Tocumen International Airport

Tocumen International Airport (PTY), known as the "Hub of the Americas," is Panama's primary international airport and the main hub for Copa Airlines. Located 24 km east of downtown Panama City, PTY handles approximately 19 million passengers annually and serves as a crucial connection point between North, Central, and South America.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 (North Terminal): The original terminal with 26 gates (numbered in the 100s). Handles most non-Copa international carriers including American, Delta, United, Iberia, and regional airlines.
• Terminal 2 (South Terminal): Opened in 2022 with 20 gates (numbered in the 200s). Primary base for Copa Airlines operations and Star Alliance partners. Modern facilities with expanded capacity.

Both terminals are connected airside via an indoor corridor, meaning you can walk between them without exiting security. The corridor is located between the terminals and also houses the Aeropuerto Metro station, which opened in March 2023, making Panama the first Central American country with a metro connection to its main airport.

Copa Airlines operates approximately 280 daily flights from PTY to over 70 destinations across the Americas, making connections through Panama City common for travelers throughout the region.

PTY is located 24 km east of Panama City center. Travel times vary based on traffic and destination:

Destination	Off-Peak	Rush Hour
Casco Viejo (Old Town)	30-40 min	50-75 min
Downtown / Obarrio	25-35 min	45-60 min
Punta Pacifica	25-35 min	45-65 min
Amador Causeway	35-50 min	60-90 min

Traffic warning: Panama City traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). The Metro provides the most predictable journey time.

The Panama Metro is now the most reliable and affordable option, offering direct service from the airport to downtown with no traffic delays.

Uber, DiDi, and Cabify all operate in Panama City and are available at PTY. Rideshare apps generally offer lower fares than official taxis under normal conditions.

Rideshare pickup location: App-based vehicles cannot pick up at the arrivals curb. Exit the terminal, cross toward the parking area, and proceed to the designated rideshare pickup zone. Drivers will provide specific instructions via the app.

Typical rideshare fares:

Destination	Uber/DiDi Fare	Notes
Downtown / Obarrio	$15-20	Standard conditions
Casco Viejo	$18-25	Historic district
Punta Pacifica	$15-20	Financial district
Amador Causeway	$20-28	Causeway area

Wait times average 5-15 minutes. During peak hours, surge pricing can increase fares to match or exceed taxi rates.

Official Airport Taxis are available at designated stands outside arrivals:

• Fixed fares by zone, displayed at the taxi counter
• Downtown/city center: $30
• Casco Viejo: $35
• Amador: $40
• Confirm the fare with the driver before departing

Tip: Always use official taxi stands or rideshare apps. Do not accept offers from people approaching inside the terminal.

Panama Metro

The Panama Metro Line 2 extension to Tocumen Airport opened in March 2023, providing fast, affordable service to the city center.

Aeropuerto Station is located in the corridor connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Fares:

• Line 2 only: $0.50
• Transfer to Line 1 (required for downtown): $0.35 additional
• Total to city center: $0.85

Operating Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Sunday & Holidays: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Trains run every 10 minutes

To reach downtown Panama City:

1. Follow signs to "Metro" from your terminal
2. Purchase a Rapi Pass metro card ($5, includes $3 credit) at the station
3. Board Line 2 toward San Miguelito
4. Transfer at San Miguelito to Line 1 toward Albrook
5. Exit at 5 de Mayo or Santo Tomas for downtown/Casco Viejo area

Travel time: Approximately 45-55 minutes to downtown, depending on transfer wait.

The metro is air-conditioned, clean, and safe. It's the most affordable option and avoids traffic entirely.

Bus

Local bus route 489 MI connects the airport to the city and Albrook bus terminal for $0.25. However, the metro is faster and more comfortable for most travelers.

PTY offers parking at both terminals:

Lot	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate	Notes
Terminal 1 Parking	$2/hr	$15/day	Covered, close to T1
Terminal 2 Parking	$2/hr	$15/day	Modern facility near T2

• Payment via automated machines
• Cell phone waiting lot available for free passenger pickup

Tocumen Airport has expanded dining options, though prices are notably higher than in the city (often 2-3x). Most restaurants close between 9-10 PM.

