Transportation

Transportation in Panama

Panama offers varied transportation options depending on location, with Panama City having modern public transit while other areas require personal vehicles.

Public Transportation - Panama City

Panama Metro:

• Modern, air-conditioned rail system
• Line 1: North-South through city
• Line 2: East-West
• Line 3: Under construction
• Cost: $0.35-0.50 per ride
• Safe, clean, efficient
• Runs 5am-11pm weekdays, extended weekends
• Uses rechargeable Metro Card

Metro Bus:

• Extensive bus network
• Air-conditioned, modern buses
• $0.25 per ride
• Can be crowded during rush hour
• Combined with Metro covers most of city

Diablos Rojos (Red Devils):

• Old colorful school buses
• Being phased out
• Chaotic but authentic Panama experience
• Very cheap ($0.25)
• Declining in number

Ride-Hailing

Uber (Panama City):

• Widely available
• Very affordable: $3-6 typical rides across city
• $8-15 to airport from city center
• Drivers generally reliable
• Some speak English
• Best transportation option for expats in capital

InDriver:

• Alternative to Uber
• Negotiate price with driver
• Often slightly cheaper
• Growing popularity

Cabify:

• Similar to Uber
• Less common but reliable

Taxis

Official Yellow Taxis:

• Licensed and regulated
• Don't use meters - negotiate price before entering
• More expensive than Uber
• Safe during daytime
• Panama City: $2-5 short rides, $5-10 longer
• Use Uber instead when possible

Outside Panama City:

• Taxis more necessary (no Uber in most areas)
• Negotiate prices
• Ask locals for fair rates

Driving in Panama

Getting a Driver's License:

For temporary residents:

• International Driving Permit valid for tourists
• Can drive on foreign license + IDP for 90 days

For residents:

• Exchange foreign license (some countries)
• Or take Panama driving test
• Medical exam required ($15-25)
• Eye test
• Written and practical test
• Total cost: $50-100
• Relatively straightforward process

Buying a Car:

For residents:

• Can finance or buy cash
• Prices similar to US for new cars
• Used cars can be expensive (import duties)
• Process straightforward with residency
• Registration required
• Transfer at notary

Popular vehicles:

• Toyota, Nissan dominate market
• SUVs popular (roads, status symbol)
• Small cars practical for Panama City
• 4x4 useful for rural areas

Driving Costs

Gas:

• $3.50-4.00/gallon (varies with oil prices)
• Cheaper than Europe, similar to US

Insurance:

• Mandatory liability: $300-500/year
• Full coverage: $800-1,500/year (depends on car value)
• More expensive for new drivers without local history
• Shop around - rates vary significantly

Maintenance:

• Labor cheap ($30-50/hour)
• Parts can be expensive (imported)
• Japanese brands have good parts availability
• Regular maintenance essential in tropical climate

Parking:

• Panama City: $1-3/hour in paid zones
• Monthly parking: $50-150 in buildings
• Most apartments include parking spot
• Outside capital: Usually free

Driving Conditions

Panama City:

• Modern roads, generally good condition
• Traffic can be heavy (rush hours 7-9am, 5-7pm)
• Drivers somewhat aggressive but less than many Latin countries
• Parking challenging in old areas
• Easy in suburbs

Pan-American Highway:

• Main artery connecting regions
• Generally good condition
• Tolls: $1-3 depending on section
• Watch for slow trucks on hills

Rural areas:

• Roads vary from excellent to poor
• Some gravel roads to remote beaches/mountains
• 4WD helpful but not always necessary
• Watch for livestock on roads

Driving culture:

• More aggressive than US/Canada
• Use of turn signals sporadic
• Expect to be cut off
• Honking common (communication, not always anger)
• Defensive driving essential

Car Rental

Major companies in Panama:

• Hertz, Avis, Budget, National
• Local companies often cheaper
• $30-70/day depending on vehicle
• Insurance: $15-25/day additional
• Credit card often required
• International license accepted for tourists

Tips:

• Book in advance for better rates
• Check insurance coverage carefully
• Inspect car thoroughly before leaving lot
• Take photos of existing damage

Do You Need a Car?

Panama City:

• Not necessary
• Uber + Metro very functional
• Parking expensive and challenging
• Traffic frustrating
• Many expats happily car-free
• Rent for weekend beach trips

Boquete:

• Yes, highly recommended
• Everything spread out
• Limited taxis, no Uber
• Hills make walking difficult
• Essential for groceries, errands
• Mountain roads require car

Beach areas (Coronado, Pedasi):

• Yes, recommended
• Spread out communities
• Limited public transit
• Beach hopping requires car
• Can manage without but limits freedom

Bocas del Toro:

• No - Island, water taxis
• Golf carts or bicycles
• Boats for inter-island travel

Motorcycles & Scooters

• Popular in Panama
• Cheap transportation ($2-5K used)
• Good for Panama City traffic
• License required
• Accident rates high - be careful
• Year-round riding (no winter)

Bicycles

Panama City:

• Growing bike infrastructure
• Cinta Costera has bike path
• Some dedicated lanes
• Can be dangerous on main roads
• Heat/humidity challenging

Boquete:

• Mountain biking popular
• Hills challenging for casual cycling
• Cool weather advantage

Long-Distance Travel

Domestic:

• Air Panama: Flights to interior destinations
• Buses: Albrook terminal - connections nationwide
• Very affordable bus travel ($5-25 typical)
• Comfortable long-distance buses

International:

• Tocumen International Airport: Hub for Copa Airlines
• Direct flights to US, Canada, Latin America, some Europe
• Modern, efficient airport
• Taxi/Uber to city: $25-35