Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Panama City Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
I’m in hour 2 of a 16 hour wait at this airport and so far it’s not satisfying many of my needs. – Sean
PTY Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Panama City Tocumen Airport.
What to Expect
Panama City Airport (code: PTY) currently operates from Terminal 1 and North Concourse. A new South Terminal (Terminal 2) is now open and will be occupied, for the most part, by Copa Airlines. Flights are expected to start in the Summer of 2019, which may alleviate overcrowding in the other terminals. In Terminal 1, travellers report that bathrooms can be dirty and some flights require additional security screening, so arrive at your gate early. Pay attention, as a few reviews describe airport staff looking for bribes or running credit cards twice. When you have had the opportunity to experience Terminal 2, please write a review to help future travellers.
Eateries and shops are plentiful, though pricey, and none are open 24 hours, so plan ahead if you’re camping out. WiFi is free but may be limited to 30 minutes; use sparingly. For added comfort, you may be able to access one of two airport lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information.
Sleeping in Panama City Airport
Seating throughout the airport is equipped with armrests, which are not exactly comfortable for shuteye. A sleeping bag makes the floor your best option, and an extra sweater or blanket combats cold air conditioning. Explore our guide to sleeping in Panama City Airport or read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Panama City Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Panama City Airport that provide free airport shuttles:
- Crowne Plaza Panama Airport – Free shuttle departs every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM. » Check Rates
- Riande Aeropuerto – A free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Panama City, search for deals, and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Copa Club – 2 Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, above Gates 130 and 133 • Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- Tocumen Royal Saloon – Location: Landside, 3rd Floor. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network – Location: Airside, near Gate 115. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Related Pages: Panama City Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does PTY Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
The airport offers a variety of restaurants and coffee shops (19 total). According to the airport website, restaurants close by 10:00 PM; however, some operate 24 hours during high season. Vending machines are available.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
A reader let us know that there is a left luggage office after you exit the customs area. Rates are $5/day for a suitcase, but more expensive for large items like surfboards.
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging is available, with power outlets compatible with US plugs.
Showers
Showers are available in the Copa Club. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Panama City Airport for 30 minutes. (Confirmed by a reader in April 2023)
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Location: Landside and Airside.
Banking Services – Banco Nacional de Panama is located in Sector 100.
Currency Exchange – Travelex has one location each in Sector 100 and the Duty-Free zone.
Duty-Free and Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in the Duty-Free zone. A variety of souvenir shops are available landside in the public access hall. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM (or 10:00 PM). During high season, some shops stay open 24 hours.
Information Desk – Location: Landside, Main Hall – Hours: open 24 hours.
Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available free of charge at the medical clinic in Sector 100, near the car rental agencies. If needed, medical staff can transfer a sick or injured passenger from a different area of the airport to the medical clinic.
Pharmacy – Farmacias Arrocha is available. Location and hours: unknown.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the airport.
Buses
PTY airport is connected to the local bus transportation system. At the time of this update, a one-way ticket costs $0.25/person. For more information and to plan your route, visit the Panama City Tocument Airport website.
Shuttle Bus – The Tourism Authority of Panama provides a free shuttle bus from the Airport to the Metromall Shopping Center. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Service is available every day except Saturdays. For more information, visit the Panama City Tocumen Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following agencies provide car rental service from Tocumen Airport: Ace • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty and more.
Hotel Shuttles
A few airport hotels provide airport shuttles: Crowne Plaza Panama Airport • Riande Aeropuerto.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxi
Only taxis operated by Tourist Taxi Service can be boarded at Tocumen International Airport. These taxis are available exclusively to tourists to guarantee passenger safety and service. For a sample list of fares, visit the Panama City Airport website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.