Flying from Medellin to Panama City: what you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Medellin. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Medellin to Panama City jetting off from here.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's primary gateways.
Take a direct Medellin to Panama City flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
Medellin and Panama City follow the same timezone, UTC-5.
The most popular route for flights from Medellin to Panama City is Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to {"defaultCase":"Tocumen International Airport","accusativeCase":"Tocumen International Airport","nominativeCase":"Tocumen International Airport","dativeCase":"Tocumen International Airport"} (PTY). Pick from 72 services between these two airports each week.
To ensure you catch your Medellin to Panama City flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You'll likely experience longer queues in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Medellin to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Medellin to Panama City is ر.ق. 413. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ر.ق. 639. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Score cheap Medellin to Panama City flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for landing great bargains on plane tickets from Medellin to Panama City. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Medellin to Panama City by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Medellin to Panama City flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Medellin
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
Start your trip at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE), which has a range of direct flights from Medellin to Panama City. From MDE, you can fly nonstop to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB).
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Medellin to Panama City plane tickets out of MDE. Reserve your trip with one of these:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing Medellin to Panama City flights departing from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Palonegro International Airport (BGA)
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)
To get to MDE from central Medellin, it'll take about 35 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 18 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Medellin to Panama City, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, 69.76% land on time at their destination.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to PTY if you're coming in on a late flight from Medellin to Panama City. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Fast-track 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 main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is around 2 kilometres from central Panama City. Once you've disembarked your flight from Medellin to Panama City, it'll take you approximately 5 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 25 minutes or so.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near BLB. Settle in and get cosy after your Medellin to Panama City flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at PAC will save you money.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Hop off your flight from Medellin to Panama City and go directly to your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Panama City is around 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach driving.
Whether you want a mini for solo travel or a roomy SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available here from companies such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from BLB around one week ahead of your flight from Medellin to Panama City. This gives you a better shot at getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Medellin to Panama City. June is the busiest month to visit Panama City. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC and 32ºC. Lock in your Medellin to Panama City ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Medellin to Panama City in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. 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 most popular stays in Panama City right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Medellin to Panama City:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are major attractions which should be on any good Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
You've done Panama City, now it's time to explore other corners of Panama. Travel around 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.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Panama, head for Juan Díaz, about 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City. Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur are key highlights.
