panama city airport layover tour

Layover in Panama City – the ultimate guide 2024

Tocumen International Airport is the main international airport for Panama and is situated 14 miles from the center of the city. There are several options for getting into town, including a metro system. If you are on a short layover, you might want to consider using a taxi.

Panama City itself is a charming city with delightful architecture that lends itself to short-stay tourism. As the airport acts as a hub for many international flights, it is quite conceivable that you could find yourself stuck there while you wait for a connection. Rather than pacing the airport for hours, you could drop your luggage at a Panama luggage storage service and use the time to discover a new city.

If your stopover extends to an overnight stay, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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6 hour layover in Panama City

Having gone through the usual rigmarole of collecting your suitcases and clearing customs, you are best off storing your bags at a Panama luggage storage and travelling light. You won’t have much time on your hands, so grab a taxi or jump on the metro and get to town as quickly as possible to make the most of your Panama airport layover.

A great place to start and one that will give you a feel for the city is the Casa Viejo district. Here, you can wander the cobbled streets and marvel at the quaint colonial architecture. The area is dotted with tiny churches as well as the San Jose Church with its famous golden altar. 

Built in 1670, this historic district was once the preserve of wealthy Panamanians. Today it houses a wide range of population groups and its classic buildings are thrown into contrast against the backdrop of modern high-rises that make up much of the rest of the city.

Even with very little time on your hands, you will be able to sample some of the unique atmosphere, sip a quiet coffee, and perhaps pick up a curio or two.

• The area is small enough to be enjoyed on foot.
• Allow yourself enough time to catch your connecting flight without stress.
• Storing your suitcases will make for a more pleasant experience.

8 hour layover in Panama City

That extra couple of hours means that you can afford to relax a little and perhaps enjoy a traditional meal at some stage during your venture. Yours will still be a short stopover so you will need to use your Panama City layover wisely. 

The diverse history of this country means that the cuisine has been heavily influenced by its colorful past. Here you will find dishes with a little Spanish, a little African, and a little Native American Indian influence all mixed together.

Of course, it is not just the diversity of cultures that influences a nation’s food choices. The local ingredients also weigh heavily on the way people cook. Along with an abundance of seafood, you will find yucca, maize, and plantains being incorporated into what are now traditional dishes.

Here are a few you should look out for: Carimanolas are stuffed yucca fritters, Sancocho is a chicken soup with herbs, and although Ropa Vieja translates to ‘old clothes’ it is actually a delicious beef stew. 

All of these dishes you will find easily while wandering through the historical streets of Casa Viejo or the neighboring San Felipe. From either of these suburbs, you are well-positioned for your return trip to the airport.

• Even if you lose some time traveling to and from the airport, eight hours still gives you a chance to get a feel for this city.
• Traveling light will enhance your experience so drop of those suitcases at a Panama luggage storage service.
• Don't try to cram in too many sites. Instead, focus on just one or two.

12 hour layover in Panama City

Twelve hours starts to feel like a lifetime if you are trapped in an airport, so use this long layover to dive into some of the Panamanian way of life. You won't be able to delve too deeply, but that doesn't prevent you from having some memorable experiences. 

If you have been to Panama, sooner or later somebody is going to ask you about that famous canal. The canal might only be 50 miles long but it sees more than 13 000 ships passing through each year, which makes it one of the busiest sea routes in the world.

One of the best places to see the canal and marvel at the heavy-duty traffic passing through is at the Miraflores locks. Here, a viewing point has been established so that people can get an overview of just what an impressive undertaking this engineering feat was.

If you plan carefully, you might still have time to include a visit to the Biomuseo . Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this museum celebrates the unique biological diversity that inhabits this Central American zone and provides a heavy emphasis on habitat preservation. Allow 1 – 2 hours for a complete tour.

• You will need to move around if you are going to explore more than one site so try to travel as light as possible.
• If you can, prepare your itinerary in advance so you can book ahead for site that might be busy.

24 hour layover in Panama City

On an overnight layover, you have the option of exploring further afield than you would on a short stopover. Panama city has some exciting attractions that are near enough to include in an overnight stay but might be just a little too far to include in a short layover.

The Metropolitan National Park is one of the few national parks that lie at the gateway to such a major city. Covering 265 hectares and containing 322 animal species and 227 species of birds, this is an ideal way to experience some of the unique flora and fauna of the area without having to venture too far from Panama City itself.

