Tocumen International — MetroBus + Metro Line 2
Tocumen International (PTY) to Panama City — Updated 2026
Tocumen International (PTY) is 24 km east of central Panama City — Latin America's primary aviation hub (Copa Airlines home base + hub for Star Alliance in the region). Public transport requires a Rapipass card (buy at airport MetroBus counter, $2 card + $1.25 fare = ~$3.25 total). MetroBus 42 from PTY connects to Metro Line 2 (Corredor Sur station), which reaches central Panama City in 60-75 minutes total. Uber is the tourist standard at $15-25 to hotel; official taxis run $30-40 (higher for non-negotiated fixed rate). Copa's free 24-hour transit hotel + stopover programs make PTY unusual — many passengers spend a night in Panama City for free.
MetroBus + Metro Line 2 stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PTY Terminal 2 | 0 min | MetroBus 42 stop outside arrivals |
| Corredor Sur (Metro Line 2) | ~25 min | Interchange to Metro |
| San Miguelito (Metro Line 1 + 2) | ~45 min | Major metro interchange |
| Albrook Terminal | ~60 min | Bus + metro central hub |
| Casco Viejo (Old Town) | ~70 min | Historic district |
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MetroBus + Metro Line 2 vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroBus + Metro Line 2 | $1.25 (+ $2 card) | 60-75 min | Cheapest. Requires Rapipass card. |
| Uber | $15-25 | 30-45 min | App-based. Standard tourist choice. |
| Official taxi (fixed rate) | $30-40 | 30-45 min | Counter inside arrivals. Fixed price. |
| Airport minibus | $8-15 | 45-90 min | Shared van. Book at counter. |
| Hotel airport shuttle | $15-30 | 30-45 min | Book at reservation. Some 4+ star hotels include. |
FAQ
How much is Uber from Panama City airport?+
Uber PTY to central Panama City: $15-25 depending on destination + traffic. Uber operates fully at PTY — pickup zone marked "Rideshare" outside arrivals. Faster than public transit + significantly cheaper than official taxis. Cabify + inDrive also operate; Uber has most drivers.
Do I need Rapipass to take the metro?+
Yes — Panama Metro + MetroBus require a Rapipass card. Buy at the airport MetroBus counter ($2 card + top up minimum $1.25 for the fare). No cash payment on buses or metro. Same card works everywhere in Panama City transit. Non-refundable but reusable for return trip.
Copa 24-hour transit / stopover program?+
Copa Airlines offers a free 24h "Copa Stopover" program for connecting passengers — includes 1 night hotel + transfer for stops in Panama City on Copa's Latin America / US network. Book via Copa website when purchasing multi-stop tickets. Turns a layover into a mini Panama City visit.
PTY vs Albrook (PAC) domestic airport?+
PTY = international + main hub. Albrook (Marcos A. Gelabert International, code PAC) = domestic + regional Central America. If flying into PTY and connecting to Bocas del Toro / David / San Blas: separate ground transfer to Albrook (~30 min taxi + $10-15). Always confirm which airport your onward flight departs from.
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