Tocumen International Airport (PTY  ^IATA) is the main airport of Panama. It is also the busiest airport in Central America seeing flights from Europe, North America and throughout the region.

Map of Tocumen International Airport

The airport has two terminals, connected by a free shuttle bus. Terminal 1 was inaugurated in the 1970s, while Terminal 2 opened in April 2019. The airport began operations in the 1940s, shortly after World War II. It is located in the San Miguelito District, 32 km northeast of Panama City. Although it has been incorporated as a separate city, in practice it functions as part of the capital’s metropolitan area. Originally, Tocumen operated as a U.S. airbase during the 1940s.

The airport is a hub for Copa Airlines, and is also served by American Airlines (Dallas/Ft.Worth, Miami Airport); Delta Air Lines (Atlanta Airport); United Airlines (Houston Intercontinental, Newark Liberty Airport); Avianca (Bogotá, Colombia, San José (Costa Rica), San Salvador and Managua). Most major Central American airlines, and several South American airlines and European airlines also fly here.

Tocumen is the biggest and best connected airport in mainland Central America.

• There are at least six daily flights to and from Miami Airport, two from Orlando and Atlanta, 5 weekly flights from Tampa, three daily flights from Houston, 1 from Los Angeles, two from Newark, and 1 from New York JFK.
• There are daily flights to Mexico City; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Caracas, Venezuela; Santiago, Chile; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Asunción, Paraguay; Havana, Cuba; Kingston, Jamaica, at least 7 Colombian cities (Medellín, Cali, Pereira and Bogotá included) and several international destinations.
• There's also service to Madrid Barajas Airport with Iberia and service to Amsterdam Schiphol with KLM.
• Air China operates a special twice-weekly flight to Beijing via Houston-Intercontinental on which, due to fifth freedom rules, the Houston-Panama City flight can be booked. This flight can be a great deal cheaper than other flights on this route, although the competition has caught on with its pricing. Nevertheless, a ride in a widebody with seatback screens and free meals can be much better than the narrowbody jets normally used.
• Note that Copa operates out of both terminals. When flying to David you use terminal 1, via a separate smaller building and check-in counter area, which is at the far end of the main terminal.
• Pay attention to the signs before going to immigration - there's a sign in Spanish telling Copa passengers to go to baggage claim in terminal 2 (even if your flight arrived in terminal 1). The immigration officer will hopefully see your lack of luggage and redirect you to the right place.
• When flying in, consider sitting on the left side window seat if you can. For most approaches from the west you'll get a good view of the canal and the city.

There is a free shuttle bus between terminal 1 and terminal 2.

Bus

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The terminal is connected to the MiBus urban bus system, which provides access to various parts of the city at an affordable cost. To use this service, a Metrobus or RapiPass card is required; both are rechargeable. The bus stop is located in front of Terminals 1 and 2.

Fares and Payment Methods:

• Rechargeable card cost: $2.00 balboas (USD)
• Regular fare: $0.25 balboas (USD)
• Express fare: $1.25 balboas (USD)

Train

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The airport is connected to Line 2 of the Panama Metro, which can be accessed directly from Terminal 2. This line goes to San Miguelito Station, where passengers can transfer to Line 1, offering direct access to downtown Panama City and other key areas of the capital.

Fares and Payment Methods:

• Rechargeable card cost: $2.00 balboas (USD)
• Credit and debit cards are also accepted.
• Line 2 fare: $0.50 balboas (USD)
• Line 1 fare: $0.35 balboas (USD)

Taxi or Private Vehicle

From the airport, travelers can take a taxi or request a ride through transportation apps such as Uber or InDrive, which typically offer more competitive rates. Taxi fares vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions, but generally cost around $30 balboas (USD). If the ride is shared with two or more passengers, the cost can be reduced to $10 to $20 per person.

Car rental services are also available at the airport, ideal for those seeking greater flexibility during their stay.

The airport is compact enough to walk through. The terminals are connected by a 170-meter pedestrian corridor, or you can use the free external shuttle bus.

Over 40 stores would be pleased to help you indulge your shopping pleasure, including fashion, jewelry, gift, perfume, liquor, tobacco, and electronic shops.

The airport offers free, basic Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. Other paid plans are also available starting at $3 for an extra 30 minutes. Be aware, if you plan to use Uber/Cabify, wait until you are curbside to activate your free 30-minutes of WiFi or else you'll be forced to pay for the connection (You could work around this by using a different device).

• 9.06983-79.393981 Crowne Plaza Panama Airport, Ave. Domingo Diaz, Tocumen (1.9 km from the airport), toll-free: +1-877-424-4188. Gym, outdoor pool, Jetstream Restaurant. From $110. (updated May 2018)
• 9.07068-79.40232 Riande Aeropuerto, Via Tocumen, entrance to the Corredor Sur Panama (2.6 km from the airport), ☏ +507 291 9000, [email protected]. Free shuttle to and from the airport every 30 minutes 24 hours a day. 4 restaurants and lounge bar, transfer to shopping centers, gym & health club. From $92. (updated May 2018)

• Panama City