Travelling from Panama City to Istanbul: what you need to know
Panama City has two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for booking a flight from Panama City to Istanbul departing from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB).
Step off your plane in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Around 12 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Panama City to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul eight hours ahead of Panama City.
With ten flights a week between the two airports, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Panama City to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 18:55. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from PTY to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 21:55.
To ensure you board your Panama City to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like June, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Istanbul
Book four months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Panama City to Istanbul flights.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Panama City to Istanbul is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Panama City to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Find an affordable Panama City to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Panama City to Istanbul, you can depart from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Fly from PTY to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one seamless trip.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Panama City to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from PTY.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Panama City to Istanbul flights leaving from Tocumen International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
PTY is about 18 kilometres from central Panama City. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
After an easy start to your journey? Stay near Tocumen International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Panama City to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Tocumen International Airport has a strong on-time record, making delays less likely. Departures from PTY arrive on schedule 86.03% of the time.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
The drive from central Panama City to BLB usually takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It's roughly 11 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Panama City to Istanbul? Check in to a hotel near Panama Pacifico Airport before your holiday officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
Most flights that depart Panama Pacifico Airport reach their destination as expected. It maintains a strong on-time performance rate of 87%.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Panama City to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 31 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Following your flight from Panama City to Istanbul, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Panama City to Istanbul:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will save you money.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Panama City to Istanbul. To skip the crowds, visit Istanbul in February.
Lock in a Panama City to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Panama City to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Panama City to Istanbul, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep your itinerary busy. Check out popular attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience major highlights starting with Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.
