Distance 298 km (186.3 miles) | |
Price range US$43-US$163 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h-12h | |
Earliest Departure 09:30 | |
Latest Departure 22:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest minivan: 10h 30m
Cheapest minivan: US$43
After enjoying the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro, it’s time for a bit of city life. So, traverse the nation and head to the capital, Panama City. It is the largest urban area in the country and home to two-fifths of the population.
There is plenty to see and experience in this thriving metropolis. You won’t be disappointed!
The journey from Bocas del Toro to Panama City takes you across 591 km (367 miles) and will take anywhere from one to twelve hours, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.
Here are some great things to see while in Panama City:
Check out the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks. The Panama Canal is a wonder of the industrial world. This 82 km (52 mile) artificial waterway connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It provides a shorter and less dangerous route for ships transporting goods around the globe.
Although started by France, the United States worked on this project for ten years and finished it in 1914. If you’re a history buff, consider checking out the Miraflores Visitor Center. Keep an eye out for a ship traveling through and be amazed by this incredible engineering feat.
Walk through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) that dates back to 1673. Take a walking tour to fully appreciate the architecture influenced by Spain, France, and early America. Explore the waterfront and see some of Panama City’s famous churches, like the San Francisco de Asis and the San José.
The Plaza de Francia, or the French Plaza, is a monument to the 22,000 French workers who died during the construction of the Panama Canal.
Another incredible architectural feat in Casco Viejo is the Convent Santo Domingo. Its arch spans 50 feet with no support.
Finally, check out the Plaza Mayor or Cathedral Plaza.
Shop for souvenirs and great deals. For wares created by local artisans, check out the Centro Artisan Market. You’ll find a lot of great local merchandise that will make fantastic gifts for your family and friends. If shopping is your thing, check out the Albrook Mall, the largest in Central America. It is also the 14th largest mall in the world.
Monkey around in nature. Tours are available from Panama City to Monkey Island in the center of Lake Gatun. Monkeys often engage with visitors on the boat, hoping to catch a treat.
Stop at the sloth sanctuary or take a rainforest walk to see even more natural beauty.
There are multiple travel options between Bocas del Toro and Panama City, including a bus + ferry, minivan, and airplane.
The cheapest option for travel from Bocas del Toro to Panama City is by bus + ferry. Tickets run around $50 a person, and trips generally run twice daily.
The journey begins with a ferry ride from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Almirante, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Puerto Almirante, the road trip to Albrook Bus Station takes around nine hours.
Amenities include A/C, and passengers are allowed a 25 kg (55 pounds) piece of luggage and a handbag. There is an additional charge for surfboards or extra luggage. Extra luggage should be selected when booking tickets.
Several minivan options are available, starting from $45 per person.
Trips take between ten to twelve hours.
The departure and arrival locations vary per provider, as do the amenities.
They all have A/C and allow for 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage and a handbag per passenger. Some of the higher-priced options include WiFi, reclining seats, and the possibility to bring your pet (for a fee).
Don’t relish twelve hours being jostled down the road with other passengers?
Consider the most expensive but quickest route, taking a plane.
There are usually four flights per day between Bocas del Toro Isla Colon Airport and Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC) with Panama Air.
Flights take just one hour and run around $85 per person. Amenities include A/C and restrooms.
Taking the land route from Bocas del Toro to Panama City will ferry you over crystal-clear waters and then through lush, dense rainforests. There will be restroom stops along the way and an opportunity to stretch your legs.
The flight will get you there much more quickly, and if you snag a window seat, you’ll be able to marvel at the stunning scenery from a different perspective.
The very best time to visit Panama City is during the dry season, from December through April. During these months, there is little to no rainfall, and the humidity is low. The daytime temperatures range from 24-32°C (75-90°F).
It is best to spend around three to four days exploring Panama City. There are many sites to see, and you want to take your time.
After checking out the big city, how about a jaunt to Isla Perro Chico, 124 km (77 miles) away?
Isla Perro Chico boasts some of the cleanest water on the planet, and the snorkeling will blow your mind. Don’t miss this chance to catch the diversity of life on the ocean floor.
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