Flying from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Panama City: what you need to know
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is located in San Jose. Following the UTC-5 timezone, Panama City is two hours ahead of San Jose.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your SJC to Panama City flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from SJC to Panama 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 connecting airports:
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
SJC is about 5 kilometres from central San Jose. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near SJC. Whether you're catching an early flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are worth a look:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport maintains a strong on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from SJC land on schedule 84.69% of the time.
SJC is located at 1701 Airport Boulevard, Suite B-1130.
How to find the cheapest flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City flight is $307. The cheapest price for a return flight is $728. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking in advance is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from SJC to Panama City. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when looking for a Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City ticket.
Save time looking for cheap flights from SJC to Panama City by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Find an affordable flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is around 21 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 20 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near PTY:
Pick up a Tocumen International Airport rental car and explore Panama City and beyond with your own set of wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are popular outlets you can book with here.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead of your flight from SJC to Panama City.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is about 2 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. Once you've disembarked your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City, it'll take you around 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 25 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near PAC. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your SJC to Panama City flight:
Thrifty, Avis and Alamo make picking up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car simple. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from PAC three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Hop off your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City and make your way to your hotel or start sightseeing right away. The centre of Panama City is around 16 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and usually takes 20 minutes to reach driving.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your break by choosing a hotel near BLB after your SJC to Panama City flight. Take a load off after a long travel day or just take a moment to find your footing in a new place at:
Whether you'd like a budget-friendly compact for a solo trip or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the types of wheels available from providers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your vehicle from BLB one week before your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City for the best rates.
Best time to go to Panama City
Before booking your flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Panama City offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel deals and smaller crowds.
Lock in a Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City flight ticket with a departure in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 21ºC to 32ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from SJC to Panama City in February if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 31ºC on average.
More about Panama City
After booking your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to Panama City, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Panama City:
Casco Viejo and Panama Canal Museum are just two of the big attractions to put on your Panama City itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
You've seen Panama City, now it's time to explore more of Panama. Journey around 322 kilometres west to David to check off its top sights. From Parque Cervantes to Altos del Rio Park and Coquito Hills Park, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in Panama, head for Santiago de Veraguas, roughly 193 kilometres south-west of Panama City. Santiago the Apostle Cathedral, Santiago de Veraguas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and La Placita San Juan De Dios are among its highlights.
