Local Transport

Long-Distance Buses — The Backbone of Land Transport

Panama's long-distance buses are modern, air-conditioned, and affordable. The central bus terminal is the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City — the largest bus station in Central America, right next to the Albrook Shopping Center (perfect for last-minute shopping).

Route	Duration	Price
Panama City → David	6–7h	$15–20
Panama City → Boquete	7h	$18–22
Panama City → Pedasi (Azuero)	5h	$10–12
David → Bocas del Toro (Bus + Ferry)	4h	$10–15
Panama City → Colón	1.5h	$3–4

Domestic Flights

Air Panama operates small propeller planes from the city airport Albrook (PAC) to remote destinations:

• Panama City → Bocas del Toro: 1h, approx. $80–150 (vs. 10h bus + ferry — worth it!)
• Panama City → David: 1h, approx. $70–120
• Panama City → Playón Chico (San Blas): 45 min, approx. $100–130 (spectacular approach over the islands)

Uber, Taxis & Collectivos

Uber works excellently in Panama City — affordable, safe, transparent. In David and Boquete, there are local taxis (negotiate the price BEFORE!). In rural areas: Collectivos — shared minibuses for short distances ($0.50–2).

Rental Cars

Recommended for the route Panama City → El Valle → David → Boquete. International rental companies at Tocumen Airport and in the city. Prices: from $30/day (small car) to $70/day (SUV). Main routes are well developed. EU driving license is usually accepted, international driving license recommended. Note: Traffic in Panama City is chaotic — Uber is the better choice there.

Boats & Water Taxis

For San Blas and Bocas del Toro, boats are the main mode of transport. Water taxis in Bocas: $1–7 per trip between the islands. In San Blas, boat transfer is always included in the tour package.