Travelling from Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to Panama City: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City and you'll be in the air for an average of 5 hours.
Viru Viru International Airport is located in Santa Cruz. Based in the UTC-5 timezone, Panama City is one hour behind Santa Cruz.
With nine weekly flights between the two airports, Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most popular route. Catch Copa Airlines's 00:51 flight to get your trip from VVI to PTY underway.
Allow plenty of time to catch your VVI to Panama City flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City ticket. Start your trip at VVI and land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Book your favourite seat with Copa Airlines. This airline offers direct flights from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City.
Central Santa Cruz to VVI is around 177 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 30 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Catching an early flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to VVI:
When it comes to Viru Viru International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 62.94% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to Panama City
The best price we've found for a one-way Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City flight is R 5,248. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 9,130. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from VVI to Panama City, book your trip three months ahead of your departure date.
The best month for scoring cheap Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City tickets is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
You don't need to keep checking in to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from VVI to Panama City.
Find an affordable flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to the centre of Panama City takes around 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 21 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to PTY if you're coming in on a late flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
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 experience the lesser-explored corners of Panama City and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, book your ride from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks in advance of your flight from VVI to Panama City.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is roughly 2 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. After your flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City, it'll take you around 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 25 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to PAC. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your VVI to Panama City flight:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is around 16 kilometres from central Panama City. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city centre by car after your flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your trip by choosing a hotel near BLB after your VVI to Panama City flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just give yourself time to find your footing in a new place at:
Be in control of the next leg of your trip with a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty will get you on the road.
If you're looking for a specific model or make, lock in your ride from BLB around one week before your flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City. This gives you a better shot at getting your preferred car, along with a better deal.
Best time to go to Panama City
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City. The city buzzes during high season, but rates are generally higher and top attractions can be busy. Go to Panama City in the low season if you like a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Lock in your Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from VVI to Panama City in February when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).
More about Panama City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Panama City right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Viru Viru International Airport to Panama City:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Casco Viejo, Panama Canal Museum and Cinta Costera are major attractions which should feature on any good Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
David is just one of the many cities in Panama waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Panama City. Around 322 kilometres away to the west, top sights here include Parque Cervantes, Altos del Rio Park and Coquito Hills Park.
Around 193 kilometres south-west of Panama City, Santiago de Veraguas is another favourite stop in Panama. Experience major highlights starting with Santiago the Apostle Cathedral, Santiago de Veraguas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and La Placita San Juan De Dios.
