Panama City Transport

Panama City has an extensive network of public buses, though unfortunately it's confusing and at times daunting if you don't speak Spanish. As a result, most visitors prefer to take taxis, or even huff it on foot around the city centre. However, if you feel like braving the public buses, destinations and prices are posted on the front windshield. Although there are few formal bus stops in the city, do as the locals do and queue up along major routes.

Special tickets and passes are not available for visitors, though this isn't a problem as bus fare is extremely cheap. Public transport generally operates between approximately 0500-2200. However, it is safer to take a taxi during early morning and late night hours.

Taxis can be hailed on the street, though drivers are surprisingly reluctant to pick up passengers and may even protest if your destination won't result in a high fare. Drivers will almost always leave the meter off in an attempt to charge you more, though fares are never more than a few dollars.

Hire cars are available from Avis (tel: 264 0722; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 263 8777; website: www.budget.com) and Thrifty (tel: 164 1402; website: www.thrifty.com).