How to get around Panama

Navigating Panama is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.

Inter-City Travel

Traveling between cities in Panama offers a range of options varying in cost and speed. Buses are the most budget-friendly choice, with long-distance journeys typically costing between $5 and $20, depending on the distance. For example, an express bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, which includes a water taxi, costs around $34.35.

Alternatively, regional buses, known as Colectivos or Chivas, are even cheaper, ranging from $1 to $5. The Panama Canal Railway provides a unique travel experience between Panama City and Colon, with a one-way adult ticket priced at $25.

For quicker travel, domestic flights are available, though at a higher cost. Air Panama is the primary domestic airline, with one-way flights from Panama City to destinations like David or Bocas del Toro costing approximately $94. Flying from Panama City to David takes about an hour and costs between $130 and $145, compared to a 6-hour bus ride for $9.

Car rentals offer flexibility for independent exploration, with average daily rates ranging from $16 to $29, and weekly rates starting around $150-$200 for economy vehicles. For those seeking convenience, private drivers or tourist shuttles are available, with rates for private drivers typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per kilometer. A longer journey, such as a 6-hour trip from Panama City to Playa Venao via Uber, could cost around $340.

Travel Within Cities

Within cities, particularly Panama City, various transport options cater to different budgets. The Panama Metro is a modern, clean, and efficient way to travel, with a single ride costing $0.35. A reloadable Metro card, costing $2, is required for use.

Public buses, known as Metrobus, are highly affordable, with standard inner-city fares at $0.25 and expressway routes costing $1.25. A Metrobus card, which can also be used for the Metro, costs $2.

Taxis are readily available and generally affordable for short distances, typically costing $1.50 to $5 for rides within downtown Panama City. Taxi fares are usually negotiated, as meters are not always used. From Tocumen International Airport to downtown Panama City, a taxi typically costs about $30 for two people.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify are popular and often more affordable than traditional taxis, providing transparent pricing. An Uber ride for a 5 km trip can be around $3, and fares from Tocumen International Airport to downtown Panama City range from $15 to $20.

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