That visit would still leave you time to take in some of the city’s nightlife and one or two of the major tourist drawcards such as the canal or Calzada Amador. As far as nightlife is concerned, Panama City offers as wide a range of bars and nightspots as you might expect in any other international city, but with that added Latin touch to make things that little bit more exotic. 

• Twenty-four hours gives you the opportunity to try local cuisine, visit one or two sites such as Miraflores Locks and still experience the local nightlife.
• Even with a longer layover, you will still need to be selective and not try to do everything.
• Allow time to get back to the airport and make your connection without getting stressed.

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Best airport layover ever - Panama Canal Tours

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• Panama Canal Tours

Best airport layover ever

Instead of sitting in Panama airport for 7 hours between flights recently, I contacted Tony about a customised tour to see the Mira Flores lock of the famous Panama Canal. Tony answered my initial email almost instantly, and from then on was always helpful. From the beginning at the airport, Tony was friendly and professional. The tour was perfect, and excellently timed. He was extremely knowledgeable and I learned much more than I expected. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Tony's Panama Tours to anyone thinking about it. Great value and lots of fun.

Seeing the locks up close and personal is very awe inspiring! We went through them on the cruise ship but its a whole different experience on a small boat!

We found the tour company "Your Man In Panama" on the internet and all arrangements and communication were done via e-mail. Rene, the owner, was considerate, polite, very helpful and was able to help us out during a 6 hour lay-over in Panama City. We were met at the airport by Robert, a native Panamanian, who just happened to have lived in Toronto for a few years. (We're Canadians.) Robert was great, he knows the city very well and is a wiz at Panamanian history. He took us through the older parts of the city and included appropriate and interesting narration for the various landmarks. We were also able to stop and see the Canal, a must-see while in Panama. As gracious as Robert was, he was also realistic about traffic and travel time and made sure we made it back to the airport on time. A fun day and a great guide!!

I allways wanted to visit the Panama canal , the greatest technologies of the 20 century , and I was not disappointed . Thinking that the french ,masters of canal constructions had to give up and the americans took over the finish the opera it said it all. While I was there I had the opportunity to visit Miraflores and its museum .Ranise Pietro

My family found Tony's name on the internet, and through the many positive reviews, we contacted him for our trip to Panama City. From the moment we cleared customs at the airport, he was waiting for us and took us to our hotel all while giving us highlight of what we would see the next day. At the time we asked for the next morning, he was waiting for us to tour the city and the canal. Knowledgeable, thorough, terrific English, Tony truly was a joy to introduce us to the culture of Panamá. We went to all the major spots, and Ike other reviewers noted, he called for the times when the ships would transit Mira Fores locks for a great Canal experience. Throw in a great authentic Panamanian lunch, and we knew we would not have wanted to tour the city any other way. We got a hold of Tony first by email, [email protected], with a quick response, then by phone, (507) 6090-1161. Highly, highly recommend Tony!!

My husband and I took the one-day tour through part of the Panama Canal, from the Pacific side, heading north through a series of locks. It was a fascinating was to see this incredible engineering masterpiece and understand its workings. We also saw the new canal that's being built alongside the current lanes to accommodate the larger ships sailing the oceans today. I never appreciated how immense a project building the canal was, or its enormous impact on shipping and trade in the past century until I saw it for myself and heard the expert commentary on this cruise. This was definitely worth the time and money! It was a wonderful experience. There were a couple of down sides to the tour, however. The tour operator made it very clear to us that we had to be at the dock, ready to board the ship, by 7 am. We, and several other tourists, got there early. However, no one from the tour company even showed up until about 7.30 am. Then there was a rush for boarding passes and by the time we boarded, there were no seats left on deck. So we had to stand for almost the entire cruise. We were served breakfast and lunch on board and the food was very average . The bar ran out of wine well before lunch was over. Once we finished the cruise, it took almost an hour for buses to arrive to take all the passengers back to Panama City. The organisation of the tour itself left a lot to be desired, but the time spent travelling through the locks and hearing the commentary was well worthwhile.

Call (507) 6617- 4122 in Panama or (512) 800-8099 (Free call from the U.S.)

• Panama Layover Tour

Do you have a layover at Tocumen Airport or Albrook Airport in Panama City, Panama?

Panama Layover Tours

Book your tour today contact: judy tovar easy travel panama [email protected] or call (507)6617-4122 in panama or call (512) 800-8099 in the u.s..

