Travelling from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 14 hours is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is eight hours ahead of Panama City, where Tocumen International Airport is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
With ten weekly flights between the two airports, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Catch Turkish Airlines's 18:55 flight to get your journey from PTY to IST underway.
Give yourself enough time to catch your PTY to Istanbul flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
You can book a direct Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your trip at PTY and arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Keep your eyes peeled for offers from Turkish Airlines. This airline has direct flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from PTY to Istanbul with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Located around 18 kilometres from the centre of Panama City, PTY can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to PTY? If you're catching an early flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Tocumen International Airport has a strong on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from PTY land at their destination as scheduled 86.03% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul
R 10,108 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start from R 16,847. These prices may change based on demand.
Lock in cheap flights from PTY to Istanbul by booking three months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul tickets is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from PTY to Istanbul.
Find an affordable flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you have a late flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Go where the road takes you with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and chase adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your flight from PTY to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your PTY to Istanbul flight, unwind at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and make a speedy getaway.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during peak season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Before booking a Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from PTY to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its top sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.