Traveling to and around Panama

What’s the best way to get there?
Is there a departure tax?
What does it cost to fly within Panama?
How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?

What’s the best way to get there?
There are non-stop flights to Panama from Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston. There is also non-stop service from most South American cities via Copa Airlines, the national airline of Panama, tel. (800)FLY-COPA or (507)227-COPA; website: www.copaair.com. During holiday seasons, many Canadian and European cities also offer nonstop charter service to Panama City. For all travel needs (including insurance) please contact your travel agency of choice. We are pleased to recommend our travel partner - AESU Travel. Please ask for Karoline Olcott. She can be reached at 1-800-638-7640 (toll-free) or +1-410-366-5494, ext. 116 or by email at karoline@aesu.com.

Is there a departure tax?
The departure tax is $20 per person, regardless of your age, the status of your visa, or the duration of your visit. Even Panamanian citizens must pay it.

What does it cost to fly within Panama?
Touring within Panama is easy. The country’s two regional airlines offer scheduled service to more than 20 domestic destinations. You won’t pay more than $120 for a round-trip ticket. Both AeroPerlas and Aero operate service to the larger cities and towns, and oversee air-taxi service to more remote areas.

    * AeroPerlas, tel. (507)315-7500; website www.aeroperlas.com
    * Aero, tel. (507)315-0888; website: www.aero.com.pa

How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?
Tocumen International Airport is 15 to 30 minutes from downtown Panama City. You can take a taxi from the airport or you can ask the International Living local office to arrange for someone to meet you upon arrival. The city of Panama imposes a $25 standard fare from the airport to the city, plus $2 in tolls. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver has a commercial driver’s license and is registered with the city. You can take a collective (shared taxi) for $10 per person for three or more passengers or $12 per person for two or more.

International Living provides a welcome package service for travelers to Panama that includes a special VIP immigration service, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, tours and help with planning your travel within the country.

For information about our special IL Panama Welcome Packages, please e-mail GGonzalez@InternationalLiving.com.