The fastest way to get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro is a 1-hour Air Panama flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC). One-way fares usually run about $80–$200, depending on how early you book.
This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015.
On a budget? The overnight bus from Albrook Bus Terminal to Almirante takes about 10 hours and costs around $28–$35. Then it’s a 30-minute, $6 water taxi to Bocas Town.
One thing catches almost everyone: flights to Bocas do not leave from Tocumen (PTY), the international airport. You’ll need a 30–45 minute ride across town to Albrook first.
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Flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
Flying is the way to go. It’s about an hour in the air, versus a full day on the road.
Who flies it: Air Panama is the main airline, with several flights a day from Albrook (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC). FlyTrip also flies the route on select days with small 9–12 seat planes.
What it costs: Fares usually start around $80 one way and climb as the date gets closer. Christmas, Carnival and Easter sell out first.
Bags: These are small planes, and they do weigh your bags.
- Classic fare: 1 checked bag up to 18 kg (39.6 lb)
- Basic fare: no checked bag (adding one costs $25 plus tax)
- Carry-on: up to 6 kg (13 lb), max 17 x 13.5 x 6.5 in
- Overweight bags: $5 per extra kilo, up to 25 kg
Bag rules and fees can change, so check Air Panama’s official baggage policy for the current numbers before you fly.
How to book it
- Book your international flight into Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
- Book Air Panama from Albrook (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC) directly on AirPanama.com.
- Leave at least 3 hours between landing at Tocumen and your Bocas flight. You need time for immigration, bags and the drive to Albrook.
Search flights to Panama City:
Local tips
- Book early. Flights fill up, and prices go up close to the date.
- Build in a buffer. Air Panama officially recommends a full day between domestic and international flights in case of weather delays. It matters most on the way home: a missed international flight costs a lot more than a night in Panama City.
- Landing late? Spend the night in the city and catch a morning flight. Here are our favorite Panama City hotels.
PTY to PAC: Getting from Tocumen to Albrook Airport
Landing at Tocumen International (PTY) and flying on to Bocas? Your Bocas flight leaves from Albrook (PAC), a different airport on the other side of the city, so you need to cross town between flights.
The two airports are about 28 km (17 miles) apart, roughly 30–45 minutes by car. Allow more at rush hour.
| Option | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | About $25–$35 | Easiest. Look for the authorized taxi booth after baggage claim. |
| Uber | Usually cheaper than a taxi | Best value door to door. |
| Metrobus | $1.25 | Cheapest but slowest. Needs a prepaid fare card, and it’s tough with big bags. |
Bocas del Toro Airport (BOC)
The Bocas del Toro airport sits right in Bocas Town on Isla Colón. Its official name is José Ezequiel Hall International Airport, and its code is BOC. Every flight to Bocas lands here.
From the airport to your hotel:
- Staying in Bocas Town? Most hotels are a short walk or a quick land taxi away.
- Staying on another island? Walk about 10 minutes (or grab a land taxi) to the water taxi docks in town. Boats go to every island from there.
- Staying with us at Sol Bungalows? It’s a 5–10 minute, $5-per-person water taxi from the Bocas Town docks to our dock on Isla Solarte.
Airport codes
- PTY: Tocumen International Airport, Panama City (international flights)
- PAC: Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” Airport, Panama City (flights to Bocas)
- BOC: Bocas del Toro, Isla Colón
- SJO: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José, Costa Rica
Bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
The bus is the cheapest way to Bocas, but it costs you a full night.
- Route: Albrook Bus Terminal (Panama City) to Almirante, then a water taxi to Bocas Town
- Time: about 10–11 hours, plus 30 minutes by boat
- Schedule: overnight buses usually leave between 6 and 8 p.m. and arrive around 6–7:30 a.m.
- Cost: around $28–$35 for the bus, about $1–$1.50 for a taxi to the docks in Almirante, and $6 for the water taxi
- Tickets: buy them in person at Albrook Bus Terminal. They generally aren’t sold online.
Tip: Take the night bus, not the day bus. Water taxis from Almirante stop running in the evening, and a morning arrival means you won’t get stuck on the mainland.
Learn about the best time to visit Bocas del Toro
Driving from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
You can’t drive all the way to Bocas Town. The islands start at Almirante, about 360 miles (580 km) from Panama City, and the last leg is by boat.
- Leave your car on the mainland: Leiza’s Secure Parking in Almirante charges about $3–4 a night. Then take the $6 water taxi to Bocas Town.
- Bring your car: a car ferry runs from Almirante to Isla Colón twice a day. Check FerryBocas.com for schedules.
Do you need a car in Bocas? Only if you’re staying on Isla Colón and want to explore it on your own. Everywhere else, you’ll get around by water taxi.
Learn about surfing or scuba diving in Bocas del Toro
Getting to Bocas from Boquete, David or Costa Rica
From Boquete: shuttles run to Bocas in about 3–4 hours for around $35. Hello Travel Panama is one option.
From David: take a bus to Almirante (about 4 hours), then the water taxi. You can also bus to Chiriquí Grande and take the PanaBocas Express boat. Coming from Panama City? Air Panama also flies to David.
