Travelling from Mexico City to Panama City: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll board your flight from Mexico City to Panama City. Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) are Mexico City's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the chief entry points.
Around 3 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Mexico City to Panama City flight.
Panama City is one hour ahead of Mexico City and is in the UTC-5 timezone.
With 48 weekly flights between the two airports, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Mexico City to Panama City with Copa Airlines at 01:20. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from MEX to PTY is with Copa Airlines at 15:35.
To ensure you make it on your Mexico City to Panama City flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Mexico City to Panama City
Book seven months before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Mexico City to Panama City flights.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Mexico City to Panama City is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Mexico City to Panama City couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Mexico City to Panama City flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
If you're after a direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City, you can depart from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Fly from MEX to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in one continuous trip.
Copa Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct Mexico City to Panama City plane tickets leaving from MEX.
We make it a cinch to book a Mexico City to Panama City flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Travelling from central Mexico City to MEX takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Benito Juarez International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Mexico City to Panama City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Benito Juarez International Airport maintains a strong on-time performance, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from MEX land on schedule 80.91% of the time.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU)
You can catch a direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City departing from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU). Start your journey at NLU and touch down at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines offers direct Mexico City to Panama City plane tickets from NLU. Book your favourite window seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Mexico City to Panama City flight, check out these options when setting off from Felipe Ángeles International Airport:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
NLU is about 32 kilometres from central Mexico City. It'll take 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Prepare for your flight from Mexico City to Panama City by booking a place to stay close to Felipe Ángeles International Airport. Verticca Hotel is one option where you can get up and get to the airport with time to spare.
68% of all departures from Felipe Ángeles International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Mexico City to Panama City. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and explore beyond Panama City's usual tourist stops.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks before your departure date.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is roughly 2 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. Following your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, it'll take you approximately 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 25 minutes or so.
After your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, unwind at a hotel close to BLB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride three weeks before your arrival at PAC will save you money.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Mexico City to Panama City has arrived. Central Panama City is about 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to get to by car.
Be in control of the next chapter of your journey with a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty are dependable companies for booking.
If you're searching for a specific kind of vehicle, book your ride from BLB around one week ahead of your flight from Mexico City to Panama City. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you want, along with a better deal.
Best time to go to Panama City
June is the most popular month for flights from Mexico City to Panama City. To escape the crowds, visit Panama City in February.
Lock in a Mexico City to Panama City ticket departing in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Panama City to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Mexico City to Panama City in February if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF) on average.
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are highlights which should feature on any good Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
You've visited Panama City, now it's time to explore other corners of Panama. Travel about 6 kilometres north to San Miguelito to tick off its leading sights. From Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo to IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City, Juan Díaz is another essential stop in Panama. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.
