Uber, taxis, buses, domestic flights, car rental, or boats — we explain all transport options with prices and practical tips.
In the City
Uber: Best option in Panama City. Affordable ($3-8 most rides), safe, and comfortable. Works well 24/7. Taxis: Yellow, no meters — negotiate price before getting in. City rides: $3-10. To/from airport: $30-35 (flat rate). Metro: One north-south line (Albrook to San Isidro). Fast and cheap ($0.35) but limited coverage. Useful for reaching Albrook bus terminal. MetroBus: Modern city buses with rechargeable card ($0.25-0.50). Airport transfers: Uber $15-20 to downtown, official taxi $30-35, shared shuttle $18.
Between Cities & Regions
Car rental: From $30-50/day. Hertz, Avis, Budget at the airport. Driving is on the right. SUV recommended for the Caribbean coast. Buses: Albrook Terminal connects the entire country. To Buenaventura/Coronado: $5-7 (2h). To David: $15 (5h). Comfortable and modern. Domestic flights: Air Panama flies to Bocas del Toro ($100-150), David ($80-120), and San Blas (charter). From Albrook airport (not Tocumen). To our properties: Buenaventura is 1.5h via the Pan-American Highway (excellent road). Playa Escondida is 1.5h via the Colón highway. We can arrange private transfers.