Your Complete Transportation Guide

Panama isn't a big country, but getting around can still be a bit of a puzzle. The good news: you don't need a car to explore it. Buses, taxis, Uber, boats, and domestic flights can get you pretty much anywhere. In this article, we break down how transportation in Panama works and which options make the most sense for different routes.

Panama City: Metro, Bus, Taxi, and Uber

Panama City has Central America's only metro system, and it works surprisingly well. Clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and cheap.

The metro currently has two lines. Line 1 connects the north of the city with the south and ends at Albrook Station, right next to the central bus terminal and Central America's largest shopping mall. Line 2 heads east and since 2023 even has a branch to Tocumen International Airport. A single ride costs just 0.35 USD.

To use the metro, you need a rechargeable Metro Card. You can get one at any station for 2 USD and top it up there as well. The same card works for city buses, known as the Metrobus system.

The metro runs daily from about 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM. It can get crowded during rush hour, but overall the system is efficient and safe.

For destinations the metro doesn't cover, taxis and Uber are your best bets. Taxis are everywhere in Panama City, painted yellow, and don't have meters. That means you negotiate the price before getting in. Short rides downtown usually cost between 2 and 5 USD. Be careful with taxis waiting outside hotels, as they often charge double or triple the normal rate.

Uber works smoothly in Panama City and is often cheaper and more convenient than a taxi. The app shows you the price upfront, no negotiating required, and the cars are usually cleaner. Especially for airport transfers, Uber is a great way to avoid the haggling.

From the Airport to the City

Tocumen International Airport is about 25 kilometers east of downtown. There are several ways to get from there.

The cheapest option is Metro Line 2, which has had a station at the airport since 2023. From there you can ride to San Miguelito and transfer to Line 1. The entire journey from the airport to Albrook costs under 1 USD. However, you can't board buses with large luggage.

Taxis from the airport to downtown cost between 25 and 35 USD. Negotiate the price before getting in. Uber is usually a bit cheaper, around 15 to 25 USD depending on your destination and traffic.

Important to know: The domestic airport Albrook (officially Marcos A. Gelabert) is a completely different airport, about 40 minutes from Tocumen. If you have a connecting flight within Panama, plan enough time for the transfer.

Long-Distance Buses: The Backbone of Transportation

Buses are the most important mode of transport for longer distances in Panama. The central hub is the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte in Albrook, right next to the metro station of the same name and the largest shopping mall in Central America.

From here, buses go to practically every corner of the country. The main routes:

Panama City to David takes about 6 to 7 hours and costs around 15 to 20 USD. David is the gateway to the Chiriquí Highlands and Boquete.

Panama City to Almirante (for Bocas del Toro) takes about 10 to 11 hours. Night buses depart at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM and cost about 28 to 35 USD. In Almirante, you then take a water taxi to Bocas Town (about 6 USD, 30 minutes).

Panama City to Santiago takes about 4 hours.

For longer routes like David, there are comfortable coaches with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes even entertainment. One important warning: The air conditioning on buses is often extremely cold. Definitely bring a sweater, long pants, and maybe even a blanket.

Tickets for most routes can't be purchased online. You buy them at the counter in the terminal, ideally a few hours before departure. For popular routes like Bocas del Toro, it's worth arriving early.

Domestic Flights: Fast but Pricey

If you want to save time, domestic flights are an option. Air Panama flies from Albrook Airport to various destinations, including Bocas del Toro and David.

The flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro takes about 50 minutes and costs from 70 USD one way. Compared to the 10-hour bus ride, that's a significant time saver.

Important: Domestic flights depart from Albrook Airport, not from Tocumen International Airport. If you're arriving on an international flight, you need to get to Albrook first (about 40 minutes by Uber). Plan at least 3 hours buffer time.

Air Panama's website isn't the most modern. Book as early as possible if you need specific dates.

Boats and Water Taxis

In some regions of Panama, boats are the only means of transport. This is especially true for Bocas del Toro, the San Blas Islands, and parts of the Darién.

In Bocas del Toro, water taxis run regularly between the islands. The ride from Almirante to Bocas Town costs about 6 USD and takes 30 minutes. Within the archipelago, boat rides cost between 1 and 10 USD depending on the distance.

For the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), organized tours are the easiest option since independent travel there is more complicated.

The Panama Canal Railway: A Unique Experience

A unique way to experience Panama is the historic railway along the Panama Canal. The route runs from Panama City to Colón on the Caribbean side and takes about an hour.

The ride costs 25 USD one way (or 40 to 50 USD for panoramic cars). The train runs on weekdays, departing Panama City at 7:15 AM and returning from Colón at 5:15 PM.

Note: Regular passenger service was reduced after the pandemic. Currently only occasional tourist trains operate. Check the current schedules on the Instagram page @panamarailway before planning.

A word about Colón: The city has a reputation for not being particularly safe. Plan ahead how you'll get from the train station, whether with an organized excursion or a direct bus back.

Rental Cars: Freedom with Limitations

A rental car gives you maximum flexibility but isn't the best choice for everyone.

The requirements are straightforward: You need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and a credit card. An international driving permit isn't required in Panama but can be helpful during police checks. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, though under-25s often face surcharges.

Important: Tourists can only drive in Panama for 90 days with their foreign license, even though the tourist visa allows 180 days. This rule is checked at police checkpoints. If you want to drive for longer than 90 days, you need to leave the country and re-enter.

Rental car prices start at about 30 to 40 USD per day for a compact car. An SUV or 4x4 costs about 40 to 50 USD. Insurance often comes on top and can double the price.

As for driving in Panama itself: Traffic in Panama City is chaotic and stressful. Outside the city, roads are better, but there are many potholes, uneven road edges, and sometimes unpaved sections. A vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended.

Police checkpoints are common. Always keep your driver's license, passport, and rental car documents handy. Be friendly, and usually everything is quickly resolved.

For Bocas del Toro, a rental car isn't worth it since you get around the islands by boat anyway.

Our Recommendations

For Panama City: Use the metro and Uber. Both are cheap, safe, and stress-free.

For Bocas del Toro: Take the night bus or fly. The night bus saves you a night's accommodation and is an experience in itself (albeit a cold one).

For Boquete and the Highlands: Bus to David, then minibus to Boquete. Or rent a car if you want flexibility.

For off-the-beaten-path exploring: A rental car is worth it if you want to visit remote places like Santa Catalina or the Azuero Peninsula.

Practical Tips to Wrap Up

Always carry cash. Many buses and taxis only accept cash. Small bills are helpful.

Top up your Metro Card. It works for the metro and city buses and saves time.

Uber is your friend. Especially if you don't speak Spanish, Uber removes the negotiating with taxi drivers.

Plan extra time. Buses don't always run on schedule, and traffic in Panama City can be brutal.

Dress warm for night buses. The air conditioning is merciless. A sweater, long pants, and warm socks are essential.

Transportation in Panama isn't rocket science. With a bit of planning and the right expectations, you can get anywhere you want to go.