Tocumen International Airport Panama (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport proudly bears the title of “The Hub of the Americas,” serving as the gateway to Panama. As the largest airport in Panama and one of the busiest in Central America, Tocumen International facilitates seamless travel for millions each year, embodying a blend of modernity and efficiency. Serves as the headquarters of Copa Airlines, the official airline of Panama. In 2023, set a new record, mobilizing 17.8 million passengers, leaving behind the 16.5 million registered in 2019. It is a testament to aviation excellence with state-of-the-art facilities, two expansive terminals, and a comprehensive range of services.
Airport photos
Airport code
The IATA code PTY and the ICAO code MPTO identify the Tocumen International Airport in Panama. These codes are crucial for air traffic control, airlines, and passengers to recognize and navigate this airport easily.
Location
The airport is 13 miles east of the country’s capital, Panama City. The address is Avenida Domingo Díaz, Panama, Panama.
Skytrax certified ratings
Tocumen International Airport is certified as a 3-Star Regional Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, and staff service.
Terminals
The Panama International Airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1, often called the main terminal, has long been the heart of operations. The newer Terminal 2, a significant addition to the airport’s capacity, further elevates Tocumen’s status on the global aviation stage.
| Terminal | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Aerogal, Air Canada, Air Europa, American Airlines, Avianca, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta, Iberia, Laser Airlines, Sunrise Airways, Turkish Airlines, Venezolana |
| Terminal 2 | Air France, Copa Airlines, KLM, United |
Airlines and destinations
| Airline | Flights to/from |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | Toronto |
| Air Europa | Madrid |
| Air France | Paris |
| Avianca | Bogota, Boston, Cancun, Dallas-Forth Worth, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, Los Angeles, Managua, Mexico City, New York, Oakland, Ontario CA, Panama City, Quito, San Francisco, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Toronto, Washington DC |
| American Airlines | Miami |
| Copa Airlines | Asuncion, Atlanta, Barranquilla, Belize City, Belo Horizonte, Boston, Bogota, Brasilia, Bridgetown, Bucaramanga, Buenos Aires, Cali, Cancun, Caracas, Cartagena, Chicago, Chiclayo, Cordoba, Cucuta, Curacao, David, Denver, Guadalajara, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, Havana, Kingston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Lima, Managua, Manaus, Manta, Medellin, Mendoza, Mexico City, Miami, Montego Bay, Monterrey, Montevideo, Nassau, New York, Oranjedstad, Orlando, Paramaribo, Pereira, Port of Spain, Punta Cana, Punta Caucedo, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, San Andres, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador, Santa Cruz, Santa Marta, Santiago, Sao Paulo, St. Maarten, Tampa, Tegucigalpa, Toronto, Valencia, Washington DC, Zanderij |
| Delta Airlines | Atlanta |
| Iberia | Madrid |
| KLM | Amsterdam |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul |
| United Airlines | Houston |
Arrivals
Panama Entry Requirements
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months, on the date of obtaining the visa
- Tourist visa, authorized as the case may be.
- Ticket or return trip to the country of origin or continuation of the trip.
- Required financial solvency must not be a minimum of five hundred balboas ($500.00) or its equivalent in credit card, bank reference, employment letter, or traveler’s checks, or according to the nationality where another amount is required.
- Sometimes, the immigration inspector may request a payment voucher from the hotel where you will stay.
Migración Fast Pass
Migración Fast Pass is a program aimed exclusively at Panamanian travelers aged 15 and over who have a digital passport and join the system. Those registered in MFP can reduce the time they spend waiting at the immigration area at the Tocumen Airport.
Departures
Baggage services
Secure Wrap is the world leader in passenger baggage protection services, specializing in checked baggage security. Services provided: baggage wrapping, re-wrapping, weighing, tracking, accessories and other. Business hours are from 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily (00:30 am in high season). Customer service 24/7 by telephone at (305) 423-0164, toll-free at 1 (866) 598-4264, by email at [email protected], or https://www.securewrap.com/.
Check-in
It’s recommended to arrive at the airport in plenty of time before the flight, as there may be long lines and security checks to complete. For international flights, check-in time is often 2-3 hours before departure, while for domestic flights, it’s usually 1-2 hours before departure. Remember that check-in times may differ for different airlines, so it’s essential to check with your carrier to confirm the check-in time for your flight.