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Panama City Private Layover (Stopover) Tour

A long layover at the airport can be quite boring. Embark on this thrilling Panama City layover tour and uncover the captivating highlights of this bustling metropolis. Witness the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal, marvel at the modern skyline, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. From historic landmarks to contemporary attractions, experience the essence of Panama City in a short but unforgettable adventure.

Starting from $89/pers $99/pers

Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Private Tour

The Panama City & Canal Tour is the perfect introduction to Panama City and its Canal. Along this captivating journey through the heart of Panama City, you will see highlights such as the renowned Ancon Hill, must-see places such as Casco Viejo - the old town with its beautiful and colorful colonial architecture, the Amador Causeway with spectacular views of the skyline and ocean and much more!

Starting from $71/pers $119/pers

Most popular Eco-Tour

Monkey Island Private Eco Tour

This Monkey Island Panama Tour is an unforgettable adventure through the fauna and flora of Panama's luscious rainforest on a private boat will allow you to explore the fascinating biodiversity that resides within the Panama Canal. You may experience close encounters with its residents such as the capuchin and the Geoffroy's tamarin monkeys along with a variety of bird species, reptiles and much more.

Starting from $89/pers $119/pers

Embera Village & Waterfall Private Eco Tour

Delve into the vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty of the Embera Village on this immersive tour. From traditional dances and handicraft demonstrations to pirogue rides through lush rainforests, discover the rich traditions and stunning landscapes of the Emberá community in an unforgettable adventure on the Chagres River and National Park.

Starting from $89/pers $129/pers

Create your dream tour or multi-day itinerary in Panama

Tell us about your dream tour and we will make it happen.

Travelling on a smaller budget or alone? Discover our shared tour option.

We offer organized shared tours of Panama City including the Canal in semi-private format (small groups of max 12). Pickup from your hotel in Panama City is included.

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We specialize in organizing your stay in Panama by offering private & semi-private guided tours, custom day trips, multi-day excursions and personalized custom vacation packages throughout Panama.

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For centuries, Panama is a place of passage, we go there to somewhere else, a bridge between continents and the link between oceans. Lately, Panama is attracting more and more travelers of a different kind, tourist transfixed by its beauty and seduced by its quaint but not jaded charm.

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Panama City Layover Tour – What to See & Do When Passing Through

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel and an important passage that affects 6% of the world’s commerce. Seeing this historic lock system in person has long been a bucket list item for this transportation nerd. After a two-year delay thanks to the pandemic, I finally got to check it out on a Panama City layover tour. In the process, I discovered so much more than the waterway the country is famous for. From a storied past to shiny glass towers shooting 75 stories up, this is my Panama City layover tour experience along with why I think it’s worth seeing, nerd or not.

Table of Contents

See Panama City With a Local

I booked my Panama City layover tour with Toursbylocals , a company that connects travellers with experienced local guides passionate about their home country and backyards. I used Toursbylocals in Bavaria a few years back and had a great and memorable day out. This Panama City layover tour was no different and even started off with excellent customer service. Somewhere between Cancun and Panama City, I received an email indicating that my tour guide had fallen ill. By the time I landed, Toursbylocal already had another guide lined up and on his way to the airport. Well done!

How Long Do You Need for a Panama City Layover Tour?

For a Panama City layover tour, I recommend six hours minimum between flights. This will allow for customs, traffic, and checking back in at the end of the tour.

What Can You See on a Panama City Layover Tour?

On my Panama City layover tour, I had a full 12 hours. This was more than enough time to have breakfast then visit Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, and watch some a couple of ships pass through the Miraflores locks. I also stopped for a meal in the city before being dropped up with three hours to spare.

Panama Viejo (Old Panama)

After about 40 minutes to deplane and clear customs, I made my way to the airport exit. There I was met by Miguel, my Toursbylocal guide for the day. After welcoming me to his country, we were off.

Miguel laid out the plan for the day using a map of the city to illustrate both the geography and the tour through history we were about to make.

This started with a visit to Panama Viejo. Also known as “Old Panama,“ this area contains the remains of the original Panama City. It’s now a world heritage site that visitors can wander through…except when it’s closed on Mondays, the day of my visit. No worries though as Miguel gave me a great rundown of the history while viewing the ruins from the car.

Panama Viejo dates back to 1519 and was the first permanent settlement by Europeans in the Pacific. Established by the Spanish, it quickly became a jumping-off point for many expeditions in South America for gold and silver and prospered as such. This wealth, however, also caught the eye of pirates and privateers. The city was subject to several attacks with the last by Morgan Henry who left the town in ruins in 1671.

Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

After the destruction of Old Panama, the settlement moved several kilometres southwest to its present-day location. Casco Viejo, or the Old Quarter, is the heart of this resettlement and the most scenic area of the city. Miguel took me on a guided walk of the Quarter highlighting historical buildings in squares along the way. This included the French Plaza, Bolivar Plaza, the National Theater Presidential Plaza, Independence Plaza, Saint Joseph Church (Home of the Golden Altar), and the Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua. The latter was beautifully renovated for the Pope’s visit in 2019.

Casco Viejo is currently undergoing a transformation with plenty of restoration projects underway. There are a ton of trendy hotels, cafés, and restaurants to enjoy with plenty more on the way. Thanks to the area’s cobblestone roads and colourful buildings, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular place to visit and stay in Panama City.

Amador Causeway

After enjoying a nice view of the city from Casco Viejo, this Panama City layover tour continued along the Amador Causeway. During the construction of the Panama Canal, 300 million yards of rock and dirt were excavated with some of it creating the six-kilometre long causeway. This road connects four small Islands to the mainland. Originally built as a breakwater for the canal entrance, the islands were fortified during the Second World War. Today it is a popular local hang out with bike rentals and restaurants along the way. It’s also an excellent place to view the city and ships waiting to enter the canal.

Well enjoying the view, Miguel pointed out a bird that was diving into the water for fish. I let them know that it looked a lot like an Arctic Tern, a bird I would watch do the same thing growing up in northern Canada. I looked it up on my phone and sure enough, it was an Arctic Tern. It was a really cool thing to see some 5,500 km into its migration to or from the north.

Panama Canal

Now typically on a Panama City layover tour, visitors would head to the canals Miraflores Visitors Center. Since I was visiting on a Monday, this too wasn’t open.

Not to be defeated, Miguel has an app to track the current traffic through the locks. With that, we were able to align a drive along the canal while watching a massive tanker make its way through. After checking out the Panama Canal administration building, we crossed over the Centennial Bridge for an incredible birdseye view of the canal. From there you can really see the carved out mountains and terrace-like rock shelves cut along the way. This feat would be a hell of an accomplishment today. The fact that the canal was built in the early 1900s is mind-blowing. This, as Miguel explained, came at a cost.

An estimate of 25,000 people lost their lives during the construction, many to malaria and yellow fever. The bulk of these deaths came under the watch of the French, who in the 1880s, attempted to build the cancel. They were led by Ferdinand de Lesseps and were unprepared for the jungle climate. Ferdinand de Lesseps was the architect of the much larger Suez Canal and approached the Panama Canal with naivety. This ultimately lost him the project and the United States bought the rights in 1904.

From the bridge, we made our way to the entrance of the Miraflores locks to watch the ship tie off for its journey through. Interestingly, the old locks only have a little over a metre of space on either side for large ships. As such, electric locomotives guide the ships through. On the larger and newer locks, there is more space and this is not a requirement.

Downtown Panama City Towers and Shops

As we watched the ships go through the locks, Miguel let me know that millions of dollars in fees are collected per day from the ships passing through. Revenue hit 3.4 billion Panamanian Balboa (1:1 to USD) in 2020. Suddenly, the massive glass towers in Panama City started to make sense. Even more so since the country ended its original agreement with the United States and took full control of the locks on December 31, 1999.

The amount of money funnelling through has brought big banks, chain hotels, and designer brand stores. As such, downtown Panama City is unlike any other city in Central America.

Although interesting, there is nothing authentic to this. To get a little more culture before heading to the airport, I asked Miguel to take me to a local eatery for some Panamanian food. This included Pollo Al Ajillo (Panamanian Garlic Chicken), beans and rice, and Patacones (fried plantain chips). I also tried a salted deep-fried fish ball which was tasty.

After our meal, Miguel took me back to the airport concluding my excellent Panama City layover tour. As mentioned, 12 hours was more than enough time to take in the city and its surrounding sights. Although I highly recommend visiting on any day except Monday so you can get to the Miraflores Visitors Centre and tour Panama Viejo, Miguel was able to fill the gap with his local knowledge and love for his hometown. This really highlights the value of visiting somewhere with a local. It can make all the difference and is a curated and cultured way to visit somewhere new. Companies like ToursbyLocals do a great job of doing just that!

