Terminal 2 at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Panama City – gateway to Casco Viejo and Panama travel

The Complete Guide to Flying In, Connecting, and Landing in Casco Viejo

Flying doesn’t always feel glamorous. Long lines, missed connections, and airports that drain the joy from travel. Panama is different. Tocumen International Airport, known by its code PTY, is one of the smoothest entries into Latin America.

I’ve been arriving here since 2008. In all that time, the longest I’ve ever spent in line was forty-five minutes, and that was on a holiday weekend. Normally, you’re through Immigration and Customs in twenty or thirty minutes. Bags in hand, and already heading out the door.

That means within an hour of landing you could be sipping a coffee in Casco Viejo (also known as San Felipe), sitting on a plaza bench watching the city wake up, or enjoying a rooftop drink with views of the Panama Canal. Not many cities in the world can say you’ll have a jungle, a UNESCO old town, and two oceans within such easy reach. For travelers who are tired of airports that feel like obstacle courses, getting to Panama is a welcome change.

Getting to Panama: Landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

If you’re flying in from the United States, Europe, or anywhere in Latin America, PTY is your gateway. This is Panama’s main international airport and the home base of Copa Airlines.

A Modern Airport That Works

PTY has been expanded and modernized in recent years. The terminals are bright, well-lit, and fully air-conditioned. Clear signage makes navigation simple. You don’t need a degree in wayfinding to find your luggage. Compare that with the chaos of London Heathrow or Miami, and you’ll appreciate how straightforward PTY is.

Immigration and Customs Made Simple

The process is refreshingly easy:

  • Deplane and follow the signs to Immigration.
  • Show your passport.
  • Collect your luggage.
  • Drop bags on the conveyor belt for scanning.
  • Walk straight through into the arrivals hall.

No lengthy forms. No confusing declarations. The only paperwork you may encounter is the simple family affidavit (if arriving other than by plane), which covers your entire group. That’s it. Compared with the grilling you might get in some U.S. or European airports, Panama feels like a different planet.

Getting to Panama: How to Reach Casco Viejo from PTY

Now comes the fun part: getting from the airport to Casco Viejo Panama. The drive is usually twenty-five to forty minutes, depending on traffic. And you have choices.

  • Uber – This is my top recommendation. Open the app once you’re in the arrivals hall, order your ride, and head to the signed pickup point. You’ll see your driver’s name, license plate, and price before you get in. It’s secure, efficient, and fairly priced.
  • Hotel Shuttles – Many hotels near the airport run free shuttles. If you’re staying downtown or in Casco Viejo, most larger hotels will arrange private transfers. It’s a good option if you prefer a car waiting with your name on a sign.
  • Taxis – Still available, but agree on the price before you get in. Taxis work, but the convenience and safety of Uber usually win.

If you’re heading straight to a beach resort, many are within an hour or two’s drive (Use Pineapple Transportation). If you’re heading to Casco Viejo, expect a smooth ride that drops you right onto cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, open-air cafés, and rooftop bars. It feels like a different world compared to the arrivals hall you just left.

Casco Viejo: Your First Stop in Panama

This is where most visitors fall in love with Panama. Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the country’s historic heart. The contrast is striking: you go from a sleek international airport to cobblestone streets in less than an hour.

Why Casco works so well as a landing pad:

  • Walkable charm: Once you’re here, you don’t need a car. Hotels, restaurants, museums, and plazas are all within a few blocks.
  • Rooftops with views: From PTY runway to rooftop cocktail glass takes about sixty minutes. That’s a selling point few cities can match.
  • Family-friendly: Safe plazas, gelato shops, and museums make Casco fun for kids too.
  • Perfect for groups: Incentive travelers, weddings, and conferences all find Casco’s compact layout ideal.

When you think about “getting to Panama,” remember this: the airport is your entry, but Casco Viejo is your welcome.

Getting to Panama: Why Copa Airlines Makes It Easy

You can’t talk about getting to Panama without talking about Copa Airlines. PTY is Copa’s home base, and it has earned the nickname “Hub of the Americas.”

Why Copa Airlines Matters

  • Stopover Program: Add a stay of twenty-four hours up to seven days in Panama at no extra airfare. Perfect for tasting the Canal, Casco Viejo, and the Gamboa rainforest before continuing.
  • Punctuality: Copa consistently ranks as one of the most on-time airlines in the world.
  • Star Alliance: Earn and redeem miles on a global network.

And here’s the best part: if you’re only connecting, you don’t clear Immigration. You stay airside. No re-checking bags, no second round of security. That advantage alone puts PTY ahead of many U.S. airports.

The Airline Roll-Call at PTY

PTY is a busy airport with excellent connectivity. Here’s the current lineup of scheduled passenger airlines:

  • Copa Airlines
    Avianca
    United Airlines
    American Airlines
    Delta Air Lines
    Aeroméxico
    Air Europa
    Air France
  • Iberia
    KLM
    Condor
    Turkish Airlines
    Sunrise Airways
    Cayman Airways
    Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)
    WestJet (seasonal)

From New York, Miami, and Los Angeles to Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam, flights into PTY are frequent and reliable. Always confirm schedules before booking — airlines adjust routes seasonally.

Getting to Panama: The Alternative Airport at BLB

If you prefer something smaller, quieter, and closer to the city, look at Panamá Pacífico Airport, code BLB.

This airport sits across the Canal on the Amador side. It’s only fifteen to twenty-five minutes from Casco Viejo. Wingo operates here, offering budget-friendly fares to Colombia and other destinations.

