Travelling from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Mexico City: what you need to know
Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City.
Mexico City is one hour behind Panama City, where Tocumen International Airport is located. Mexico City follows the UTC-6 timezone.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is the most popular route, with 48 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from PTY to MEX is with Copa Airlines at 22:19. Choose the first departure operated by Copa Airlines at 09:11 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your PTY to Mexico City flight.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City ticket. Start your journey at PTY and land at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
Be on the lookout for promotions from Aeromexico. This airline operates direct flights from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper plane ticket from PTY to Mexico City. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Located around 18 kilometres from the centre of Panama City, PTY can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near PTY:
Tocumen International Airport gets top marks for on-time performance. 86.03% of flights that take off from PTY arrive at their destination without delay.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Mexico City
The best price we've found for a one-way Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City flight is 184 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 271 €. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from PTY to Mexico City by booking six months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for picking up cheap Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
You don't need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from PTY to Mexico City.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is around 8 kilometres from central Mexico City. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near MEX:
Pick up a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car and discover Mexico City and beyond with your own wheels. INFINITY RENT, MEX and America are top outlets you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Benito Juarez International Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from PTY to Mexico City can help you get the lowest rate.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Central Mexico City is around 40 kilometres from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU). Once your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 55 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 45 minutes.
There are some fantastic accommodation options within an easy drive of NLU. Shift into relaxation gear at Verticca Hotel after your PTY to Mexico City flight.
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Europcar, MEX and Keddy By Europcar.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at NLU will save you money.
Best time to go to Mexico City
Plan your trip to Mexico City during the high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Lock in a Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City plane ticket with a departure in April if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 10ºC (50ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from PTY to Mexico City in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF) on average.
More about Mexico City
After booking your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Mexico City, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Mexico City:
Chapultepec Park and Zocalo are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Mexico City must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at National Museum of Anthropology.
Explore more of Mexico
Mexico City is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of Mexico waiting to be discovered. Around 467 kilometres west of Mexico City, a visit to Guadalajara will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like Teatro Degollado, Portales Tlaquepaque Park and Zoologico Guadalajara.
Around 105 kilometres south-east of Mexico City, Puebla is another favourite stop in Mexico. Start your sightseeing at Mirador de Los Fuertes, Cuexcomate and Street of Candies.