For the full Panama City tour itinerary along with how you can book this tour for yourself, check out the ToursbyLocals website!

What are your thoughts on this  Panama City Layover Tour ? Let’s hear it!

For more reviews from Central America  and beyond see HERE .

— ToursbyLocals on Facebook — — ToursbyLocals on Twitter   —

Although I was provided with a complimentary tour of Panama by  ToursbyLocals , the experience, opinions, and friendly experience are my own.

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My Safari Big 4 out of 5

PRIVATE LAYOVER PANAMA CANAL & CITY TOUR

PICK-UP LOCATION:   

We can pick you up from any location, like Tocumen International Airport PTY ,  Marcos A. Gelaber Albrook Airport PAC, City Hotel, or Dreams Playa Bonita

Our guide will collect you at the airport 45 minutes after your plane lands.

We will head to the Panama Canal Visitors’ Center at Miraflores Locks, where ships can be seen transiting the waterway (depending on the Canal schedule). Please bring US cash or a credit card to pay your entrance fee, which is USD 17.22 per adult and USD 7.22 per child (6–12 years old).

We will drive around the famous Cerro Ancon inside the former U.S. Canal Zone and out to the islands along the Amador Causeway for the best view of Panama’s skyline, with a stop at the colorful PANAMA sign and newly built Biomuseo biodiversity museum designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Then, we will stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo. Tracing its history to 1673 and filled with splendid colonial architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is today one of Panama City’s liveliest districts. There are local and indigenous arts and crafts at Casco Antiguo.

We will drive around Cinta Costera, the Fish Market, and Modern City.

This tour is 5 to 6 hours, and we wil l have you back safely and on time.

IMPORTANT:  At the Miraflores Visitor Center there is a major renovation going on so the line to buy the ticket may last 15 minutes or more. There is an Imax 3D movie that is also included in the Canal tickets you buy. 

You can bring your luggage or carry-on.

WHAT TO BRING:   Hat, Cap, Sunglasse s, Comfortable shoes, Light & and comfortable clothes, Cash (USD) for meals and souvenirs.

LE VEL OF DIFFICULTY:  Easy, some stairs. Most travelers can participate.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: A/C Transportation, Bilingual guide, Sales taxes, toll roads.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch, Gratuities, Panama Canal visitor Center entrance fee USD 17.22 USD & kids USD 7.22

HOW TO BOOK: It is easy and safe.   We have a partnership with WeTravel.com .  Just click on "Book Now" button, select the amount of people and date, then input your credit card information and confirm.  We use SSL encryption to keep your data secure.

Price from Tocumen Airport  PTY or Albrook PAC

Tour 5-6 hours

1 Solo Traveler pay $119 

2  people pay a total of $79 per person

3 to 10 people pay a total of $65 per person

____________________________________________

Please check out our rates for bigger groups by clicking "Book Now Button".

*** Please keep in mind that Canal entrance fees are not included and it is $17.22 per adult and $7.22 per kid.  They accept Visa, Mastercard,  or USD Cash ***

IMPORTANT INFORMATION IF YOU ARE IN A LAYOVER ONLY

- A passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of entry.

- If you come from a Cruise Ship, just bring any ID only.

- A return ticket to the home country or onward destination.

- Sometimes immigration officers ask for economic solvency which means that you should have $500 in cash or its equivalent, credit card, or bank statement. It is to show them not to turn it over.

- For more information about requirements for other nationalities, visit this link:  https://www.tourismpanama.com/plan-your-vacation/advisories /

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours* before the experience's start time.

If you cancel less than 24 hours* before the experience's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Changes can only be made with 24 hours' notic e.

For urgent matters call us +507 6253 - 8109

I flew economy on Copa, Panama's flagship airline. My only regret was not booking it for a long-haul flight home.

• Copa Airlines is Panama's flag carrier.
• The airline offers flights across the country and to more than 30 destinations.
• I took a domestic flight with Copa and regretted not booking it for my longer, round-trip flight home.

Once you arrive in Panama, the experiences are endless.

In Panama City, visitors can explore historic neighborhoods, try new cuisines, tour the impressive Panama Canal, and dance nights away on rooftop bars.

Outside the country's capital, tourists can head to destinations like Boquete for coffee farm tours and lush rainforest hikes.

It's a country sandwiched by oceans, so pristine beaches and ritzy resorts dot the coastline.