Terminal 1:

• Olive Garden: Italian-American, pasta and salads
• La Paila: Traditional Panamanian cuisine (5:30 AM - 9:30 PM)
• Carl's Jr.: Burgers and fast food (7:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Quiznos: Sandwiches (6:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Cafe Unido: Excellent Panamanian specialty coffee (6:00 AM - 9:00 PM)

Terminal 2:

• Vista Corona: Bar/restaurant with plane views, popular layover spot
• Birra Pizza Bar: Italian cuisine, pizzas (5:30 AM - 9:30 PM)
• Nacion Sushi: Asian cuisine
• Maison Kayser: French bakery (5:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Popeye's: Fast food
• Avocat Organic Deli: Health-conscious options, 100% gluten-free (5:30 AM - 10:00 PM)

Bars:

• 770 Bar: Cocktails and American-style bar (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
• Hangar Sport Bar: Cocktails and bar food (11:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

Late-night warning: If you have an overnight layover, food options become extremely limited after 10 PM. Nothing opens until 5-6 AM.

Tip: Cafe Unido serves excellent local coffee. Try a cortado or cafe con leche for an authentic Panamanian coffee experience.

Free WiFi is available throughout PTY.

Network: Look for the airport WiFi network

Limitations:

• Free access cuts off after 60 minutes
• Paid service available afterward (considered expensive)
• Speed adequate for browsing and email

For longer layovers requiring reliable WiFi, the Copa Club lounges offer better connectivity.

Panama uses the US dollar, and most US phones work normally. For data, SIM cards are available at the airport.

Where to buy:

• Travel Data Global: Authorized seller with stores in Arrivals (near gates 130-131), Transit Area (gates 138-139), and North Pier
• SIM vending machines: Located in both terminals, with staff assistance available

Major carriers:

• +Movil: Best network coverage, tourist SIM with unlimited data for 30 days costs $15
• Claro: Good coverage, plans from $5
• Tigo: Budget option, plans from $3-5

Hours: SIM shops typically operate 5:30 AM - 9:00/10:00 PM. Not available overnight.

Requirements: Passport required for registration. Process takes 15-30 minutes.

eSIM alternative: Consider purchasing an eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly before your trip for immediate connectivity upon landing.

Currency: Panama uses the US Dollar as its official currency. The Panamanian Balboa (PAB) is pegged 1:1 to the dollar, but Panama does not print paper currency - all bills are US dollars. Balboa coins circulate alongside US coins.

ATMs are available 24/7 throughout both terminals:

• Scotiabank
• Banistmo
• Banco Nacional de Panama
• Global Bank
• Davivienda

Details:

• All ATMs dispense US dollars
• Standard withdrawal limit: $500
• Typical ATM fee: $5.25 per transaction (plus your bank's fees)

Tip: If traveling from the US, bring cash - you'll use the same currency and avoid ATM fees. $20 bills are most convenient; larger denominations ($50, $100) can be difficult to break.

Currency Exchange:

• RedPlus and Travelex operate exchange services (6:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Located in Level 100 (arrivals) and duty-free zone
• Banco Nacional de Panama branch in T1, Level 100 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Since Panama uses US dollars, currency exchange is only needed if you're arriving with non-USD currency.

Tocumen is known for extensive shopping, often described as "a mall with runways." However, prices are generally higher than outside the airport, and duty-free does not guarantee savings.

Duty-Free Americas operates multiple stores throughout both terminals:

• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Liquor and tobacco
• Electronics and watches
• Luxury brands

Major brands available: Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Montblanc, Swarovski

Other stores:

• La Riviera Duty Free: Cosmetics and luxury items (open 24 hours)
• Panafoto: Electronics (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
• Attenza Duty Free: Perfumes and liquor

Shopping tips:

• Compare prices before buying - many items cost more than in regular stores
• Returns and exchanges are difficult after purchase
• Duty-free purchases for international flights are delivered at the gate during boarding

Panamanian souvenirs to consider:

• Geisha coffee (Panama's famous high-end coffee)
• Molas (traditional Kuna textiles)
• Panama hats (actually from Ecuador, but widely available)
• Local rum and spirits

PTY has excellent lounge options, primarily the Copa Club lounges in both terminals.

