$221 Cheap Flights to Panama City

Flights to Panama City at a glance

Traveling to Panama City is a breeze; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight schedules and journey times to find cheap flights to Panama City that align with your budget and plans for exploring the city's renowned landmarks and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Panama City: Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
• Closest airport to Panama City: Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, PAC (within Panama City)
• Flights per week: 1,400+ flights arriving across Panama City airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Panama City: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports in and around Panama City

Panama City is a vibrant destination ideal for family getaways, urban exploration, and business trips. Visitors flock to this city for its rich entertainment and cultural experiences. It is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making travel to Panama City both easy and efficient.

• Tocumen International Airport (PTY): Situated in Distrito Panamá, in Panamá Province, approximately 11 miles from Panama City, this airport handles both domestic and international flights, with connections to 1 domestic city and over 170 international locations. Travelers can opt for business class for enhanced service, depending on airlines and routes. Notable carriers include Copa, United, and American Airlines.
• Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC): Found in Distrito Panamá, Panamá Province, this airport primarily offers domestic flights. It is served by various airlines, including Hahn Air, Euroairlines, and APG Airlines, catering to travelers seeking connections within the country.

Top routes to Panama City

• Miami (MIA) to Panama City (PTY), with one-way flight options from around $130
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Panama City (PTY), with one-way flight options from around $110
• San Jose (SJC/SJO) to Panama City (PTY), with one-way tickets available from around $90
• Nassau (NAS) to Panama City (PTY), with one-way flights starting at around $170
• Georgetown (GEO) to Panama City (PTY), with one-way tickets available from around $150

Cheapest routes to Panama City

• David (DAV) to Panama City (PTY), with affordable one-way prices from around $60
• San Jose (SJC/SJO) to Panama City (PTY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• Guatemala City (GUA) to Panama City (PTY), with low one-way fares from around $100
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Panama City (PTY), with budget one-way fares from around $110
• San Salvador (SAL) to Panama City (PTY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $110

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

Top airlines with flights to Panama City

• Copa: Operates flights to Tocumen International Airport (PTY), making up about 54% of all arrivals in Panama City. One-way tickets average around $350, and travelers may find business class as a premium service option depending on the specific route.
• United: Provides service to Tocumen International Airport (PTY), contributing roughly 17% of arrivals to Panama City. The typical one-way fare stands at approximately $330, with business class available as a premium cabin option based on the chosen route.
• American Airlines: Flies into Tocumen International Airport (PTY), responsible for around 10% of arrivals in Panama City. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $320, with potential business class service depending on the route taken.
• Avianca: Serves Tocumen International Airport (PTY), accounting for approximately 10% of arrivals to Panama City. The average one-way fare is around $330, and premium cabin options may include business class, depending on the specific route.
• Delta: Offers flights to Tocumen International Airport (PTY), comprising about 7% of arrivals to Panama City. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $330, with premium cabin options that may feature business class based on the route.

Best time to fly to Panama City

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Panama City are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Panama City can reach up to 80.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 79.3°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $286, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, May, and June offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $294 to $305, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Panama City

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Panama City 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*, or explore our Panama City hotel and flight deals.
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 Panama City flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Panama City

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

• Public transportation: From Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, both Panama City Passenger Station, a train station, and Ancon Hill Seaport, a seaport, are easily accessible by car, located about 1.1 miles and 1.3 miles from the airport, respectively. Additionally, Estación Lotería, a metro station, is situated about 2.6 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Panama City, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Panama City is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Panama City on Expedia.
• 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 in Panama City

• Rio Abajo: Located around the area of Panama City, Rio Abajo is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a blend of family-friendly and business-focused experiences. Here, you can explore various shopping venues, from bustling malls to quaint outdoor shops. Nearby attractions include the historic Panama Viejo, perfect for immersing yourself in the culture, and Avenida Balboa, a scenic street ideal for a leisurely stroll. If you’re attending an event, the ATLAPA Convention Center is conveniently situated for business travelers.
• Bella Vista: Bella Vista is located around the area of Panama City and is known for its mix of family, business, and urban experiences. This neighborhood features lively shopping areas and is close to popular sites such as the charming Iglesia del Carmen, a beautiful church worth visiting. Stroll down Via Espana for a taste of local life, or unwind in one of the nearby parks. For business travelers, the Megapolis Convention Center offers excellent facilities for conferences and events.
• Marbella: Marbella is located around the area of Panama City and is a delightful neighborhood for families and business visitors alike. With numerous shopping options available, you can easily find everything you need. Enjoy the stunning views along Avenida Balboa or take a leisurely walk in Cinta Costera, an urban park perfect for outdoor activities. For those in town for work, the Megapolis Convention Center is a prime venue that caters to various events and conferences.

Tips for short-haul flights to Panama City

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 cost-effective to travel with just a carry-on. Optimize your space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also lets you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices 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 traffic conditions and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Panama City

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, which is usually available 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take a moment to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Panama City

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Panama City 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

October is the cheapest month to fly to Panama City. 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City, 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 Panama City

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Panama City in 2026 starts from $382, while one-way tickets start from from $221. 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 Panama City. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Panama City

Copa, Delta, American Airlines, United, Avianca are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Panama City. 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 Panama City and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Panama City, 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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 Panama City

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 Panama City.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Panama City are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Panama City. 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 Panama City 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 Panama City. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Panama City 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 Panama City. 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.