Arrival by Plane
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen is the most important airport in Central America and the hub of Copa Airlines. Located 24 km east of the city center. Direct flights from Europe:
- KLM from Amsterdam (approx. 11h) — the most direct connection from the German-speaking area
- Iberia from Madrid (approx. 10.5h)
- Air France from Paris (approx. 11h)
- Copa Airlines — via their hubs in Bogotá, Cancún, or other Latin American cities
The most common connecting flights from Germany: via Amsterdam (KLM), Madrid (Iberia), Miami or Houston (United/Copa). Total flight time: 11–15 hours depending on the layover.
Flight Prices (Guidelines from Germany)
| Period | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Low Season (May–Nov) | 450–650€ |
| Shoulder Season (Apr, Dec) | 550–800€ |
| High Season (Jan–Mar) | 650–1,000€ |
Transfer from the Airport
Metro Line 2 connects the airport with the city center ($0.35, since 2023 — unbeatable price!). Uber: $12–20 to the center (30–45 min depending on traffic). Taxi: $25–35 (fixed price). Uber is the best option for first-time visitors.
💡 Tipp
Copa Airlines has the best route network from Panama throughout Latin America. If you want to combine Panama with Colombia, Costa Rica, or Mexico, a multi-stop flight via Copa is often the cheapest and most convenient option. And: Metro Line 2 from the airport to the center for $0.35 — it doesn't get any better.
