Travelling from Sao Paulo to Panama City: what you need to know
Sao Paulo is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City flying out of Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) or Viracopos Airport (VCP).
When working out where to arrive in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the primary gateways.
Around 7 hours is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Sao Paulo to Panama City flight.
Panama City is two hours behind Sao Paulo and follows the UTC-5 timezone.
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 35 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 11:20. Go for the first GRU to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 01:25 to fit in more activities on your first day in Panama City.
To ensure you make your Sao Paulo to Panama City flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City
Score cheap Sao Paulo to Panama City flights by booking six months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
September is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Sao Paulo to Panama City. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Sao Paulo to Panama City flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
You can book a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City taking off from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Start your journey at GRU and land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Sao Paulo to Panama City plane tickets leaving from GRU.
We make it easy to find a Sao Paulo to Panama City flight with a stopover. To see the options departing from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)
Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE)
Located around 21 kilometres from the centre of Sao Paulo, GRU can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of all flights departing from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, 75.54% land on time at their destination.
Viracopos Airport (VCP)
You can reach VCP from central Sao Paulo in about 1 hour 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride by public transport takes roughly 3 hours 25 minutes to cover the 80 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City? Unwind in a hotel near Viracopos Airport before your adventure officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Viracopos Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 75%.
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 around 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Sao Paulo 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 snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near PTY:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and explore beyond Panama City's usual tourist stops.
Reserving your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The centre of Panama City is approximately 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). After your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 5 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take around 25 minutes.
After your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City, kick back at a hotel near BLB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Thrifty, Avis and Alamo make picking up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Score the best price by securing your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Step off your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City and head directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Panama City is around 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to drive there.
Whether you're searching for a compact for solo travel or an SUV to transport your group, you'll find the ideal Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for you. Explore wheels available from names such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
About one week ahead of your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City is a good time to book your ride from BLB. You're more likely to land a better deal or catch some early booking discounts.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City, while June is the busiest. Figure out the best time to visit Panama City based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Sao Paulo to Panama City ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
February has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Search for cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey 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 discovered after you've experienced 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.
Around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City, Juan Díaz is another essential stop in Panama. Start your sightseeing at Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.