Panama’s Transportation Choices

Panama's Modern Transportation System: A Comprehensive Overview

Panama's transportation system has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with improvements made both in Panama City and across the countryside. From the bustling streets of the capital to the rural roads in the mountains and coastal areas, Panama offers a range of options for getting around, balancing modern infrastructure with its traditional forms of transport, like the Diablos Rojos (Red Devils).

 

Here’s an overview of Panama’s transportation system as it stands today, including options for urban mobility in Panama City, as well as rural and intercity transport.

 

The Diablos Rojos are converted American school buses, originally imported from the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. After their school service life in the U.S., these buses were sold off and brought to Panama, where they were transformed into the colorful, eye-catching vehicles that many Panamanians use for public transportation today.

 

Distinctive Features: The buses are easily recognizable due to their eye-catching paint jobs, which often feature bright colors like red, blue, yellow, and green. The designs are sometimes adorned with religious or political symbols, images of Panamanian culture, or popular figures. The buses also frequently have elaborate decorations on the interior, including murals, streamers, and other types of artwork that reflect the personal style of the bus owners and drivers.

 

Iconic Name: The term "Diablo Rojo" came about due to their bright red color and their somewhat chaotic nature on the road. Drivers of these buses are known for their aggressive driving style, often weaving in and out of traffic, which has contributed to the "devilish" reputation.

​

The Diablos Rojos are an affordable means of transportation, costing just a few cents per ride. This makes them particularly popular among workers, students, and people traveling short distances in Panama City or in rural areas.

​​

Metrobus System (Buses)

The Metrobus system is the backbone of public transit in Panama City. Introduced in 2010, the system is affordable, efficient, and covers a vast area of the city, connecting major neighborhoods, commercial centers, and transportation hubs.

​

Panama Metro (Subway)

The Panama Metro is a modern and efficient subway system that serves Panama City, which is increasingly becoming the urban hub of the country. The metro’s development has significantly improved urban mobility by providing a reliable and fast alternative to buses.

​

• Metro Lines: Currently, there are two operational lines:

  • Line 1: This line connects Albrook (near the main airport and the city’s bus terminal) to Los Andes in the north. It serves busy areas, including downtown Panama City, and is essential for commuters traveling to work or school.

• • Line 2: Opened in 2019, Line 2 extends from the eastern part of the city in San Miguelito to the Panama Pacifico area, improving access to the airport and other important districts.

​

​

Uber and Yellow Cabs in Panama: Comparing Two Popular Transportation Options

In Panama City, as in many other major cities worldwide, residents and visitors have a variety of transportation choices, with Uber and yellow cabs being two of the most commonly used options. While both services offer the convenience of on-demand transportation, they differ in several ways, including their availability, pricing, convenience, and general user experience.

​