A Panama Layover Tour in Panama City: Deciding Between Tocumen or Albrook Airports?

If you are planning a layover in Panama City, you may find yourself at a crossroads – should you stay in the city for your layover, or venture out and explore? This decision can be made a bit easier if you know which airport to fly into and how to best get around when you arrive. The two main airports servicing Panama City are Tocumen International Airport (PTY), and Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Both have their pros and cons, depending on your plans and preferences, so let’s explore them each in turn, plus look at top things to do in Panama City.

Fly Into Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Situated about 20 miles east of the city center of Panama City and in the Panamanian district of Tocumen, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main hub for international flights throughout Central and South America. Originally constructed in 1947 and renovated in 2017, it frequently ranks as the busiest airport in all of Central America, so it will certainly be useful if your layover is international. Thanks to its recently opened South Terminal, wide range of restaurants and shops, and free WIFI, it is also quite convenient, coming with the usual host of amenities found in international airports around the world.

How to Get Around From Tocumen International Airport?

Once your flight arrives at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), you have multiple options for getting around the city. A bus line, Metrobus, operates between the airport and downtown Panama City and charges $1.25 USD to ride one-way. Metromall Panama City can be reached directly from the airport via a taxi, which can conveniently be reserved online here. Costs will depend upon the exact location you are traveling to/from but usually range from $30-45 USD one-way. Finally, if you are looking for a more luxurious experience, you can take a rideshare from Uber or Cabify – the latter being especially popular in the region due to its 3 free rides when downloading their app.

Fly Into Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)

Once known as the known as the Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Air Force Station, Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is now a complete international airport located in downtown Panama City – merely 5 miles away from the Panama Canal – and is known as the major base for domestic airlines in both Panama and Central America. Thanks to its namesake general, which makes it both affordable and efficient when flying around Panama.

How to Get Around From Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport?

If you choose to fly into Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) for your layover in Panama, there are also plenty of options for getting around the city based off of your budget and personal preference. As with Tocumen airport, a bus line – Metrobus – operates between the airport and downtown Panama City and charges $1.25 USD to ride one-way. You can also take a taxi from either Taxi Sotar or Taxi Unido (around $7-9 USD one-way) or if you would like something more luxurious, use Uber or Cabify – again with Cabify offering three free rides when downloading their app.

Top Things To Do on Your Layover in Panama City

Now that we know how best to get around from both airports, how about exploring some awesome local attractions? Whether it’s a stroll along Casco Viejo or a cruise down the Panama Canal, there is plenty to do during your layover in this tropical paradise.

1. Spend an Afternoon at Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the old district of Panama City and a great place to explore on your layover. Steeped in history, this area is home to both Spanish colonial architecture as well as traditional Panama culture – making it one of most vibrant areas of the city. This area also contains numerous outdoor cafeterias and local eateries serving up delectable dishes – perfect for grabbing an afternoon snack or drink!

2. Take a Cruise Along the Panama Canal

No trip to Panama City would be complete without a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – the famous Panama Canal! You can witness first-hand how ships traverse this narrow man-made channel by taking an hour-long sightseeing boat tour of it – giving you an unsurpassed view of some of the inner workings of this marvel of engineering.. Be sure to check out some of the tours available here for an optimal experience!

3. Go Shopping at Multicentro Mall

From fashion, textiles, and cosmetics, Multicentro Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Panama City – with 4 levels of shopping available ranging from luxury brands to local shops with bargain buys! Not in the mood for shopping? Take advantage of their 5-star cinema offered on the 4th floor or one of their numerous eateries if you need a break from all that shopping walking!

4. Enjoy some Peace at Parque Natural Metropolitano

If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and more laid back during your layover, consider checking Parque Natural Metropolitano – located on top of Ancon Hill, one of the tallest points of land within MetroPamana City itself! Here you can take picturesque nature walks and appreciate views across Casco Viejo while taking advantage of the peace and quiet offered by nature.

The Final Verdict: Tocumen or Albrook Airports?

Ultimately, it boils down to what your layover plans are in Panama City: if you’re just staying within the city itself and want to explore some attractions like Casco Viejo or Parque Natural Metropolitano then Albrook Airports may be your better option as it allows closer access to city center; however if your itinerary involves various locations across Central or South America then Tocumen airports is likely a better option due to it being better connected internationally. Whichever you choose, both airports offer great value for convenient access around the city itself once you’re there. Planning activities for your layover can be exhausting so why not take the hassle out of organizing with the best tours and activities on offer in Panama City? GetYourGuide offers well-priced activities ranging from sightseeing cruises along the Panama Canal to hikes through Parque Natural Metropolitano! With customer ratings available on all activities plus flexible booking options so you can cancel up until 24 hours before departure – why not make your layover the great adventure they should be?