Travelling from Istanbul to Panama City: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Istanbul to Panama City. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's major entry points.
Take a direct Istanbul to Panama City flight and you'll be flying for an average of 14 hours.
The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5, which is eight hours behind Istanbul.
With three weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Istanbul to Panama City with Turkish Airlines at 13:50. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from IST to PTY is with Turkish Airlines at 14:10.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Istanbul to Panama City flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Panama City
To score cheap Istanbul to Panama City flights, reserve your trip three months before your departure.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Panama City. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Istanbul to Panama City.
Find an affordable Istanbul to Panama City flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can catch a direct flight from Istanbul to Panama City jetting off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Begin your journey at IST and arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Look out for promotions with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Panama City plane tickets out of IST.
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Istanbul to Panama City flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a convenient hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Panama City, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your Istanbul to Panama City flight with a stop at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). A major stopover between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Panama City, it's the perfect opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an additional night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Panama City:
77% of flights taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul to Panama City. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Grab a Tocumen International Airport rental car and explore Panama City and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are leading providers to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks in advance boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The centre of Panama City is located around 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Once your flight from Istanbul to Panama City has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 25 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to BLB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Istanbul to Panama City:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and be off and running.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at PAC can get you a lower rate.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Hop off your flight from Istanbul to Panama City and go straight to your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Panama City is around 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach driving.
Whether you want a compact for a solo escape or a roomy SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the right Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the range of wheels available from suppliers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from BLB around one week ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Panama City. This gives you a better shot at getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Panama City, while June is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to go to Panama City based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in an Istanbul to Panama City ticket departing in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Panama City to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Panama City in February if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF) on average.
More about Panama City
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Panama City, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Panama City:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are must-do's during your Panama City adventure.
Explore more of Panama
You've done Panama City, now it's time to discover more of Panama. Travel around 6 kilometres north to San Miguelito to tick off its popular sights. From Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo to IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in Panama, head for Juan Díaz, roughly 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City. Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur are among the biggest draws.
