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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 |