About Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY)

The largest airport in Panama, Tocumen Panama International Airport is a major Central American hub. Our Tocumen Panama International Airport guide provides airport contact details, as well as information on terminal facilities, public transportation and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news:

Construction of a new South Terminal area began in March 2013 and is scheduled to open in 2017.

Information:

There are two information help desks in Arrivals. These provide bureaux de change facilities, hotel booking services and tourist information.

Website:

Driving directions:

Tocumen Panama International Airport is accessible using either the South Corridor toll road or Avenida Domingo Diaz/Via Tocumen, both of which stretch northeast from Panama City. The total drive time to the airport from central Panama is approximately 20 minutes via the toll road, whereas it can take an hour or more using the second option.

Transfer between terminals:

The North Pier is connected to the rest of the terminal by moving walkways.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:Several public bus routes link Tocumen Panama International Airport and central Panama City (journey time: 60 minutes; fare: approximately US$0.25). However, it is advisable to use the pre-booked taxi service.

Shuttle: There is a free shuttle service from the airport to the Metro Mall (www.panamashoppingmall.com); the journey time is around 15 minutes. Additionally, some of the major hotel chains offer courtesy shuttle buses from the airport.

Taxi:Regulated 'tourist taxis' are available with pre-purchased fares. The price to Panama City starts at around US$30.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There is an ATM and a bank in Departures on level 100. Bureaux de change facilities are available.

Food:

Restaurants offering Panamanian and international cuisine, as well as coffee shops, snack bars and fast food outlets are available at Tocumen Panama International Airport. Options are situated in both the public and passenger-only areas.

Shopping:

There is a variety of shops in Departures where you can browse a selection of clothes, travel goods, books, magazines, souvenirs, electronic goods and cosmetics. Duty-free outlets are also available.

Luggage:

Porters are on hand to assist with luggage. Trolleys are available but cannot be taken out of the customs area. A lost and found office (tel: +507 238 2938) is also available to assist with missing property queries.

Other:

Other facilities at Tocumen Panama International Airport include a medical clinic, a pharmacy and shower rooms.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

There are no business facilities at Tocumen Panama International Airport but there are two VIP lounges, the Tocumen Royal Saloon (tel: +507 238 4412), which caters for arriving and departing passengers, and the Copa Club, which can be used by business class passengers and star alliances passengers with gold status

Meeting and conference facilities are available at the Sheraton Panama Hotel and Convention Centre (tel: +507 305 5100; www.starwoodhotels.com), 15 minutes from the airport in San Francisco, and also at the Riande Aeropuerto Hotel (tel: +507 291 9000; www.riandehoteles.com), a few minutes away.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access (for up to 2 hours) is available throughout Tocumen Panama International Airport. Additionally, public telephones can be found throughout the terminal.

Disabled facilities:

Tocumen Panama International Airport caters to the needs of disabled passengers with a range of facilities, signage and wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts. Disabled toilets are available throughout the airport and designated parking is available in the car parks. Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

An open-air car park, with spaces for 800 vehicles, is located directly in front of the terminal building.

Car rental:

Car hire operators at Tocumen Panama International Airport include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt, as well as a handful of local operators. Each of these companies has desks in the public area of Arrivals.