Country Guides
Panama
Getting Around
Getting Around
Panama
Getting Around by Air
Smaller airports for internal flights are: Aeropuerto Marcos A Gelabert in Albrook and Enrique Malek in David, Chiriquí. Internal air services are operated by Aeroperlas (website: www.aeroperlas.com) and other domestic companies.
Getting Around by Rail
The Panamá Canal Railway Company (PCRC) (tel: (507) 317 6070; website: www.panarail.com) runs a scenic 76km (47-mile) passenger route from Panama City to Colón as well as cargo services.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. There is a reasonably good road system throughout Panama. The Trans-Isthman Highway links Panama City and Colón. The Corredor Norte toll road has reduced the journey time to Colón by 30 minutes.
Bus: There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow.
Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Drivers do not expect tips.
Car hire: Available in city centres and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. You can hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but plan ahead as they are popular.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers at all times. Children under five years must travel in the back in a fitted child seat. Motor insurance, even third party, is not a legal requirement in Panama; therefore, many Panamanians drive without it. If you are involved in an accident, the law stipulates that you should wait with your vehicle until the traffic police (transito) arrive.
Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Extensive bus and minibus services run in Panama City. There is a flat fare with coin-operated turnstiles at the entrances of most buses.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Panama City to other major cities in Panama.
Air Road Chiriquí 0.45 6.00 Santiago 0.30 3.00 Chitre 0.30 3.10
Travel Essentials
Getting Around by Air
Smaller airports for internal flights are: Aeropuerto Marcos A Gelabert in Albrook and Enrique Malek in David, Chiriquí. Internal air services are operated by Aeroperlas (website: www.aeroperlas.com) and other domestic companies.
Getting Around by Rail
The Panamá Canal Railway Company (PCRC) (tel: (507) 317 6070; website: www.panarail.com) runs a scenic 76km (47-mile) passenger route from Panama City to Colón as well as cargo services.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. There is a reasonably good road system throughout Panama. The Trans-Isthman Highway links Panama City and Colón. The Corredor Norte toll road has reduced the journey time to Colón by 30 minutes.
Bus: There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow.
Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Drivers do not expect tips.
Car hire: Available in city centres and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. You can hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but plan ahead as they are popular.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers at all times. Children under five years must travel in the back in a fitted child seat. Motor insurance, even third party, is not a legal requirement in Panama; therefore, many Panamanians drive without it. If you are involved in an accident, the law stipulates that you should wait with your vehicle until the traffic police (transito) arrive.
Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient.
Bus: There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow.
Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Drivers do not expect tips.
Car hire: Available in city centres and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. You can hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but plan ahead as they are popular.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers at all times. Children under five years must travel in the back in a fitted child seat. Motor insurance, even third party, is not a legal requirement in Panama; therefore, many Panamanians drive without it. If you are involved in an accident, the law stipulates that you should wait with your vehicle until the traffic police (transito) arrive.
Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Extensive bus and minibus services run in Panama City. There is a flat fare with coin-operated turnstiles at the entrances of most buses.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Panama City to other major cities in Panama.
| Air | Road | |
| Chiriquí | 0.45 | 6.00 |
| Santiago | 0.30 | 3.00 |
| Chitre | 0.30 | 3.10 |
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