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Tocumen International Airport to Panama City City Center

Every transport option from PTY — cost, journey time, and which one to pick. Updated for 2026 travellers arriving in Panama.

Airport
PTY
Country
Panama
Fastest
60 min + 20 min walk from PTY
Cheapest
USD 0.35

How to get from PTY to Panama City

OptionCostJourney time
Metro Line 1 (to Albrook/Centre)USD 0.3560 min + 20 min walk from PTY
Airport bus (Mi Bus to Albrook)USD 1.2560 min
Taxi (use Uber for transparent fare)USD 25–3525–45 min

PTY is 24km from centre — Metro Line 1 is the cheapest USD 0.35 but requires walk + bus combo. Uber is the standard tourist option (USD 25-35, 25-45 min). For 6+ hour layovers: Uber + Casco Viejo + Cinta Costera is feasible.

Skip the queue — pre-book an arrival transfer

A fixed-price transfer meets you inside arrivals with a name-board. No haggling, no cash, no scam risk after a long flight into PTY.

Getting out of Panama City (PTY)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer prices
Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay near Panama City

Comparing hotels across Panama City — filter by neighbourhood, price, and distance from Tocumen International Airport.

Common questions

How much does a taxi from Tocumen International Airport to Panama City cost?

USD 25–35 — expect the higher end during rush hour or bad weather. Pre-book a fixed-price transfer if you want price certainty.

What's the cheapest way from PTY to Panama City?

Metro Line 1 (to Albrook/Centre) at USD 0.3560 min + 20 min walk from PTY to central Panama City.

Do I need to buy a visa on arrival in Panama?

Visa-free for most Western, EU, US, Canadian, Australian passports up to 180 days. Panama has very liberal entry — also accepts US visas for travellers from many countries.