Travelling from Tampa to Panama City: what you need to know
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is Tampa's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Tampa to Panama City jetting off from here.
Arrive in Panama City at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Balboa Airport (BLB).
Hop on a direct Tampa to Panama City flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 3 hours 20 minutes.
Tampa and Panama City are both in the UTC-5 timezone. This means you won't have to adjust your watch after you land.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 12 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Tampa to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 17:32. Choose the first TPA to PTY departure operated by Copa Airlines at 14:19 to make the most of your arrival in Panama City.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Tampa to Panama City flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Panama City
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap Tampa to Panama City flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Tampa to Panama City.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Tampa to Panama City by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Tampa to Panama City flights.
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Take off from Tampa International Airport (TPA) on a nonstop flight from Tampa to Panama City. From TPA, you can fly straight to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Lock in your Tampa to Panama City plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from TPA.
TPA is around 8 kilometres from central Tampa. If you're catching a taxi, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near Tampa International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Tampa to Panama City or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
78% of flights that depart Tampa International Airport land at their destination on time.
The address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Panama City
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The distance from Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City is roughly 18 kilometres. It takes around 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Tampa to Panama City, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near PTY:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Panama City Tocumen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and venture far and wide through Panama City and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Panama City Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC)
Central Panama City is approximately 5 kilometres from Panama City Paitilla Airport (PAC). Step off your flight from Tampa to Panama City and then keep a lookout for any airport signs directing you to the city centre.
After your flight from Tampa to Panama City, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to PAC. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long taxi queues. Pick up a Panama City Paitilla Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Snap up the best price by reserving your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Balboa Airport (BLB)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Tampa to Panama City has touched down. Central Panama City is about 5 kilometres from Balboa Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 10 minutes to get to by car.
The journey takes roughly 20 minutes when travelling on public transport.
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next leg of your journey with a Balboa Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty are some companies you can book with.
Around one week before your flight from Tampa to Panama City is the ideal time to book your vehicle from BLB. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or score some early bird savings.
Best time to go to Panama City
July is the busiest month for flights from Tampa to Panama City. To skip the crowds, head to Panama City in March.
When booking your Tampa to Panama City tickets, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 32ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Tampa to Panama City in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 31ºC on average.
More about Panama City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Panama City right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Tampa to Panama City:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. San Felipe, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient and Independence Square are top sights which should be on any well-planned Panama City itinerary.