Travel around Panama: Transportation System

There is a range of ways you can travel around Panama including shuttle buses, public buses and taxis. The main mode of transport is bus. This is what the locals use and they are regular and leave on time as per the schedule. Travelling by shuttle buses or taxis will offer more comfort but are more expensive.

Plan your trip using our Panama: Ultimate 7-day Itinerary through Tropical Paradise

Bus

The easiest place to travel by bus is Panama City. It has a network of buses connecting the small villages and towns to the popular touristy destinations. In between the other towns, the bus network is a bit more tricky to figure out but still doable. The buses run by a set schedule so be sure to research what time the bus departs before travelling.

Buses in Panama City:

To travel by bus around Panama City, you’ll need to purchase a travel card. You can purchase this either from PTY airport or from the main bus station (Albrook bus station). At the airport, there is a machine located next to the SIM card counter which will give you a card.

Similar machines are located all over Albrook bus station. The card will cost $3 and you can top up the card with however many dollars you think you’ll need. Most bus journeys cost $0.25 but some journeys cost more for example $1.25 or $0.75. You can top up your card using the machines at the bus station or at the airport. There are also machines in supermarkets and pharmacies so just ask around for the nearest one.

Some buses don’t require a travel card – these are usually the buses which are old American school buses. Make sure to have a small change to pay the driver. I would really recommend travelling by one of these if you want the local experience. These old buses have pink flashing lights inside and they blast out Latina music it truly is an experience in itself, you feel as though you’re on a party bus!

Shuttle Buses:

These are buses specifically set up for tourists by travel companies. This is a more expensive way to travel than using public transport but it is quicker to travel by a shuttle bus as they do not stop anywhere in between your travel destination. The buses are air-conditioned and are only small so you won’t feel claustrophobic on here.

Often journeys cost around $30 but this can vary. You will have to book tickets in advance online or via a tour company to board this bus. And be aware tickets can sell out during peak season so be sure to buy them at least the day before you plan to travel. Hello Travel Panama runs shuttles across Panama, so if you fancy booking one do so here.

Taxis

Panama City has Uber so I would recommend using this for a reliable safe taxi journey and the prices are cheap. There are plenty of other taxis around the city that are marked and yellow so you can’t miss them! You will have to agree a price before travelling to make sure you don’t get scammed or asked to pay an astronomical price.

Author

Katie

Full-time doctor, part-time traveller. I am the kind of traveller who travels on a shoestring and somehow manages to pack two weeks worth of clothes, a tripod and all my books into a little rucksack.

Bus

Buses in Panama City:

Shuttle Buses:

Taxis

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