BLB has an interesting history. It was once Howard Air Force Base, used by the U.S. military. Today it is a practical gateway for quick hops around the region. For travelers who don’t love big airport crowds, BLB is a refreshing alternative.

The Amador Cruise Terminal: Arriving by Sea

Not everyone flies in. Some arrive by ship.

Panama’s new Amador cruise terminal cost over two hundred million dollars and turned the country into a home-port. Several major cruise lines now start or finish voyages here.

For travelers who arrive this way, Casco Viejo is just ten to fifteen minutes away. That makes it easy to spend a night in the historic district before or after your cruise. PTY is also less than thirty minutes from the terminal, so the combination of air and sea is seamless.

What to Do with a Copa Stopover

Panama is one of the easiest countries in the world for a stopover. Copa’s program lets you add up to seven days with no extra airfare. And in three days you can see a surprising amount.

Day One – City and Canal
Land in the morning, drop your bags, and head to the Miraflores Locks. Watching ships rise and fall as they pass through the Canal is unforgettable. If you have energy, book a half-day transit. End the day with rooftop drinks in Casco Viejo.

Day Two – Jungle and Museums
Spend the morning in Gamboa. Take a boat ride on the Canal, spot monkeys and sloths, and enjoy the rainforest. Return to the city for an afternoon at the Biomuseo or Canal Museum. Dinner should be in Casco, where chef-driven restaurants are thriving.

Day Three – Markets and Coffee
Stroll Casco Viejo’s plazas, shop Kuna molas and artisan crafts, and enjoy Panama’s specialty coffee culture. Flights of locally roasted coffee are now as common as wine tastings. It’s a perfect send-off before you head back to PTY.

Domestic Flights: Bocas del Toro and Boquete

Getting to Panama doesn’t end at PTY. Domestic flights make it easy to see more of the country.

  • Boquete: Fly PTY to David (DAV) with Copa, then drive forty-five minutes. Boquete offers mountain air, coffee plantations, and trails.
  • Bocas del Toro: Fly from Albrook (PAC) on Air Panama. One hour later, you’re barefoot on a dock overlooking the Caribbean.

Both destinations pair perfectly with a few days in Casco Viejo.

Airport Lounges and Hotels

Long layovers don’t have to be painful.

Hotels: The Marriott is connected directly to the terminal. Riande Aeropuerto and Hampton by Hilton are five minutes away with free shuttles. If you arrive late or leave early, these are easy solutions.

Lounges: Copa Club, Priority Pass lounges, and a new Plaza Premium Lounge give you Wi-Fi, snacks, and calm. Perfect for catching up before the next flight.

Practical Traveler Tips

  • Currency: Panama uses the U.S. dollar. No exchange lines.
  • Wi-Fi: Free at PTY, and good enough to order Uber.
  • Timing: Leave Casco Viejo at least three hours before an international flight. Traffic is unpredictable.
  • Safety: Use Uber or a hotel car. Skip random street taxis.
  • Luggage Tip: If staying in Casco, consider a backpack or duffel. Cobblestones don’t love roller bags.
  • SIM Cards: Grab one at PTY or download a eSim prior to your trip.

Q&A

Do I need to clear Immigration if I’m connecting through PTY?

No. You stay airside and walk to your next gate. No passport control, no customs, no stress.

Can I add a stopover in Panama without paying more?

Yes. Copa’s stopover program lets you stay twenty-four hours up to seven days with no added airfare.

What’s the best way to get to Casco Viejo from PTY?

Uber. Open the app in the arrivals hall, order your ride, and follow the signs.

Which airlines fly nonstop from Europe to Panama?

Air France, Iberia, KLM, Condor, and Turkish Airlines all have direct service to PTY.

Can I see enough of Panama in three days?

Absolutely. You can tour the Canal, explore Casco Viejo, take a jungle boat ride, and still fit in shopping.

Getting to Panama: Fast Facts for Travelers

  • PTY is Panama’s main international airport.
  • Copa Airlines uses PTY as its hub and offers stopovers at no extra fare.
  • Immigration and Customs are streamlined. Bags on the belt, walk through.
  • Uber is the easiest ride option, and pickup is signed and secure.
  • BLB is Panama City’s second airport, ideal for regional hops.
  • The Amador cruise terminal is minutes from Casco Viejo.
  • Domestic flights to David and Bocas are quick and frequent.

Closing Thoughts

Getting to Panama is simple, and the reward is immediate. Within an hour, you can be in Casco Viejo — walking cobblestone streets, listening to music in a plaza, or sipping wine on a rooftop overlooking the Canal. For business travelers and event planners, this convenience matters. You can discover meeting-ready venues minutes from Panama’s top hotels and turn a quick arrival into a world-class experience. In Panama, travel time transforms into connection time — and that’s what makes this destination stand apart.

That combination of convenience and culture is rare. It’s why I still get excited every time I land at PTY. For travelers who value time and want a destination that delivers from the moment you arrive, Panama — and Casco Viejo in particular — is as good as it gets.

🌟 Ready to explore more? Your journey doesn’t stop at Tocumen — Casco Viejo is waiting. Start here: 🛎️ Want your business featured? Reach out to us — we live and breathe Casco Viejo.

🧭 Out and about with James.

Museum of the Mola

A vibrant museum dedicated to Guna culture, where the meaning behind each stitch tells a story of identity and heritage.

Visit Museum

Arts & Culture

From street murals to studio exhibits, Casco’s art scene is alive with talent and passion rooted in history and place.

Explore Arts

Events in Casco

Stay in the loop with local events—gallery openings, live music, artisan fairs, and street festivals that bring Casco to life.

View Events

Similar Posts