Flying from New York to Panama City: what you need to know
Planning your flight from New York to Panama City begins with finding the right airport to start your holiday. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are the main departure points in New York.
When it comes to landing in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the major entry points.
The average duration of a direct New York to Panama City flight is 5 hours 25 minutes.
Panama City's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Panama City one hour behind New York.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 23 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from New York to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 15:44. Go for the first JFK to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 01:09 to make the most of your first day in Panama City.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your New York to Panama City flight.
If you're travelling during a peak month like July, head to the airport even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Check-in and security lines will be longer during peak periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Panama City
Get cheap New York to Panama City flights by booking three months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
June is the best month for landing an awesome deal on a plane ticket from New York to Panama City. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from New York to Panama City.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your New York to Panama City flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
You can catch a direct flight from New York to Panama City departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Start your journey at JFK and touch down at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Reserve your New York to Panama City plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from JFK.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for New York to Panama City flights departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
Travelling from central New York to JFK takes around 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near John F. Kennedy International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from New York to Panama City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
74.1% of flights that depart John F. Kennedy International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
JFK is located at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Prefer to jet off from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? This popular hub offers nonstop flights from New York to Panama City, seamlessly connecting to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
From EWR, you can lock in a direct New York to Panama City plane ticket with United Airlines.
Split up your New York to Panama City flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick a new place off your list. Some top stopovers between Newark Liberty International Airport and Panama City include:
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
EWR is around 14 kilometres from central New York. It'll take you 30 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from New York to Panama City, take it easy in one of these hotels near Newark Liberty International Airport:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Newark Liberty International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 73.3%.
EWR is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
You can book a ticket from New York to Panama City with a stop or two departing from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Here are some of the most popular stopovers between LGA and Panama City:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The journey time to LGA from central New York is around 1 hour on public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you about 25 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
Take the 'what ifs' out of departure day — stay near LaGuardia Airport and know you'll be at your boarding gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early New York to Panama City flight:
LGA has an on-time performance rate of 80.0%. This means the majority of its flights reach their destination on schedule and your plans stay right on track.
LaGuardia Airport is located at Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 18 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 20 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from New York to Panama City, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near PTY:
Get on the fast track to 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.
To get the best deal, book your ride from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead of your New York to Panama City flight.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is about 2 kilometres from central Panama City. Once you've hopped off your flight from New York to Panama City, it'll take you approximately 5 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 25 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near BLB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from New York to Panama City:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and get going in the blink of an eye.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Step off your flight from New York to Panama City and head directly 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 zippy mini for a solo escape or an SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the perfect Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available here from names such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
Around one week ahead of your flight from New York to Panama City is the ideal time to book your ride from BLB. You're more likely to lock in a better rate or get access to early bird discounts.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from New York to Panama City, while June is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to Panama City based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your New York to Panama City tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from New York to Panama City in February when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).
More about Panama City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Panama City right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from New York to Panama City:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are essential stops on your Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
San Miguelito is just one of the many places in Panama waiting to be explored after you've seen Panama City. Around 6 kilometres to the north, its top attractions include Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo, IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel.
Juan Díaz is another standout destination in Panama and is around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City. No journey is complete without experiencing Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.
