Photo: Bernal Saborio, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Panama City, Panama

The narrowest crossing point between two oceans, and a genuine hemispheric meeting point.

Main airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Local Time

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Current Weather

27°C

Overcast 14 km/h

Coordinates

9.0714, -79.3835

135 m elevation

Nearby Airports

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Panama City sits beside the canal that reshaped global shipping, with a skyline of modern towers facing a beautifully preserved colonial old town across the bay. Its airport is one of the best-connected hubs in Latin America, making it a practical meeting point between North and South America.

Best time to visit

December–April (the dry season) offers the most reliable weather, avoiding the heaviest rains of the wet season.

Top attractions

•The Panama Canal locks (Miraflores Visitor Center) to watch ships transit
•Casco Viejo, the restored colonial old town
•The Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry
•Ancón Hill for a rainforest hike within the city limits
•A day trip to the San Blas Islands or Gamboa rainforest

Practical tips

•The Panama Metro's Line 2 airport branch connects Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to the city, with a transfer onto Line 1 toward downtown.
•The US dollar is used interchangeably with the Panamanian balboa, simplifying currency for many travelers.
•Panama is a major regional hub for connecting flights across Latin America — many itineraries pass through it even without stopping.

Frequently asked questions

What airport serves Panama City?

Panama City's main airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

When is the best time to visit Panama City?

December–April (the dry season) offers the most reliable weather, avoiding the heaviest rains of the wet season.

Is Panama City a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?