When it came to booking my nine-day trip in April, squeezing in as many experiences as possible was key. And to cover the most ground, I decided to hop on a flight from Panama City to David.

This also meant traveling on an airline I'd never experienced before. Copa Airlines , a member of the Star Alliance, offers both domestic and international flights with headquarters in Panama. Founded in 1947, the airline now services more than 30 destinations .

About a month before heading to Panama, I booked my round-trip Copa Airlines flight between Panama City and David.

The Enrique Malek International Airport in David offered easy access to rainforests in Boquete and beaches on the Pacific Coast.

The airline flies between the destinations every morning and afternoon, with flights leaving Panama City at 7:52 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

I chose the morning flight. Copa has only two cabins: economy and business. However, travelers can book different fare types, which include perks like checked bags, refunds, and seat selection.

I picked the cheapest ticket, basic economy, which cost $167 for the round-trip. I headed to the airport early on my third day in Panama.

Since I didn't have a bag to check, I breezed through security.

My basic economy ticket included a standard carry-on bag, and a checked suitcase would have cost $40. However, other ticket tiers include at least one free checked bag.

I arrived at my gate about an hour before boarding. The flight was on time, and like most airlines, Copa uses boarding group numbers to welcome passengers on board.

After hearing my group number, I hopped on a bus that brought passengers to the aircraft's ramp.

The airline has a few aircraft in its fleet, but I was on a Boeing 737-800 for my domestic flights.

After walking the ramp, I boarded the plane.

I walked past the business-class seats and into the economy cabin.

Then, I snuggled into my window seat.

The seats were an upgrade from the budget airlines I typically fly. They were slightly cushioned with a flexible headrest.

But there weren't many amenities beyond that. I didn't spot an outlet or USB plug, the seats only slightly reclined, and the legroom felt standard.

The seats also didn't have individual screens. Before takeoff, small TVs came down and played a safety video.

Flight attendants came by about halfway through the ride with complimentary snacks and beverages.

Tortilla chips were the only free snack offered to economy passengers. For drinks, I picked from the typical slew of juices, sodas, teas, and coffee.

And in just over an hour, the flight was landing in David.

The experience was seamless, and as I spoke to Panamanians, they all raved about their beloved airline.

I later learned that the airline has continuously won awards for being the best airline in Central America and the Caribbean, and it's also known for its punctuality.

Source: Copa Airlines

But the biggest reason I'd book Copa Airlines again is for its nonstop route between Panama City and my home city of Denver.

My flight home could've been just 6.5 hours, instead of the 9.5-hour journey I booked.

If I could avoid a lengthy layover for future trips to and from Panama, I'd book the carrier again in a heartbeat.

• Main content

6 Things to do on a layover at Panama City Airport

Many regional and longer-haul flights fly through the modern Panama City Airport, leaving many travellers with layovers. Long layovers can be annoying, frustrating, or just downright boring, but you can avoid all that with these six things to do on your layover at Panama City Airport:

1. Get something to eat

2. Visit the lounge

3. Shop til you drop

4. Go sightseeing

Public bus routes provide frequent, cheap connections to downtown, but will take about 50 minutes to reach the city center. Cut that time in half by opting for a licensed taxi waiting outside the airport. Travellers have reported a luggage storage area where you can pay per day.

Once in Panama City, head directly to Casco Viejo , the historic heart of the city. Stroll winding alleys, view well-preserved churches and architecture, pop into souvenir and art shops, and explore numerous restaurants, bars, and rooftop lounges. Contrast this area with the ultra-modern, newly built skyscrapers and international shops along Avenida Balboa , which follows Panama Bay .

If you’d rather see the Panama Canal , your best bet is to join a tour. There are many operators to choose from, and some even pick up at the airport. These can be as short as 3 hours, so you may be able to squeeze one in on slightly shorter layovers but do plan ahead. Tours often stop at the Gatun Lake outdoors area, too.

Whether you spend your layover in the city or exploring nearby nature, leave plenty of time to make that next flight!

WiFi is free for 30 minutes (as per a reader in 2019) per device. After that, you’ll have to pay for a 24-hour WiFi session.

These are just a few things to do on a layover at Panama City Airport. Visit our Panama City Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.

• Panama City Tocumen Airport Guide
• Panama City Tocumen Airport Lounges
• Panama City Tocumen Airport Reviews
• Panama City Tocumen Airport Sleep Guide
• Things to do at Panama City Tocumen Airport
• Panama City Tocumen Airport Layover Sightseeing
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