Travelling from Los Angeles to Panama City: what you need to know
Los Angeles has a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to Panama City flying out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Hop off your plane in Panama City at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Balboa Airport (BLB).
The average length of a direct Los Angeles to Panama City flight is 6 hours 25 minutes.
Panama City is three hours ahead of Los Angeles and follows the UTC-5 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Los Angeles to Panama City is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY). You can choose from 21 services every week between these two airports. If you want to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from LAX to PTY is the 00:44 Copa Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last available departure is at 22:18 with Copa Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Los Angeles to Panama City flight.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Panama City
Book five months before your departure date. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Los Angeles to Panama City flights.
Plan your trip for October. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Los Angeles to Panama City. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Panama City by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Los Angeles to Panama City flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Panama City. From LAX, you can land directly at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Los Angeles to Panama City plane tickets from LAX.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Los Angeles to Panama City flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Los Angeles International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Cancun Airport (CUN)
Guadalajara Airport (GDL)
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 1 hour on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Los Angeles to Panama City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Los Angeles International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 80% of flights that take off from LAX reach their destination on time.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Arriving in Panama City
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The distance from Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City is approximately 18 kilometres. It'll take you about 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there on public transport.
Reserve a hotel near PTY if you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles to Panama City. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Grab a Panama City Tocumen International Airport rental car and explore Panama City and beyond with your own set of wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are leading providers to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Panama City Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Los Angeles to Panama City flight.
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC)
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC) is about 5 kilometres from central Panama City. Check out your options for getting into town after your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City has landed.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near PAC. Unwind after your Los Angeles to Panama City flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Panama City Paitilla Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and be off and running.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Booking your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Balboa Airport (BLB)
Step off your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City and travel to your hotel or start sightseeing right away. The centre of Panama City is around 5 kilometres from Balboa Airport (BLB) and typically takes 10 minutes to drive there.
Public transport can take you there in around 20 minutes.
Begin your journey without worrying about how to get to your next stop with a Balboa Airport rental car. You can book with reliable companies here like Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
Enjoy a payoff when you plan ahead. Book your vehicle from BLB one week before your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Panama City
March is the quietest month for flights from Los Angeles to Panama City, while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Panama City based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Los Angeles to Panama City tickets, consider the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Look for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Panama City around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Panama City
After booking your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Panama City:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. San Felipe, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient and Independence Square are top sights which should be on any good Panama City itinerary.