Travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City: what you need to know
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is Rio de Janeiro's main airport. Explore your options for booking a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City jetting off from here.
Touch down in Panama City at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Balboa Airport (BLB).
Around 7 hours 10 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flight.
The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5, which is two hours behind Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 18 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 11:00. Choose the first GIG to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 01:21 to fit in more activities on your first day in Panama City.
To ensure you don't miss your Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as December, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City
Booking in advance is often the key to locking in a cheap Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City across every month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
You can catch a direct flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City departing from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG). Start your trip at GIG and touch down at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Rio de Janeiro to Panama City plane tickets from GIG.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flights leaving from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Bogota Airport (BOG)
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE)
Located around 13 kilometres from central Rio de Janeiro, GIG can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Have an early flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport:
79% of flights taking off from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport arrive at their destination on time.
Arriving in Panama City
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City takes around 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 50 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Panama City Tocumen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and experience the lesser-explored corners of Panama City and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Panama City Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead of your departure.
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC)
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC) is approximately 5 kilometres from central Panama City. Explore your options for heading into town after your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City has touched down.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near PAC. Settle in and get cosy after your Rio de Janeiro to Panama City flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting forever for a taxi. Pick up a Panama City Paitilla Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Balboa Airport (BLB)
Balboa Airport (BLB) is about 5 kilometres from central Panama City. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the city centre by car once you've hopped off your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City.
Public transport will get you there in around 20 minutes.
Whether you're looking for a zippy compact for a solo trip or a spacious SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Balboa Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
Get a payoff by planning ahead. Book your vehicle from BLB one week before your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City to access the best deals.
Best time to go to Panama City
March is the quietest month for flights from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City, while July is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to go to Panama City based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Rio de Janeiro to Panama City tickets, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Panama City, check out our range of accommodation options including:
San Felipe and Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Panama City to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Independence Square.