Travelling from Sao Paulo to Panama City: what you need to know
Sao Paulo is home to a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) or Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP).
Arrive in Panama City at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Balboa Airport (BLB).
Jump on a direct Sao Paulo to Panama City flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 6 hours 50 minutes.
Panama City's timezone is UTC-5, making Panama City two hours behind Sao Paulo.
The most popular route for flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City is from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY). There are 36 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from GRU to PTY is the 01:25 Copa Airlines service. If you prefer to travel later, the final scheduled service is at 11:20 with Copa Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Sao Paulo to Panama City flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month such as July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City
Score cheap Sao Paulo to Panama City flights by booking four months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for finding a bargain.
September is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Sao Paulo to Panama City. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you as soon as there's a better deal on cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Sao Paulo to Panama City flights.
Flying from Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
You can get a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU). Start your journey at GRU and land at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Sao Paulo to Panama City plane tickets from GRU.
We make it a cinch to book a Sao Paulo to Panama City flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight offering a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Bogota Airport (BOG)
Lima Airport (LIM)
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE)
Located around 21 kilometres from the centre of Sao Paulo, GRU can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights leaving Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport, 71% land on time at their destination.
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP)
VCP is about 80 kilometres from central Sao Paulo. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport the day before your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City:
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport has an on-time performance rate of 74%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that depart from this airport land on time.
Arriving in Panama City
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there on public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to PTY if you have a late flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Travel at your own speed with a Panama City Tocumen International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and experience more of Panama City and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Panama City Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC)
Central Panama City is around 5 kilometres from Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC). Step off your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City and then keep an eye out for any airport signs that'll help you get to the centre.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near PAC. Kick back after your Sao Paulo to Panama City flight at any of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Panama City Paitilla Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Thrifty, Avis or Alamo and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at PAC can get you a lower rate.
Balboa Airport (BLB)
Balboa Airport (BLB) is around 5 kilometres from central Panama City. It'll take you about 10 minutes to reach the city centre by car after your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City.
If you go by public transport, the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Stay in control of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Balboa Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty make getting on the road effortless.
Plan ahead and pocket the savings. Book your ride from BLB one week before your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City for the best deals.
Best time to go to Panama City
March is the quietest month for flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City, while July is the most popular. Find the best time to visit Panama City based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Sao Paulo to Panama City tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 32ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 31ºC. Search for cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Panama City around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Panama City
After booking your flight from Sao Paulo to Panama City, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Panama City:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. San Felipe, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient and Independence Square are attractions you won't want to skip in Panama City.