Panama Exit Requirements
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months, on the date of obtaining the visa
- Valid visa to the destination country (if applicable)
- Boarding pass
- Minors: the child must be accompanied by his mother and father. If not, read the additional requirements.
- Departure tax: the airport charges a fee of $40.00 per person to travelers who leave the country; this is charged when purchasing an air ticket from the airline or its travel agency. All Panamanians or foreigners residing in the national territory, aged 55 or older if they are women and 60 years or older if they are men, retirees, and disability pensioners will enjoy a 50% discount on the airport tax. Children under 2 years old do not pay a fee.
Lost and found
If you lose any of your belongings during your stay at the airport, contact the lost and found office at (507) 238-2938 or write to [email protected]. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. If you require information before/after hours, you can go directly to the Information Center, located on level 200 of the passenger terminal.
Internet access
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible at the airport (Tocumen Free), with a maximum duration of two hours.
Public telephones
Available public telephones diagonal to the immigration controls on level 200, in the duty-free area, and on the outside of level 100.
Banking
- Currency exchange: Banco Nacional de Panama (Level 100)
- ATM: Scotiabank, Banistmo, Davivienda, Global Bank, Banco Panamá, Caja de Ahorros, Banco Nacional de Panamá
- Offices: RedPlus
Reduced mobility
The airport has elevators, bathrooms, signage, parking, and ramps for wheelchairs and other equipment.
Ground Transportation
Ride Apps
Uber is the only taxi app available in Panama at the moment, and it can be used to go to and from the Tocumen Airport.
Airport Shuttle
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Metromall | The Panama Tourism Authority, located at the kiosks inside the airport, offers round-trip transportation services to the Metromall Shopping Center, located approximately 15 minutes from the airport. The service is free in comfortable buses, for passengers transiting through Panama. The opening hours are Monday to Friday From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, it is every 30 minutes. 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm, it’s every hour. Sundays From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hourly. Telephones: 238-3734. More information at https://www.panamashoppingmall.com. |
| Amber Moon Panama Taxi | Amber Moon Panama Taxi Service has offered quality Airport Transportation Services and Tours since 2013. Whatsapp: (507) 6208-9871, E-mail: [email protected], website: https://www.ambermooncab.com. |
| Panama Transfers | If you require airport transportation, our professional and trustworthy drivers are available to provide five-star transfers in Panama, Colon, Playa Bonita, or Playa Blanca via our modern fleet of vehicles. Phone: +1 (844) 422-8942, E-mail: [email protected] |
Taxis
Cooperativa de Transporte Taxi Expreso Tocumen R.L. is the authorized taxi service at the Tocumen International Airport to transport tourists to any part of the country. You can find them after luggage collection.
Rental Car
| Company | Description |
|---|---|
| Ace Rent a Car | Business hours are 24×7. Phone numbers are (877) 822-3872 and (507) 238-3200. The website is https://www.acerentacar.com. |
| Alamo | Business hours are 24×7. Phone numbers are (507) 236-5777, US & CAN Toll-Free: 1 (866) 964-5777, WhatsApp: (507) 6229-4641, website: https://www.alamopanama.com. |
| Arrendadora Economica | Phone: (507) 310-2000, WhatsApp: (507) 6949-4311, website: https://www.arrendadoraeconomica.com. |
| Avis | Business hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Phone: (507) 238-4056, website: https://www.avis.com. |
| Budget | Business hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Phone: (507) 263-8777, WhatsApp: (507) 6674-3333, website: https://www.budgetpanama.com/en. |
| Dollar | Business hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Phone: (507) 270-0355, (507) 800-7368, WhatsApp: (507) 6747-0070, website: https://www.dollarpanama.com. |
| Europcar | Business hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The phone number is (507) 833-6993, and the website is https://www.europcar.com. |
| Express | Business hours are 24×7. Phone: (507) 238-3200, E-mail: [email protected], website: https://expressrentpanama.com. |
| Hertz | Business hours are 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The phone number is (507) 260-0000, and the website is https://www.hertz.com. |
| National | Phone: (507) 275-7222, US & CAN Toll-Free: 1 (866) -961-3133, WhatsApp: (507) 6316-2746, website: https://www.nationalpanama.com. |
| Sixt | Business hours are 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. Website: https://www.sixt.com. |
| Thrifty | Business hours are 24×7. Phone: (507) 238-4955, (507) 204-9550, WhatsApp: (507) 6678-5406, website: https://www.panamathrifty.com. |
Public transportation
The public transportation that tourists can access is the Metro Bus, for which they must purchase a prepaid card before leaving the Airport. Public transport routes that pass through the vicinity of the Tocumen International Airport:
- Tocumen (Ave. Ricardo J. Alfaro, Transístmica / Vía España)
- December 24 (Ave. Ricardo J. Alfaro, Transístmica / Vía España)
- White Pass (Via Spain)
- Felipillo (Via Spain)
- Pacora (Via Spain)
- Chepo (Via Spain)
- All routes have a flat fare of $0.25 each way to any destination.
