Flying from Medellin to Panama City: what you need to know
Planning your trip begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Medellin. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) is the city's main base, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Medellin to Panama City departing from here.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's major entry points.
The average duration of a direct Medellin to Panama City flight is 1 hour 25 minutes.
Medellin and Panama City follow the same timezone, UTC-5.
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 72 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Medellin to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 18:21. Opt for the first MDE to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 05:02 to maximise your time in Panama City.
To ensure you make your Medellin to Panama City flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Medellin to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Medellin to Panama City is R 2,005. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 3,063. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Score cheap Medellin to Panama City flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for landing great bargains on plane tickets from Medellin to Panama City. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Medellin to Panama City by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Medellin to Panama City flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Medellin
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
Jet off from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) and fly straight through to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB). If you're looking for a direct flight from Medellin to Panama City out of MDE, those are your final stops.
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Medellin to Panama City plane tickets out of MDE. Get on board with any of these:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Medellin to Panama City flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Alfonso B. Aragon Airport (CLO)
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)
MDE is about 18 kilometres from central Medellin. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Jose Maria Cordova International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Medellin to Panama City, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport's on-time performance, 69.76% of flights complete their journey on time.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The distance from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City is approximately 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Medellin to Panama City. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and experience the lesser-explored corners of Panama City and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Once your flight from Medellin to Panama City has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in around 5 minutes by car. Central Panama City is approximately 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC).
The trip will take approximately 25 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places to lay your head close to BLB. Settle in and get cosy after your Medellin to Panama City flight at one of these well-located options:
Thrifty, Avis and Alamo make picking up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car simple. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from PAC three weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is roughly 11 kilometres from central Panama City. It'll take you about 20 minutes to get to the city centre in a car after your flight from Medellin to Panama City.
Take control of the next chapter of your journey by picking up a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty are dependable companies for booking.
Get a payoff by planning ahead. Book your vehicle from BLB one week before your flight from Medellin to Panama City for the best rates.
Best time to go to Panama City
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Medellin to Panama City. June is the busiest month to visit Panama City. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Lock in your Medellin to Panama City ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Medellin to Panama City in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF) on average.
More about Panama City
Once you've booked your flight from Medellin 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:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are essential stops on your Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
You've done Panama City, now it's time to explore other corners of Panama. Travel around 6 kilometres north to San Miguelito to tick off its leading sights. From Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo to IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Panama, head for Juan Díaz, about 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City. Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur are key highlights.