This Panama Transportation Guide gives some information about both getting to and from the country, as well as details of how to get around once there. Use it in conjunction with our Panama tours page and our Panama map to help you get the most out of your visit to Panama. For further information about getting around within Panama City, check out our Panama City Transportation Guide.

Panama Transportation Guide

Getting To Panama

By Plane

The national carrier of Panama is Copa Airlines, based near Panama City at the Tocumen International Airport (PTY). The airline flies to most of the important cities in Central and South America, and even operates flights to some cities in the United States. It also has return flights to Montreal, Toronto and Madrid. KLM has a direct flight from Amsterdam to Panama. Air Caraibes operates flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe. You can catch international flights to and from San José in Costa Rica from the Enrique Malek International Airport in David.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Panama.

By Train

Unfortunately, Panama is not linked by international rail links.

By Car

Despite the fact that Panama is bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia, it is only possible to drive into Costa Rica as the roads are relatively good. Paso Canoas on the Pan-American highway is the crossing most used by drivers. Some of the others are the border crossings at Río Sereno (at the terminus of the La Concepción Vacán road) and Guabito-Sixaola near the Caribbean coast.

By Bus

You can bus it internationally into Panama, but only to and from Costa Rica. Ticabus has buses running between Panama City and San José in Costa Rica.

By Boat

A favourite with travellers is the boat between Colón and Cartagena in Colombia. You won't find any regular scheduled boat services in this region, but you could try getting to your destination via yachts and cargo ships. Or you could choose to travel on an organised trip which usually also stops by the San Blas Islands.

Getting Around Panama

By Plane

Aero Perlas can fly you into 15 domestic destinations. These include Bocas del Toro and David. Air Panama offers these options too and also covers the San Blas Islands.

If you plan to travel to the remote regions in the interior of Panama, your best bet is by private plane. However, you will need to verify which airstrips can clear customs and immigration for you, since some are not equipped to do so. You can also get to most places by combining hiking and canoeing.

By Train

You can enjoy a scenic train ride between Panama City and Colón on the Panama Canal Railway.

By Car

Panamanian roads are generally in good shape. Between Colón and Panama City, the Trans-Isthman Highway as well as the Pan-American from west to east, are well paved. Most other roads are also paved but you are bound to find some potholes. It is a good idea to rent a car, especially if you are exploring the central and western regions of the country. Car rental companies are mostly found at the airport and in Panama City and David. To drive, you must be at least 23 years old.

By Bus

You can find buses plying to most destinations in Panama. The most popular connect Panama City to David, Colón, Boquette and the western edge of the Darien Gap. Buses plying other routes don't run as regularly and some are unreliable and slow.

By Taxi

You can find taxis easily in Panama, but these don't charge by the meter. So check the list the drivers carry for standard fares measured by zones.

By Boat

It is possible to get to several of the nearby islands by boat. These include the Bocas del Toro in the northwest of Panama and the Pearl Islands to the south of Panama City. Boats from San Blas carry passengers between Puerto Obaldía and Colón.

As you can see, transportation in Panama is pretty efficient. Most people travel by car and public transport is commonly used. So getting to Panama and exploring it is easy!