Panama City, Panama — Travel Tips
Getting There By Air
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tel: 437 2626.
Tocumen International Airport is located 35km (20.5 miles) east of the city center. As Panama’s main gateway, Tocumen is serviced by a number of international carriers.
Airport facilities: These include conference and banqueting facilities, a business center, shops, restaurants, bars, banks, ATMs, bureau de change, tourist information and car hire from Avis, Budget, Hertz and several others.
Transport to the city: Buses marked España Tocumen run frequently from the airport to the city center, though journey time is about two hours. Taxis also serve the terminals, and are a much quicker but costlier alternative.
Getting There By Road
All roads lead to Panama City – it is the geographical center of Panama and it is hard to miss if you’re driving. Like most Central American countries, you drive on the right. Driving in the city can be chaotic. You need to be prepared to be pushy; keep your eyes peeled at all times and beep that horn as if your life depends on it. It is not for the faint-hearted, but the main roads through the city are slightly more manageable. Look out for the one-way systems. Some basic things to note about driving: Theoretically you only need a license from your country, but the police can make things difficult for you if you’re stopped, so get hold of an International License if you possibly can. The speed limits are 40 km/h (25miles/hr) within cities and 100 km/h (62miles/hr) on the highways. Insurance is not mandatory in Panama – so drive very carefully.
Routes to the city
The decently-paved Panamerican Highway runs from one end of Panama to the other, stopped in its tracks only by dense rainforest at the Colombian end. Thus, you can get to just about everywhere worth seeing in Panama by stopping off along the way.
Driving times to the city
From Boquete - 6-7 hours; Bocas del Toro 9-12 hours; David - 7 hours.
Coach services
Coach travel in Panama is recommended. Panama City’s Grand Terminal is large and modern and part of the Aldbrook shopping center. Ticket prices vary depending on the standard of the coach, but they all tend to be air-conditioned. There will be many buses going to every destination.
Getting There By Rail
Rail travel from Panama City is limited, as it is for much of Central America.
Rail Services
Rail fans can enjoy a historic train route from Panama City to Colon along the famed canal. It is a luxury service generally providing beautiful views. The service departs Monday-Friday at 0730 from Corozal Station (just north of the Miraflores lock), which gives plenty of time to explore Colon before the return journey at 1715. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance.
Rail Operators
The Panama Railway Company (tel: (507) 317 6070; www.panarail.com) operates services from Panama City to Colon and back. The train is very comfortable and the ticket price includes a snack box.
Transport
Corozal Station is a 15 minutes taxi ride from Panama City – negotiate the price before you get in; or you can ask around for public buses that head into the city.
Connections
From Colon – 1 hour.
Getting Around in Panama City, Panama
Public Transport
Panama City has an extensive network of public buses, but traveling by public bus can be highly confusing. However, the locals will help you if you ask, so if you feel like braving the buses, destinations and prices are posted on the front windshield. There are few stops: look for where the locals queue. There are no passes, but the buses are extremely cheap. It’s best to avoid taking them at night.
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street, though drivers are surprisingly reluctant to pick up passengers and may even protest if your destination won't result in a high fare. Drivers will almost always leave the meter off in an attempt to charge you more, though fares are never more than a few dollars.
Driving in the City
Parking is widely available throughout the city center, though it is recommended that you only use guarded lots as car theft and vandalism is a major problem.
Car Hire
You must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. Recommended car hire companies in Panama City include Avis (tel: (507) 238 4056; www.avis.com); Hertz (www.rentacarpanama.com); Thrifty (tel: (507) 238 4955; www.thrifty.com) and National (tel: (507) 238 4144; www.nationalpanama.com).
Bicycle Hire
The city itself is neither easy nor pleasant to cycle, being entirely too hilly and congested. However, there are several bike hire places along the scenic 6km (4 miles) long Amador Causeway. Try Bikes and More, just past the Figali Convention Center (tel: (507) 314 0103).
