Traveling from Tampa to Panama City: what you need to know
Tampa's main base, Tampa International Airport (TPA), is where many unforgettable trips begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Tampa to Panama City.
Arrive in Panama City at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB).
Around 3 hours 25 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Tampa to Panama City flight.
Panama City is one hour behind Tampa and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
With ten flights a week between the two airports, Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Tampa to Panama City with Copa Airlines at 14:19. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest flight from TPA to PTY is with Copa Airlines at 17:32.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Tampa to Panama City flight.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Panama City
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Tampa to Panama City is $161. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $379. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
Lock in cheap Tampa to Panama City flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Tampa to Panama City is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Getting a cheap flight from Tampa to Panama City is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Tampa to Panama City flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Tampa to Panama City, you can depart from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Get from TPA to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) without any stops.
Be on the lookout for promotions with Copa Airlines. This carrier offers direct Tampa to Panama City plane tickets from TPA.
The journey from central Tampa to TPA takes about 55 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometers in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Tampa International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Tampa to Panama City, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Tampa International Airport, data shows 78.59% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find TPA at 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 16 kilometers from the center of Panama City. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel near PTY if you have a late flight from Tampa to Panama City. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and explore beyond Panama City's usual tourist stops.
To get the lowest price, book your ride from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks in advance of your Tampa to Panama City flight.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
After your flight from Tampa to Panama City has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city center in about 5 minutes by car. Central Panama City is approximately 2 kilometers from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 25 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near BLB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Tampa to Panama City:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Check out the rates and availability from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Make your way to the city center after your flight from Tampa to Panama City has arrived. Central Panama City is around 11 kilometers from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to get there in a car.
Start your journey without stressing over how to arrive at your destination with a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with trusted suppliers here like Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
About one week ahead of your flight from Tampa to Panama City is a good time to book your vehicle from BLB. You're more likely to get a better rate or catch some early booking discounts.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from Tampa to Panama City, while June is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to visit Panama City based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Tampa to Panama City tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
February has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Search for cheap flights from Tampa to Panama City around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
More about Panama City
Once you've booked your flight from Tampa to Panama City, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Panama City:
Panama Canal Museum and Casco Viejo are just the start of the big attractions to put on your Panama City must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
San Miguelito is just one of the many places in Panama waiting to be explored after you've experienced Panama City. Around 6 kilometers to the north, top sights here include Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo, IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel.
If you're ready to explore another major destination in Panama, consider Juan Díaz, about 11 kilometers north-east of Panama City. Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur are among the biggest draws.
