Travelling from San Juan to Panama City: what you need to know
Planning your holiday starts with figuring out where you'll leave from in San Juan. Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is the city's main base, so check out your options for booking a flight from San Juan to Panama City jetting off from here.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's primary gateways.
The average duration of a direct San Juan to Panama City flight is 3 hours.
Panama City is one hour behind San Juan and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 15 flights a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from San Juan to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 17:48. Go for the first SJU to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 06:00 to make the most of your arrival in Panama City.
To ensure you don't miss your San Juan to Panama City flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Juan to Panama City
At the moment, R 2,173 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Juan to Panama City. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 5,281. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book one month before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap San Juan to Panama City flights.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from San Juan to Panama City is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
You don't need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal comes up on cheap flights from San Juan to Panama City.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' San Juan to Panama City flights.
Flying from San Juan
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Set off from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) on a nonstop flight from San Juan to Panama City. From SJU, you can travel directly to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Secure your San Juan to Panama City plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from SJU.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper San Juan to Panama City flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular airports:
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Located around 6 kilometres from central San Juan, SJU can be reached in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 55 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near Luis Munoz Marin International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from San Juan to Panama City, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, 73.65% arrive on time at their destination.
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 roughly 20 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Juan to Panama City. Book one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
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 main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
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 San Juan to Panama City has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in around 25 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to BLB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from San Juan to Panama City:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at PAC can get you a lower rate.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Step off your flight from San Juan to Panama City and go directly to your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Panama City is around 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and typically takes 20 minutes to reach driving.
Whether you're looking for a compact for solo travel or a full-size SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the ideal Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the types of wheels available here from providers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're searching for a specific type of vehicle, book your ride from BLB about one week before your flight from San Juan to Panama City. This improves your chances of getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from San Juan to Panama City, while June is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Panama City based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your San Juan to Panama City tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Search for cheap flights from San Juan to Panama City in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF) on average.
More about Panama City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Panama City right here. Explore these options once you've locked in your flight from San Juan to Panama City:
Panama Canal Museum and Casco Viejo are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Panama City itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
You've visited Panama City, now it's time to discover other parts of Panama. Travel around 6 kilometres north to San Miguelito to check off its leading attractions. From Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo to IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City, Juan Díaz is another favourite stop in Panama. Experience major highlights starting with Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.
