Travel around Panama: Transportation System
Bus
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:
Taxis
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.