Metro
You can reach the airport using the Line 2 of El Metro de Panama.
Hotels
Hotels near the airport
| Hotel name | Driving distance/time |
|---|---|
| Crowne Plaza Panama Airport | 0.8 miles, 4 minutes |
| Riande Airport Hotel | 1.4 miles, 5 minutes |
| Express Inn PTY Aeropuerto Internacional Panama | 2.8 miles, 7 minutes |
| Courtyard by Marriott Panama Metromall | 4.9 miles, 11 minutes |
| The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City | 7.3 miles, 13 minutes |
| The Westin Panama | 9.7 miles, 17 minutes |
Hotels in Panama City
VIP Lounges
There are four lounges available at the airport:
Copa Club – Terminal 1
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Terminal 1 International Area, next to gate 130 |
| Hours of operation | Monday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Eligibility | Passengers traveling in Executive Class or Business Class traveling in Copa or on Star Alliance member airlines ConnectMiles Gold passenger entitled to a guest traveling on Copa Airlines ConnectMiles Platinum and Presidential passengers traveling on Copa Airlines with the right to enter with their direct family members (spouses and children under 21 years of age) Passengers with Star Alliance Gold status on international flights with Star Alliance member airlines are entitled to one guest traveling on a Star Alliance flight Passengers traveling on international First Class of Star Alliance member airlines are entitled to one guest traveling on a Star Alliance flight United Club members when traveling on a Star Alliance flight entitled to a guest traveling on a Star Alliance flight KLM and Air France passengers traveling on Business Class on KLM or Air France flights from Panama. KLM and Air France passengers who are members of Flying Blue with a Flying Blue, Platinum, and Gold Elite Plus card traveling on KLM or Air France flights from Panama. Iberia Plus Elite or Infinita passengers traveling on Iberia flights from Panama. Priority Pass and Lounge Key cardholders with no limit on guests per cardholder (person over 2 years of age). Applicable only in Panama, Bogotá, Guatemala and Santo Domingo. Diners Club and Lounge Pass cardholders. Applicable only in Panama, Bogotá, Guatemala and Santo Domingo. Passengers with day passes purchased at the club ($59 per passenger). Applicable only in Panama, Bogotá, and Guatemala. |
| Services and facilities | Different seating areas, TV Room, Internet access Wifi, charging stations, tarmac view, business center, playroom for children, luggage storage, departure boards, toilets, bar (wine, beer, cocktails), snacks, cold and hot food, cold and hot beverages |
Tocumen Royal Saloon
Comfort and exclusivity at the Tocumen International Airport include:
- Frequent Travelers, Families, and Groups
- Medical Tourism
- Reduced mobility
- Executives, corporate and VIP clients
- Elderly Assistance
- Unaccompanied minors
Services
- VIP Lounge: comfort and exclusivity in a quiet and comfortable space to relax before your flight.
- Meet & Assist: guarantees personalized assistance. Available for arrivals, departures, and connections at Tocumen International Airport. A protocol agent will guide you through the diplomatic lines and accompany you through immigration and customs registration.
- Royal Transfer: first-class transfer in quality vehicles and local drivers.
