Layover in Panama City: What to Do in Half a Day

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If you’re planning to visit Chile, Argentina, or Brazil, there’s a good chance your flight will include a stopover in Panama — often lasting more than 8 hours. That means you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a layover tour in one of the most vibrant capitals in Latin America: Panama City!

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In this guide, we’ll share useful information about the city — how to get around, what to see, and what to keep in mind before you arrive — so you can make the most of your time and turn your layover into an unforgettable experience.

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Panama has one main airport for international flights — Tocumen International Airport (PTY) — located on the east side of the city, about 35 minutes from downtown Panama City without traffic and about 1 hour during rush hour (6 to 9 am). The airport has two terminals, connected by a free shuttle service that runs regularly between them. If you’re flying with Copa Airlines, you’ll usually arrive and exit through Terminal 2. However, depending on your connection or if you’re traveling light with just a carry-on, you might sometimes use Terminal 1 instead.

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Panama is considered one of the safest countries in Central America, and Panama City is generally very secure for travelers. You don’t need to worry about petty crime in the main tourist areas — just use normal precautions as you would in any major city.

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🚢 The Panama Canal – A Must-See Attraction

One of Panama’s main attractions is, of course, the Panama Canal — one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. The best place to experience it up close is at the Miraflores Visitor Center, located about 22 miles (35 km) from Tocumen International Airport.

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The center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission costs $17.22 for adults and $7.22 for children ages 6 to 12. Here, you can watch massive ships crossing the locks, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the Canal’s fascinating history and global importance.

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Unfortunately, you won’t always see ships passing through the locks at Miraflores. Ships usually transit early in the morning between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM, but with ongoing renovations, timing can be unpredictable. Before purchasing your tickets online, it’s a good idea to check with your tour guide or company to make sure you’ll arrive at the right time.

 

For most layover tours, the best window to visit is between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Keep in mind that the Canal schedule is not tied to tourism, and weather or operational delays can affect ship arrivals — it’s always based on probability.

 

Experienced guides know alternatives: if no ships are at Miraflores, they can take you to Pedro Miguel Locks, a smaller canal site and an alternative viewing point. It is not a visitor center, but if no ships are passing through the Miraflores Locks during your visit, our guide may take you to Pedro Miguel instead, where ships may sometimes pass earlier than expected. This gives you an additional opportunity to see vessels transiting the Panama Canal. The area is separated from the canal by a fence, so the view is more limited than at the Miraflores Visitor Center. ​​​​

 

The Amador Causeway is one of the most scenic stops in Panama City, offering a wonderful combination of ocean views, city landscapes, and local attractions. During your visit, you can admire the striking exterior of the Biomuseo, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, and enjoy panoramic views of the Panama City skyline and the Pacific Ocean. One of the most popular photo opportunities is the colorful Panama sign at Flamenco Marina, a perfect spot to capture memorable vacation photos. The Causeway is also an excellent place to stop for lunch, with several good restaurants offering a variety of local and international options, including Sirena and Bucanero.A typical meal costs approximately $12 to $25 per person, depending on what you order. We recommend allowing approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes for lunch, depending on the restaurant, your order, and how busy the location is.

 

Whether you’re looking to take photos, enjoy the views, or relax over a meal by the water, Amador is a highlight of any Panama City tour​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Continuing the tour, we’ll drive along Cinta Costera 3, a scenic coastal road offering panoramic views of Panama City’s modern skyline, the bay, and some of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the Fish Market, a lively local spot where you can experience the daily activity of Panama’s seafood trade and see a more authentic side of the city. From there, we’ll head to Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s historic old town, for a walking tour through its charming streets and beautiful colonial architecture. As you explore the historic plazas, churches, and colorful buildings, your guide will share stories about Panama’s fascinating history and cultural heritage. Casco Antiguo is also a great place to browse local souvenir shops, discover handmade crafts, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Panama City’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Please keep in mind that travel time from Casco Antiguo to the airport can take approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic. For this reason, we recommend asking your driver to park outside Casco Antiguo in a safe, convenient area rather than driving deep into the historic district. This will make it easier and faster to continue your journey to the airport.​

 

Always carry your passport with you during the tour. Do not leave your passport or other important travel documents inside the vehicle. Panama is generally a safe destination, but it is always better to take simple precautions and keep your valuables with you.​

 

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport approximately 2 hours before your international flight. However, since you are a transit passenger and may only have carry-on luggage, the process of leaving Panama can often be quicker than for passengers beginning their journey here. Nevertheless, we always recommend allowing enough time for traffic, airport procedures, and any unexpected delays so you can return to the airport comfortably and without stress.​

 

Requirements to travel to Panamá

Information updated July 2025​

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- A passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of entry.​

- A return ticket to the home country or onward destination.

- Sometimes immigration officers ask for proof of economic solvency, which means that you should have $500 in cash or its equivalent, a credit card, or a bank statement. It is to show them not to turn it over.

- For more information about requirements for other nationalities, visit this link: 

https://www.tourismpanama.com/plan-your-trip/travel-requirements/ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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