Transportation Options in Panama
Public Buses
Autobuses públicos
The most common and affordable way to travel in Panama. Look for 'Diablo Rojo' (Red Devil) buses for an authentic experience.
Taxis
Taxis
Convenient for short distances and late-night travel. Always negotiate the fare before getting in.
Water Taxis
Lanchas
Essential for island hopping in Bocas del Toro and San Blas. Expect to pay $2-5 per ride between islands.
Domestic Flights
Vuelos domésticos
Quick travel between major cities with Air Panama and Copa Airlines.
Metro
Metro
Panama City's modern metro system with two lines connecting major areas.
Private Shuttles
Transporte privado
Comfortable door-to-door service for airport transfers and tourist destinations. Popular companies include Interbus and Grayline.
Bike and Motorbike Rentals
Alquiler de bicicletas y motos
Available in Panama City's Cinta Costera area and some beach towns. Great for exploring at your own pace.
Car Rentals
Alquiler de autos
Freedom to explore remote areas and national parks. Major companies include Hertz, Budget, and local options. International license required.
Walking
Caminar
The original zero-emission transport! Free, healthy, and perfect for exploring Panama. Warning: May cause sudden urges to stop for street food and fresh beverages !
Must-Know Travel Phrases
Getting Directions
¿Dónde está la parada de autobús más cercana?
Where is the nearest bus stop?
DON-deh ehs-TAH lah pah-RAH-dah deh ow-toh-BOOS mahs sehr-KAH-nah
¿Cómo llego al centro?
How do I get to downtown?
KOH-moh YEH-goh ahl SEN-troh
¿Está lejos el aeropuerto?
Is the airport far?
ehs-TAH LEH-hohs el ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh
¿Puedo caminar hasta allí?
Can I walk there?
PWEH-doh kah-mee-NAHR AHS-tah ah-YEE
¿Me puede mostrar en el mapa?
Can you show me on the map?
meh PWEH-deh mohs-TRAHR en el MAH-pah
Public Transportation
¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje?
How much is the fare?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah el pah-SAH-heh
¿Este autobús va al centro comercial?
Does this bus go to the mall?
EHS-teh ow-toh-BOOS bah ahl SEN-troh koh-mehr-SYAHL
Necesito bajar en la próxima
I need to get off at the next stop
neh-seh-SEE-toh bah-HAR en lah PROK-see-mah
¿Dónde compro la tarjeta del metro?
Where do I buy the metro card?
DON-deh KOM-proh lah tar-HEH-tah del MEH-troh
¿A qué hora pasa el último bus?
When does the last bus pass?
ah keh OH-rah PAH-sah el OOL-tee-moh boos
Taxis & Rideshares
¿Está libre?
Are you available?
ehs-TAH LEE-breh
Lléveme a este hotel, por favor
Take me to this hotel, please
YEH-veh-meh ah EHS-teh oh-TEL por fah-VOR
¿Cuánto cuesta hasta el aeropuerto?
How much to the airport?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah AHS-tah el ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh
Por aquí a la derecha
Turn right here
por ah-KEE ah lah deh-REH-chah
Pare aquí, por favor
Stop here, please
PAH-reh ah-KEE por fah-VOR
¿Acepta tarjeta de crédito?
Do you accept credit cards?
ah-SEP-tah tar-HEH-tah deh KREH-dee-toh
Emergencies
¡Ayuda!
Help!
ah-YOO-dah
Necesito un médico
I need a doctor
neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh
Llame a la policía
Call the police
YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah
Me robaron
I was robbed
meh roh-BAH-rohn
¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?
Where is the nearest hospital?
DON-deh ehs-TAH el ohs-pee-TAHL mahs sehr-KAH-noh
Panama Travel Tips
Bus Etiquette
- Say 'Buenos días' when boarding
- Have exact change ready (buses don't give change)
- Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant passengers
- Ring the bell early to signal your stop
- Avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm) for more comfort
Taxi Safety
- Use official yellow taxis in the city (licensed)
- Agree on price before getting in (no meters)
- Keep doors locked during ride
- Have destination address written down
- Use Uber or InDriver apps for safer rides
Water Transport
- Check weather conditions first (trips get canceled in bad weather)
- Bring waterproof bag for belongings
- Confirm return trip schedules (last boats leave early)
- Life jackets are usually provided but check
- Negotiate prices for private boat charters
Metro System
- Buy rechargeable Metro card at any station ($2 cost)
- Avoid rush hours (packed between 7-9am and 5-7pm)
- No eating or drinking allowed inside
- Free transfers between lines within 30 minutes
- Air conditioned and generally very safe
Bonus Vocabulary
Directions
- Derecha: Right
- Izquierda: Left
- Recto: Straight
- Esquina: Corner
- Cuadra: Block
- Cerca: Near
- Lejos: Far
Money & Payment
- Efectivo: Cash
- Sencillo: Small change
- Tarjeta: Card
- Propina: Tip
- Descuento: Discount
- Precio fijo: Fixed price
- Factura: Receipt
Time Expressions
- Ahora: Now
- Más tarde: Later
- Rápido: Quick/Fast
- Despacio: Slow
- Prisa: Hurry
- Temprano: Early
- Tarde: Late
Cultural Notes
Panamanian Transportation Culture
Time Flexibility
Buses and boats may not run exactly on schedule. "Panamanian time" often means being flexible with departure times.
Negotiation Culture
Prices for taxis and boats are often negotiable. Polite bargaining is expected in many situations.
Greetings Matter
Always greet drivers and fellow passengers with "Buenos días/tardes" - it's considered rude not to.
Safety First
While generally safe, avoid displaying valuables on public transport and be cautious at night.