VIP Lounge
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Tocumen International Airport, Terminal 1 level 3 (before the security checkpoint) |
| Hours of operation | Monday through Sunday from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Eligibility | Members of Priority Pass, Dinners Club International, Lounge Pass, and Lounge Key. One-time pass of 4 hours for $35, 8 hours for $40, and 12 hours for $50 (plus 7% tax). Free for children under five. Smart casual dress at all times. |
| Services and facilities | Comfortable and spacious rooms with international and local television. Snack bar, cold and hot drinks, selection of wine and liquor. Copy service, free local calls. |
| Contact | Phone: (507) 6747-1678, WhatsApp |
Meet & Assist
The Meet & Assist service requires a reservation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrivals | Welcome by a VIP Attendant at the gate. Guidance, and expediting through immigration and Customs using priority lines. Luggage collection assistance. Guidance from our agents to your transportation selection. Airport transfer service (with additional charge). Complementary use of the VIP Lounge and its amenities available in Terminal 1. Pricing: $70 per passenger ($52.00 per companion on the same flight). Free for children under five. Price subject to 7% tax. Does not include trunk service. $1.00 per bag. $5.00 per cart. |
| Departures | VIP reception at the entrance of the airport or airline counter. Check-In Assistance. Complementary access to the VIP lounge at Terminal 1. Pricing: $52 per passenger. Free for children under five. Price subject to 7% tax. Does not include trunk service. $1.00 per bag. $5.00 per cart. |
| Connections | Reception at the gate. We coordinate the connecting flight details and accompany you until your boarding begins. Includes use of VIP room at no additional cost to passengers with more than 1 hour of connection time. Pricing: $85 per passenger. Free for children under five. Price subject to 7% tax. Does not include trunk service. $1.00 per bag. $5.00 per cart. |
| Contact | Phone: (507) 6747-1678, WhatsApp |
The Lounge Panama (Operated by Global Lounge Network)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Terminal 1, after the security checkpoint. Walk towards gate section 101-115, the lounge in front of the “Panama Store.” |
| Hours of operation | Monday through Sunday 24/7 |
| Eligibility | Members of Priority Pass, Dinners Club International, Lounge Pass, and Lounge Key. One-time pass of 4 hours for $38 |
| Services and facilities | Seating areas, TV Room, Quiet area, cold and hot food, cold and hot drinks, selection of wine and cocktails, Children’s play area, tarmac view |
| Contact | Phone: (507) 6035-7276 |
Shopping and duty-free
| Category | Business |
|---|---|
| Books | DFA News |
| Duty-Free | Attenza Duty-Free, Duty Free Americas, La Riviera Duty-Free, Panafoto Duty-Free |
| Electronics | iShop, Samsung, SIM Card Internacional, Tenma, Xiaomi Store |
| Fashion | Action Sport Retailers, Bally, BenBetesh,BOSS, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Columbia Sportswear Company, Crocs, Faconnable, Harmont & Blaine, Kate Spade New York, Kicks, Lacoste, Liquid, MAC, MNG, Melissa, Mirage, Nautica, Nike Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Salvatore Ferragamo, Super Deportes, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino |
| Jewelry | Bulgari, La Hora Alta Relojeria, MG Jewelers, Mont Blanc, Pandora, Swarovski, Tous |
| Pharmacy | Farmacias Arrocha |
| Souvenirs | Celebra Panama, Studio Nature |
| Sweets | Chocoland, Chocolatier |
| Travel | EDE, Bijoux Terner |
Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
| Category | Business |
|---|---|
| Bars | 770 Sports Bar, Hangar Sport Bar, Merkato Bar |
| Coffee and dessert | Cafe Unido, Ferreti Panama, Krispy Creme, Starbucks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Toños |
| Restaurants | BIRRA Pizza Bar, Bistro Market, Carl’s Jr., Flying Dogs, Maritanos Cafe, Nathans Famous Hotdogs, Naturally Fast, Oh Toro Ramen & Sushi, Olive Garden, Pita & Pie, Quiznos, Subway, Teriyaki Experience, Viena Pizza & Pasta, Wetzels Pretzels |
Technical information
- Airport Name: Tocumen International Airport
- Other unofficial airport names used: Panama Airport, Tocumen Airport
- Central Standard Time
- Time zone in El Salvador (GMT-5)
- Airport Code: PTY
- Location: Avenida Domingo Díaz, Panama, Panama
- Phone numbers: (507) 238-2700, (507) 238-2600
- Operating hours: 24/7
- Operator: Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen S.A.
- Official website: https://www.tocumenpanama.aero
- Coordinates: 9°04′17″N 79°23′01″W
- Elevation: 135 feet
- Landing strip length: 10,007 feet (3,050 meters) / 8,799 (2,682 meters)
- Runways: 03R/21L and 03L/21R