Priority Pass Lounges

Copa Club (Terminal 2) - Recommended

• Location: Third floor, near Gate 208 (take elevator or stairs up)
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, Copa Business Class
• Hours: 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Capacity: 420 seats (rarely crowded)
• Amenities: Full bar with quality rum, extensive buffet, showers, WiFi, luggage storage, quiet room for resting, children's area
• Quality: Modern and spacious with multiple seating areas

Copa Club (Terminal 1)

• Location: Second floor, above gates 130-133
• Access: Same as T2 (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, etc.)
• Hours: 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Amenities: Rest area, showers, WiFi, beverages, children's area
• Quality: Smaller than T2 but comfortable

The Lounge Panama (Terminal 2)

• Location: Third floor, near door 204
• Access: Priority Pass (5-hour limit), various credit cards
• Hours: 24/7 (key advantage over Copa Club)
• Quality: Smaller than Copa Club but useful for overnight layovers

Tocumen Royal Saloon

• Location: Terminal 1
• Access: Priority Pass
• Quality: Basic amenities

Access Tips

• Copa Club accepts Priority Pass members up to 5 hours before departure
• For overnight layovers, The Lounge Panama is the only 24-hour option
• The T2 Copa Club is newer and larger - choose this if departing from Terminal 2
• Day passes available at Copa Club for approximately $45-50

There is no hotel inside the terminal at PTY. For early departures or overnight layovers, nearby hotels offer the best options.

Near Airport (5-10 min):

• Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Casino: 4-star hotel with free 24-hour airport shuttle, outdoor pool, tennis, fitness center. Popular choice for layovers.
• Crowne Plaza Panama Airport: Business hotel with 24-hour complimentary airport transportation, located near Copa Airlines offices.
• Courtyard Panama Metromall: Near Metromall shopping center, free parking, outdoor pool, soundproof rooms.

Budget options:

• Express Inn Panama International Airport Hostel: Budget accommodation with pool, restaurant, free parking.

In Panama City (for longer layovers with time to explore):

• Take the metro to experience the city
• Hotels in Casco Viejo offer historic charm
• Punta Pacifica and Obarrio have modern business hotels

Typical prices: Double rooms near the airport average $95-120/night.

Panama City is a dynamic capital blending colonial history, modern skyscrapers, and natural beauty. It's the only capital in the world with a tropical rainforest within city limits.

Must-see attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks (40-60 min): Watch massive ships transit through the locks. The visitor center has observation decks, a museum, and documentary films. One of the modern engineering wonders of the world.

• Casco Viejo (35-50 min): UNESCO World Heritage old town with Spanish colonial architecture, plazas, churches, restaurants, and rooftop bars. Walk the Paseo Esteban Huertas for skyline views.

• Amador Causeway (45-70 min): Scenic road connecting three islands, built with Panama Canal excavation material. Great views of the canal entrance and city skyline.

• Biomuseo (45-65 min): Frank Gehry-designed museum about Panama's natural history and biodiversity.

• Panama Viejo (25-35 min): Ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Casco Viejo: Historic center, restaurants, nightlife, boutique hotels
• Punta Pacifica: Modern towers, upscale dining
• Costa del Este: Residential area with parks and dining
• El Cangrejo: Local restaurants, more authentic feel

Day trips:

• San Blas Islands (flight or 2.5-hour drive + boat): Caribbean islands with Kuna indigenous communities
• El Valle de Anton (2 hours): Mountain town, waterfalls, crafts market
• Portobelo (1.5 hours): Colonial Caribbean port, history and beaches

Food to try:

• Sancocho: Traditional chicken soup with root vegetables
• Ceviche: Fresh seafood in citrus marinade
• Patacones: Fried plantain slices
• Ropa vieja: Shredded beef stew
• Geisha coffee: Panama's world-famous high-end coffee (expensive but exceptional)

Getting around Panama City:

• Metro is efficient for main corridors
• Uber/DiDi widely available and affordable
• Taxis available but use apps for transparency
• Traffic can be severe during rush hours

Weather: Hot and humid year-round (27-32°C / 80-90°F). Dry season December-April; rainy season May-November with afternoon thunderstorms.

Safety: Panama City is generally safe for tourists. Standard urban precautions apply - use rideshare apps, avoid displaying valuables, stick to well-traveled areas at night.

Currency reminder: Panama uses US dollars. No need to exchange money if coming from the US.