Flying from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL): What you need to know
There are a couple of airports you can fly out of in Panama City. Explore your options departing from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) when planning your flight from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL).
2 hours 5 minutes is the average duration of a direct Panama City to El Salvador International Airport flight.
San Salvador is one hour behind Panama City. El Salvador International Airport is located in San Salvador, which runs on the UTC-6 timezone.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) is the most popular route. There are 39 direct departures a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, take the last flight with Copa Airlines at 10:28pm. Opt for the first PTY to SAL departure with Copa Airlines at 7:29am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your flight from Panama City to SAL.
If you're flying during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. Get there two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Get there in one go from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Nonstop flights from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) can be booked from here.
Copa Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct flights from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport jetting out of PTY.
The preferred choice for passengers flying between PTY and SAL is Copa Airlines.
Copa Airlines is the most consistent performer for punctuality on this route.
PTY is around 21 kilometres from central Panama City. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Have an early flight from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by staying at one of these hotels close to Tocumen International Airport:
Tocumen International Airport has an excellent on-time record, making delays less likely. Departures from PTY make it to their destination as scheduled 86.03% of the time.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
PAC is about 2 kilometres from central Panama City. It'll take 5 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Flying off with the first light? You might like to check in to one of these hotels near Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport the day before your Panama City to SAL flight:
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
You can reserve a plane ticket from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) leaving from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) with a stopover. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is a popular connection point.
On your way to BLB from central Panama City? The airport is located around 16 kilometres away, and getting there takes about 20 minutes by car.
Skip the rush on your departure day — stay close to Panama Pacifico Airport and know you'll be at your gate with time to spare. Get settled at one of these hotels the day before if you've booked an early Panama City to El Salvador International Airport flight:
BLB has a reliable on-time arrivals rating of 86.75%, so there's a high chance your flight will stay on schedule and get to your destination as expected.
About El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these options near SAL:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an El Salvador International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Budget, Fox - Rent A Car or Europcar and experience the lesser-explored corners of San Salvador and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your ride around two weeks ahead of your Panama City to El Salvador International Airport flight.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport is 121 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 212 €. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
Lock in cheap flights from Panama City to SAL by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap Panama City to El Salvador International Airport tickets is January. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Panama City to SAL couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Chase down a great fare on a flight from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
February is the quietest month for flights from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport (SAL), while August is the most popular. Work out the best time to go to San Salvador based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Panama City to SAL plane ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in San Salvador, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 18ºC (64ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF).
More about San Salvador
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in San Salvador right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Panama City to El Salvador International Airport:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Volcan San Salvador, Centro Histórico de San Salvador and Museo Nacional de Antropologia are must-do's during your San Salvador adventure.
Explore more of El Salvador
San Salvador will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of El Salvador just waiting to be discovered. Around 129 kilometres east of San Salvador, a trip to La Union will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Parque Central, Familia Park and Monumento al Soldado.
Around 80 kilometres east of San Salvador, San Rafael Oriente is another favourite stop in El Salvador. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Plaza del Barrio la Merced, Municipal Park and Infantil De San José Park.
