Center every 30 minutes from 10am-12pm Monday – Saturday, then hourly until 5pm. This convenient transportation won’t take you all the way into Panama City, but it gets pretty close!

Taxi

Are you looking for an efficient and straightforward way to get from the airport to your accommodation? Look no further than the official taxi ranks located outside of the airport. The journey with the taxi will take around 30 minutes, though there are reports of taxi rides lasting up to two hours during peak times due to traffic congestion. You’ll be pleased to know that a typical taxi trip costs roughly $30 – quite economical! Alternatively, if you’d rather go with Uber, they also operate in this region so don’t hesitate to request a ride through their app.

Tip: No need for any currency exchange is you are flying from the US as Panama uses the US Dollar for all transactions.

Car Rentals

Plenty car rental companies to choose from so you can find the best deals. Listed below are some of the esteemed car rental companies from whom you can rent at Tocumen Panama airport:

• Ace
• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Europcar
• Firefly
• Hertz
• Sixt
• Thrifty car rental

Hotels near Tocumen International Airport

Plenty of hotels and accommodation options around the airport and of course in the city. You can choose a hotel using an online hotel booking service.

Lounges in Tocumen Airport

When flying out of Tocumen International (PTY) Panama airport, airline passangers looking for an exclusive and comfortable experience should consider visiting the luxury lounges located within the airport. PTY airport offers three luxurious airline lounges that are sure to make you feel pampered. The PTY airport Copa Airlines Club Lounge is exclusive for certain classes of Copa Airlines passengers, however non Copa airlines passangers can purchase a one-time access fee at $60 USD. Meanwhile in Tocumen airport has two more lounges. The Lounge Panama and The Royal Saloon lounges at Tocumen airport offer entry with either Priority Pass or an entrance fee of $49 USD respectively!

Covid-19 Restrictions to enter Panama airports

Starting in September 2022, Panama is lifting all Covid-19 related travel restrictions for domestic and international flights. According to Travel Off Path, tourists will be able to enter the country without needing any vaccines or tests before and after their arrival. Plus you won’t need to quarantine once your trip begins – it’s that simple! 

Full list of Panama’s Airports