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Tocumen Layover Guide (PTY)

What are you looking for in PTY?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tocumen Airport (PTY) is an international airport located in Panama City, Panama. It’s situated about 24 km (15 miles) from downtown Panama City. The airport officially opened in 1947. Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, known for its modern skyline, rich history, and the famous Panama Canal. It’s a key hub in Central America and offers a dynamic mix of business opportunities and cultural experiences.

Can you leave Tocumen Airport (PTY) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Tocumen Airport (PTY) during a layover if your connection is long enough and you clear immigration. Panama allows visitors from many countries visa-free stays up to 90 days. Travelers from countries without exemptions must obtain a Panamanian tourist visa prior to travel through an embassy or consulate. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Airport Observation Deck Enjoy panoramic runway and city views from the airport’s observation deck, complete with binocular stations and comfortable seating for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Inside terminal, walking.)
• Spa & Wellness Center Unwind between flights with a rejuvenating massage or facial at the airport’s spa, featuring expert therapists, aromatic treatments, sauna facilities, and relaxation lounges to de-stress before your journey. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Inside terminal, walking.)
• Duty-Free Shopping Spree Indulge in tax-free shopping with international cosmetics, premium spirits, electronics, and designer goods at duty-free boutiques offering exclusive deals and friendly service just steps from your gate. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Inside terminal, walking.)
• Bistro El Trapiche Savor authentic Panamanian flavors like sancocho and ceviche at El Trapiche, an airport bistro highlighting regional ingredients and traditional recipes for a quick cultural bite. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Inside terminal, Gate 7 area.)
• Tocumen Mall Excursion Explore Tocumen Mall’s diverse shops, restaurants, and cinema, enjoying local cuisine, souvenir stores, family-friendly amenities, and modern conveniences at Panama’s largest regional shopping center just outside the airport for a quick outing. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 5 minutes or public bus.)
• Miraflores Locks Visitor Center Watch massive vessels transit the Panama Canal, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy timed presentations showcasing this incredible engineering marvel at the official visitor center. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 35 minutes.)
• Casco Viejo Walking Tour Wander UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo’s colorful streets, colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and waterfront promenades, stopping at cafés, galleries, and rooftop bars for an immersive cultural experience. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 45 minutes.)
• Amador Causeway Scenic Ride Bike or stroll along the Amador Causeway, enjoying stunning skyline vistas, ocean breezes, outdoor art installations, and access to the Biomuseo and waterfront dining for a refreshing layover adventure. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes.)

Things to Do in Tocumen Airport (PTY)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Tocumen International features two main lounges—Copa Club and PMI Lounge—offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, and shower facilities. Both lounges are accessible to business-class travelers, loyalty-program members, and via pay-per-use passes. They provide a quiet retreat from bustling terminals with extended opening hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Inside the airport complex, the Hotel Riande Aeropuerto offers day-use rooms and full overnight stays just steps from the terminal. Nearby, several airport hotels—including the Holiday Inn Express and Courtyard by Marriott—provide 24-hour shuttle service, comfortable rooms, dining options, and business centers ideal for layovers or overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Tocumen offers designated rest zones with reclining loungers and privacy pods in both terminals. Quiet corners equipped with charging stations, ambient lighting, and low partitions allow travelers to nap and recharge. These rest areas operate free of charge, though space is limited and can fill up quickly during peak travel periods.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi (“Tocumen Wi-Fi”) is available throughout all public areas. Simply select the network, accept terms and conditions, and enjoy unlimited browsing for two hours; after that, you can reconnect. The signal is generally strong in departure halls and gates, making it easy to stream, work, or stay in touch.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple kiosks and vending machines sell prepaid SIM cards from local operators (Claro, Movistar) in the arrivals hall. Packages include voice, text, and data bundles with 4G/LTE coverage nationwide. eSIM activation is also supported; present your passport, choose a plan, and your profile will be remotely provisioned within minutes. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Tocumen Airport (PTY) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Authorized airport taxis operate from the official taxi stand outside Arrivals. Fixed fares to Panama City and nearby areas are posted at the counter; payment is by cash (USD) or card. Licensed drivers offer airport-approved rates, 24-hour service, and metered local trips. Prepaid tickets ensure transparent pricing and quick dispatch.

Train: (more info) Currently, there is no direct train connection to Tocumen Airport. The nearest Metro Line 2 station at San Miguelito can be reached by taxi or bus. Future plans include an airport rail link, but until then, travelers rely on road-based transfers to connect with Panama City’s metro network.

Bus: (more info) Public MiBus routes 301 and 310 serve Tocumen Airport, connecting to Albrook bus terminal and key urban districts. Buses run every 20–30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Fares are paid on board with contactless fare cards. Routes are reliable, affordable, and drop passengers at the terminal’s curbside stops.

Shuttle: Many airport and city hotels run complimentary shuttle services to Tocumen’s terminals. Shared-ride shuttles can be booked in advance, offering door-to-door service across Panama City. Private shuttle operators also offer fixed-price transfers for individuals and groups, with online reservations and English-speaking drivers available 24 hours a day.

Car rentals: Major international brands—Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Dollar—maintain counters within the Arrivals hall. Travelers can book online or at the desk for daily or hourly rentals. Vehicles range from compact economy cars to SUVs. Rental desks offer optional GPS, child seats, and insurance packages to suit varied trip requirements. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Tocumen provides short- and long-term parking near both terminals. Covered and outdoor lots offer hourly, daily, and monthly rates. Valet parking is available at the premium lot close to the main entrance. All areas are monitored by CCTV and security patrols. Online reservations guarantee space and discounted rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage lockers at Tocumen. Instead, several private porter services and left-luggage counters in the Arrivals hall will securely store bags by the piece or size for hourly and daily rates. All items are tagged, insured, and accessible during terminal opening hours. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tocumen Airport (PTY) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks