About Tocumen International Airport

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main international gateway to Panama. It opened in 1947 and sits in the Tocumen district on the eastern side of Panama City. Much of its traffic is connecting passengers, because the airport works as a regional hub linking North, Central and South America with the Caribbean and a number of European cities.

Where Tocumen Airport Is in Panama City

The airport lies roughly 24 km east of central Panama City. By road the trip into town usually takes somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour, depending heavily on traffic around the Corredor Sur and the city's eastern suburbs. Travellers heading to the old quarter of Casco Viejo or the banking district should allow extra time at rush hour.

Terminals and Facilities at Tocumen

Tocumen has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the original building, expanded several times over the decades. Terminal 2, the newer South Terminal, added a large block of extra gates and now handles much of the hub traffic. Both terminals have check-in halls, restaurants, shops and duty-free outlets. Because the two buildings are separate, confirm which one your airline uses before you set off.

Airlines Flying from Tocumen International Airport

Copa Airlines uses Tocumen as its hub and runs a large part of the schedule here, connecting Panama with many cities across the Americas. International carriers serving the airport include American Airlines, Avianca, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Iberia, KLM and Turkish Airlines. Route networks change with the seasons, so check the current schedule for the city you want.

Getting from Tocumen Airport to Panama City

• Metro: Aeropuerto station, a short walk from Terminal 2, is the end of a Line 2 branch. Trains shuttle to Corredor Sur, where you change for the main Line 2 into the city.
• Taxi and ride-hailing: Authorised taxis wait outside arrivals and are the simplest option with heavy bags.
• Bus: Local buses run along the main roads near the airport and suit travellers with light luggage.

Places to Visit Near Panama City

Once in the city, most visitors head for the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks, the colonial streets of Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway. The Pacific skyline along Avenida Balboa is also a pleasant walk in the evening.

Tips for Flying Through Tocumen

If you are connecting, keep an eye on the gate screens, because gates can change and the walk between piers can be long. Travellers leaving Panama should check which terminal their airline uses and reach the airport early during peak holiday periods.

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