From San José, Costa Rica: shuttles like Caribe Shuttle take 10–12 hours, crossing the border at Sixaola. Expect some border fees, then a water taxi from Almirante. Sansa has flown San José to Bocas in the past, so check their current schedule. Planning to combine both countries? See our guide to overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
Learn about the 17 best places to stay in Bocas del Toro
Flight vs. Bus vs. Car: Quick Comparison
| Option | Travel time | One-way cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Albrook to Bocas | About 1 hour in the air | About $80–$200 | Most travelers |
| Night bus + water taxi | About 11 hours | About $35–$45 total | Tight budgets |
| Drive + water taxi | A full day | Gas, parking and a $6 water taxi | Road trips around Panama |
Learn about the best things to do in Bocas del Toro
FAQ: Panama City to Bocas del Toro
How far is Bocas del Toro from Panama City?
About 300 km (186 miles) as the plane flies, which is a 1-hour flight. By road it’s about 360 miles to Almirante, a 10–11 hour bus ride, plus a 30-minute boat.
How do I get from PTY to PAC?
Take the official airport taxi (about $25–$35), an Uber (usually cheaper), or the Metrobus ($1.25, slowest). The drive is about 28 km (17 miles) and takes 30–45 minutes, longer at rush hour. See all PTY to PAC options.
Can I fly from Tocumen (PTY) to Bocas del Toro?
No. There are no direct flights from Tocumen to Bocas. Flights leave from Albrook Airport (PAC), about 30–45 minutes away by car.
What’s the closest airport to Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC), right in Bocas Town on Isla Colón.
How much is a flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro?
Usually about $80–$200 one way with Air Panama. Book early for the best price, especially around holidays.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Bocas del Toro?
The overnight bus from Albrook Bus Terminal to Almirante (around $28–$35), plus a $6 water taxi to Bocas Town.
Can I fly to Bocas the same day I land in Panama?
Yes, if your international flight lands early enough to leave at least 3 hours before your Bocas flight. If not, spend a night in Panama City and fly out in the morning.
Do I need a car in Bocas del Toro?
No. Most people get around by water taxi, plus land taxis on Isla Colón.
Want to Know More About Bocas del Toro?
Check out our Travel Guides below! There are tons of travel guides about Bocas out there, but most are written by people who only visited the islands for a few days. Our guides are written from years of experience living full-time in Bocas del Toro!
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Hello,
Do you know if the night bus from albrook to alrimante is still a thing. I just can’t find anything about it online. Do you know if there is anything to find online or if it just at albrook station?
Thank you for a nice blog!
Hi! Yes the night bus is still a thing. You generally just have to show up and purchase a ticket there and then hop on the bus. This is a good guide about bus rides in Panama: https://panamarelocationtours.com/taking-a-bus-in-panama
I’m not sure that you can buy tickets online
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Hola, será que podemos ver el Canal de Panamá el día que llegue a Panama City desde USA y al otro día viajar a Bocas del Toro? Ósea que tan difícil es ver el canal y también viajar a bocas?
Hola! Es facil a ver el Canal y solo dura como 2 horas. Puedes pedir al taxi cuando sales del aeropuerto en Tocumen a llevarte alli, o en la manana antes que van al aeropuerto para Bocas.
Hi this is our first time in Panamá and we are winging it. Spent a couple days in Panamá city,next at the Buenaventura and now driving to Boquete. Love your blog and am wondering does it make sense to take our car on the ferry or park it and go without it.
Thanks much!
Hi Brad I’m glad our blog has helped you! If you think you’ll need your car – for staying on isla colon and wanting to be able to drive around the island, then it could be a good idea to bring it. If you aren’t staying on isla colon then you dont need it. The taxi system on isla colon is pretty reliable but can be annoying sometimes, but it is also to get around just fine with taxis.
Im looking to book and overnight bus from Panama City to Bocas but i cant find a site to do so. Am I able to purchase the day of?
Hello! Yes you can purchase the tickets the day of at the bus terminal. I am unaware of an online way to purchase these tickets. Many things in Panama are still developing/ coming online slowly so probably this will be improved in the future!
Our plan is to flight from Panama City round trip to Bocas del Toro and then explore Boquete (rent a car) for 3 days
I would like your opinion:
1-Fly to Bocas airport or the closest main land?
2-Best island (with beach) to stay at Bocas
3-Best place to rent a car
Hi Gloria!
Yes you will want to fly directly to Bocas from Panama City, and if you want a beach you’ll want to stay either at Red Frog on Isla Bastimentos, Punta Vieja on Isla Bastimentos, or in the Bluff Beach area of Isla Colon. You can check out our beach guide for more information about the beaches of Bocas del Toro: https://solbungalowsbocas.com/bocas-del-toro-beach-guide/
I’m not so sure about renting a car, but you can easily get to Boquete from Bocas del Toro by shuttle for around $35 and 3-4 hours. I think once you are in Boquete you can just taxi around and it is not really necessary to have a car, but there does seem to be car rentals there. Then to get back to Panama City you can fly from David, which is a 20 minute car ride from Boquete, instead of coming all the way back to the Bocas islands.