Capital city, Panama
Getting around Panama City
How to get around Panama City
The Metro (lines 1 and 2) is cheap and air-conditioned but covers limited areas. Uber is the easiest for most trips; taxis work with fare haggling.
Ways to get around Panama City
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 1 and Line 2) | $0.35–0.50 per ride | Buy a rechargeable card at stations; line 2 reaches Tocumen airport area |
| Uber / DiDi | $4–8 for 5 km | Cheapest in traffic; pickup points can be tricky at malls |
| Metrobus | $0.25–1 | Card required; routes are confusing for visitors |
| Taxi | $3–10 for short trips | No meters; agree on the price before riding |
Ride-hailing apps in Panama City
A 5 km ride costs about $4–8 ($4–8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most reliable and widely used by visitors |
| DiDi | Often cheaper; availability varies |
| inDrive | Bargain your fare; fewer drivers |
- Taxis don't use meters; agree a fare first or use Uber. Tourist-area taxis quote high prices.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International (PTY)
Taxi about $30–35 to the center (25–40 min); Uber about $20–30. Metro Line 2 reaches near the airport, but not the terminal.
Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC)
Domestic flights to Bocas, David and San Blas; Uber or taxi about $5–10 from the center.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for 90 days; carry your passport with the entry stamp. Paper licences aren't accepted.
- Onward travel in Panama: Buses leave Albrook terminal for David, Boquete and Almirante (boats to Bocas); Air Panama flies to Bocas and David. San Blas trips go by 4x4 plus boat with tour operators.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Panama City?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around Panama City?
The Metro (lines 1 and 2) is cheap and air-conditioned but covers limited areas. Uber is the easiest for most trips; taxis work with fare haggling.
How do I get from the airport to Panama City?
Taxi about $30–35 to the center (25–40 min); Uber about $20–30. Metro Line 2 reaches near the airport, but not the terminal.
Is Panama City walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Panama City
Going to Panama City solo?
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Sources
- Air Panama (domestic flights)
- Metro de Panamá
- Metro de Panamá
- Tocumen International Airport
- Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.