When first using public transport in Panama, there might be some surprises waiting for you. It works quite a bit different here from what you might be used to at home. However, with this guide you will have no trouble getting around.
First of all, public transport in Panama mainly relies on buses and taxis. There is just one train line, which goes from Panama City to Colón, which is supposed to be pretty cool as it’s going along the Panama Canal. However, Colón has the reputation of being rather unsafe and tourists are advised not to go there.
Transportation Around the Country
Chances are that when you come to Panama, you’ll first find yourself at Tocumen, the international airport in Panama City. From there you’ll need to take a taxi or Uber to the city center.
Taxis in Panama are usually yellow, but especially at the airport drivers will approach you, so you won’t have any trouble finding them. Taxis do not have meters in Panama. There are set prices in theory, but drivers don’t really stick to them and especially, if they recognize you as a tourist they will try to charge you more.
For a ride from the airport to the city center you should expect to pay around 25-30$ and to get around in the city center no more than 3$. It’s good if you ask beforehand about the price and you can also try to negotiate, if you think they are ripping you off.
Another difference about taxi rides in Panama is that you usually do not reserve a taxi beforehand, but you just hail them on the street. And be prepared that they might take multiple passengers in one ride.
A viable alternative to taxis in Panama City without the risk of getting ripped-off is Uber. It works pretty much the same as anywhere else and costs a little less than the taxis. Personally, I used Uber a lot in Panama City and highly recommend it. The cars were always clean and the drivers friendly, but not intrusive.
The cheaper way to get around in the city is by Metro and Metrobus. In order to use them you need to obtain and top up a metro card, which you can do at the metro stations and the Albrook bus terminal. The card will cost you two dollars and a ride is between $0.25-$1.25. So far there is only one metro line in Panama City, which goes from Albrook to San Isidro. The bus system is quite extensive though and will get you to most places.
Transportation Around the Country
Speaking of Albrook, that is the main point where most of the transportation to get you outside of Panama City and to the rest of the country will start.
By Plane
Marcos A. Gelabert is the main hub for domestic flights around Panama and is located right next to Albrook mall. You can find flights there to David and Bocas del Toro. As Panama is very small, flights within the country usually take less than an hour, but for environmental reasons I wouldn’t recommend to take a plane to travel inside the country. There are cheaper and more sustainable options out there.
By Bus
The most important means of transportation throughout the country is definitely the bus. From the Gran Terminal Nacional in Albrook buses leave in all directions.
For longer distances like from Panama City to David you have very big luxurious buses with air condition, comfortable chairs, and entertainment. For shorter routes you will get familiar with the so called ‘chicken busses’. They are quite small, but you’ll be surprised how many people they cramp inside.
In Panama it’s not possible to book a bus ride in advance and for the smaller buses there are also no reliable timetables. You just show up at the station and pay the driver in cash. If you want to get on the bus at another place than the official stations that is possible. You just wave or stick out your thumb as a bus passes by and if they are not full, they will give you a ride.
Private Shuttles
A popular alternative to the buses in Panama are private shuttles. If you want to be more flexible and are with a bigger group, they are a great option. If the price is shared between many people, it’s not even much more expensive than the bus.
You can book a shuttle service via hellotravelpanama.com or caribeshuttle.com, for instance.
I hope now you feel ready for your travels through Panama. Some things might seem unusual to you at first, but you’ll soon get used to them and start to appreciate them.