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$72 Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz

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Popular airlines to Santa Cruz

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How much is the cheapest flight to Santa Cruz?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $72 for one-way flights and $85 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Copa
Copa
Copa
Hahn Air Technologies
United

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Panama City (PTY)

From $604 - $821 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight to Santa Cruz

Flights to Santa Cruz at a glance

Traveling to Santa Cruz is easy, with full-service airlines providing a range of flight options. Review journey times and select the choice that aligns with your schedule, allowing you to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports near Santa Cruz: Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV), Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC)
  • Closest airport to Santa Cruz: Enrique Malek International Airport, DAV (around 29 miles)
  • Flights per week: 75+ flights arriving across Santa Cruz airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Santa Cruz: around 5+ carriers

Popular airports near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a vibrant city that attracts travelers with its stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences. The region is conveniently accessible through two major airports, making travel to this destination easy for visitors.

  • Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV): Situated in Distrito David, Chiriquí Province, approximately 29 miles away from Santa Cruz, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects to about 1 domestic city and 7 international destinations. Travelers can enjoy upgraded service to business class for a more comfortable experience, depending on the chosen routes and airlines. Copa is a notable airline operating here.
  • Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC): Found in Distrito Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro Province, this airport lies around 60 miles from Santa Cruz. It offers both domestic and international flights, linking to about 1 domestic city and 1 international location. Euroairlines, Hahn Air, and APG Airlines are popular carriers at this airport.

Top routes to Santa Cruz

  • Panama City (PAC/PTY) to Santa Cruz (DAV/BOC), with one-way tickets available from around $50
  • Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with one-way tickets available from around $150
  • San Jose (SJO) to Santa Cruz (BOC), with one-way fares starting at around $170
  • Orlando (MCO) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with one-way flight options from around $230
  • Washington (IAD) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with one-way flight options from around $240

Cheapest routes to Santa Cruz

  • Panama City (PAC/PTY) to Santa Cruz (DAV/BOC), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
  • Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with affordable one-way prices from around $150
  • San Jose (SJO) to Santa Cruz (BOC), with affordable one-way prices from around $170
  • Orlando (MCO) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with low one-way fares from around $230
  • Washington (IAD) to Santa Cruz (DAV), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $240

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Santa Cruz

  • Copa: This airline operates flights to Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV), handling approximately 71% of the arrivals in Santa Cruz. The typical one-way fare is around $360, with premium service possibly including business class based on the route.
  • Hahn Air: Offering flights to Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC), Hahn Air represents about 11% of the arrivals to Santa Cruz. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $190.
  • Euroairlines: Flying to Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC), Euroairlines comprises roughly 10% of the arrivals in Santa Cruz. Average one-way fares are approximately $170.
  • APG Airlines: This carrier operates flights to Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC) and represents around 3% of the arrivals to Santa Cruz. The average fare for a one-way trip is about $220.
  • FlexFlight: Serving Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC), FlexFlight accounts for nearly 3% of arrivals in Santa Cruz, with average one-way fares hovering around $180.

How to save money on a flight to Santa Cruz

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Cruz is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
  3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
  4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Santa Cruz flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Santa Cruz efficiently:

  • Public transportation: From Enrique Malek International Airport, Terminales David Panamá TDP, a bus station, is located about 3.1 miles away.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Cruz, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Cruz is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Santa Cruz

  • Dominical: Located 8 miles away from Santa Cruz, Dominical is a vibrant city that offers a mix of culture and adventure. Explore Barriles, an archaeological site rich in history, or unwind in the stunning Área Silvestre Protegida Lagunas de Volcán, a nature reserve ideal for eco-enthusiasts. For art lovers, the Arte Cruz Volcán gallery showcases local talent and is perfect for a cultural immersion. Dominical is an excellent destination for those looking to connect with nature and local heritage.
  • Santo Domingo: Santo Domingo is located 11 miles away from Santa Cruz and is a charming city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos Herrera is a fantastic urban park for family picnics and leisurely strolls. Adventure seekers can visit Canyon Macho de Monte, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Additionally, the Arte Cruz Volcán gallery offers a glimpse into the artistic side of the region, making Santo Domingo a well-rounded destination for travelers.
  • Río Sereno: Located 12 miles away from Santa Cruz, Río Sereno is a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and eco-friendly experiences. The area is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including national state parks and nature reserves. Highlights for visitors include Barriles, an archaeological site, and the Área Silvestre Protegida Lagunas de Volcán, which is perfect for exploration. The local gallery, Arte Cruz Volcán, provides cultural insights, ensuring that travelers leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful region.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Cruz

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your packing efficiency by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This approach also helps you avoid delays at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Cruz

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

  • Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection when online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow you to select your seat even earlier.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—plan to reach the airport at least 3 hours ahead of departure for international flights to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if available. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Santa Cruz?
Plan your trip for August if you're looking for a good price on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Santa Cruz. If possible, avoid traveling during busy periods such as major public holidays or events.
Which US cities fly direct to Santa Cruz?
Direct journeys make travel a little easier. When you search on Expedia, choose "Direct flights only" and we'll show you the nonstop options to fly to Santa Cruz.
How to find a cheap flight to Santa Cruz?
Making travel plans in the low season and booking in advance are two good ways to get cheap flights to Santa Cruz. Or, consider departing on a Thursday, which, on average, is 16% cheaper than departing on a Sunday.* Want to be the first to know as soon as fares fall? Set up price tracking on the Expedia app to get real-time updates.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Santa Cruz?
Although booking in advance is generally the best way to save cash, don't worry if your Santa Cruz trip is last minute. You can still get cheap flights to Santa Cruz, especially if your plans have a little leeway. Try switching up your dates, looking at different ticket types or departing from an alternative airport.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Santa Cruz?
To pick up some of the biggest savings on domestic journeys, book your flight to Santa Cruz 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, search for your ticket between two and four months in advance. This boosts your chances of locking in your preferred departure dates, times and seats.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Santa Cruz?
Sundays are generally the best day to book a cheap flight to Santa Cruz, where you can save 8% on average compared to Fridays. If you choose to purchase tickets on a Friday, expect to spend more as this is typically the most expensive day.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Santa Cruz?
A couple of the leading airlines to Santa Cruz are Air Panama and Copa Airlines. Altogether, 3 carriers connect Santa Cruz to 3 airports throughout the world. Enrique Malek Intl. Airport (DAV) serves as the primary gateway to this captivating destination.
Where do you fly into Santa Cruz?
The main airport to fly to Santa Cruz is Enrique Malek Intl. Airport (DAV). You can also land at Changuinola (CHX-Captain Manuel Nino Intl.) when flying to Santa Cruz.
How far is the airport from central Santa Cruz?
Flying into Enrique Malek Intl. Airport (DAV) puts you approximately 30 mi southeast of central Santa Cruz.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

Book with confidence

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Cruz on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

August is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Cruz. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Santa Cruz. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Santa Cruz, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Santa Cruz

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Cruz in 2026 starts from from $85, while one-way tickets start from from $72. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Cruz

Copa, Hahn Air Technologies, APG Distribution System, United, Alaska Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Santa Cruz. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Santa Cruz and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Cruz, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Santa Cruz. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Santa Cruz plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Santa Cruz.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Santa Cruz are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Santa Cruz. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Santa Cruz. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Santa Cruz flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Santa Cruz. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz

Travel information

Destination airport
Enrique Malek Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
DAV
Destination city name
David
Roundtrip price
$85

Trending flights to Santa Cruz

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $72 for one-way flights and $85 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Copa

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