Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport is the bustling home base for Copa Airlines, which calls it the “Hub of the Americas.” The airport connects to major cities across Latin America, Europe and the United States, and it’s served by multiple international carriers including Air France, Iberia, and United Airlines.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1, the original, and Terminal 2, the newer and more spacious facility. A covered pedestrian connection between them is being constructed to improve access. I’ve found Tocumen to be a pleasant airport for the most part (especially in Terminal 2), even if walking times may sometimes be long.
How to navigate Tocumen International Airport
If you’re departing from Panama City, you’ll prevent potential frustration if you determine in advance which terminal has your airline’s check-in area. Copa Airlines, for example, flies out of both terminals, but the airline’s landside check-in facilities are located only in Terminal 2 (if you’re flying Copa and your flight is departing from Terminal 1, arrive early so you won’t be rushed as you move from one terminal to the other).
Security wait times can be a toss-up depending on the time of day. To skip the long lines, you can use the Gold Track priority lane in Terminal 2 if you have the right status. It’s available for travelers with Star Alliance Gold, certain Copa ConnectMiles elite statuses (including Gold, Platinum and Presidential members), and passengers traveling in First or Business Class on Star Alliance member airlines.
Flying to the United States? Heads up. You’ll have to go through a second security screening at the gate after the main one. This includes checks of carry-on luggage and restrictions on liquids. Make sure you get to your gate with plenty of time to spare.
Getting from Tocumen to Panama City
Taxis are a popular way to reach Panama City from Tocumen (approximately 24 kilometers or about 15 miles away), but there are other options worth considering, too.
Taxis
Take a deep breath before you exit customs and baggage claim. You’ll likely find a horde of people offering taxi services, but don’t feel pressured to accept a ride. I’ve long had a problem in Panama City that taxi drivers would quote higher fares for me than they would for my Panamanian friends. So be wary.
To avoid haggling stress, I prefer stopping at an authorized taxi stand where they quote fixed rates based on destination zones. I always confirm the driver will take the express highway to the city; a couple times I’ve had drivers who, in an effort to save money on tolls, took a much slower local route (although if there’s a traffic issue or accident on the main highway, that route may be justified).
Hotel shuttles
I also often take a hotel shuttle service (it’s best to reserve these in advance). It’s a great way to avoid any headaches. Just be sure to confirm the rate with your hotel before you book to make sure it fits your budget.
Taking Uber at Tocumen airport
Uber is a good option, but since it isn’t officially allowed in the arrivals area, you’ll need to walk across the street to the parking area. The app will tell you the exact location. It’s not a long walk, and taking an Uber to the airport is even easier since they can drop you right at the departures curbside.
Metro service at Tocumen
The Panama City Metro’s Line 2 recently extended to the airport, which is great news for airport workers and budget-conscious travelers. It’s a lot cheaper than any other option, but it also takes longer (over an hour versus 15 to 40 minutes by car).
You’ll need to transfer at Corredor Sur to Line 2 and often at San Miguelito to Line 1 to reach the city’s main hotel areas, so I’d only recommend it if you’re traveling light and are up for an adventure.
Arriving at Tocumen International Airport
If you’re connecting to another flight, simply proceed to your next gate after you deplane. If Panama is your final destination, follow the signs to the immigration and customs areas, which are located downstairs in both terminals. I generally haven’t had to wait long for processing.
Currency exchange
Panama’s official currency is the U.S. Dollar, though you might see it called the Balboa or see prices marked with a “B/” instead of a “$”. If you need to get cash, RedPlus exchange counters operate at three locations: the public area (área pública), North Pier (Muelle Norte), and duty-free zone (zona libre).
Food, drinks, shopping and lounges at Tocumen
Tocumen has lots of food, beverage and shopping options, but there isn’t much in the way of unique or authentically Panamanian offerings. Due to the distance between terminals, you’ll probably want to stick to businesses within your departure terminal.
Food, drinks and shopping
For Panamanian coffee and baked goods, Toño’s Café Bakery on the second level of Terminal 1 (before security) is a decent choice. I’ve also found myself hurriedly buying fast food on the upper level of the airside connector corridor in Terminal 1, where Quizno’s, Carl’s Jr., the Pizza Stop and Barú Bar & Grill provide predictable but reliable sustenance. In Terminal 2, Merkato Bar is a decent option for standard casual fare, and its seating has electrical outlets.
You’ll see large duty-free shops all over both terminals. But if you just need some cheap headphones or a neck pillow, check out Miniso in Terminal 1. The Panama Store, also in Terminal 1, is a decent place to pick up Panamanian souvenirs, including clothing and items that incorporate mola embroidery by the indigenous Guna people.
Airport lounges
By far, the best lounge at Tocumen is the Copa Club in Terminal 2. Located on the second level above Attenza near Gate 208, it has capacity for 420 guests, making it among the bigger lounges in Central America. You can get in for free if have certain levels of Copa Airlines or Star Alliance elite level status, and you can also buy a day pass if you’re flying Copa Airlines.
The T2 Copa Club has multiple seating areas, a TV lounge, a work area with desks and a bar and dining area with a free buffet. You can even use the showers for free if you have ConnectMiles Platinum or Presidential status, or if you’re traveling on international flights of 4.5 hours or longer.
Terminal 1 has a smaller (but still comfy) Copa Club near Gate 130 with capacity for 248 guests, and The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network. The Lounge Panama offers access to Priority Pass members, and you can also buy a day pass that’s cheaper than Copa’s. It has showers and is open to travelers on any airline.
There is also one lounge on the landside of Terminal 1: the Tocumen Royal Saloon on the third level. It’s accessible to Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and Diners Club members and offers VIP “meet and assist” services can include the services of a representative upon deplaning, as well as access to the lounge and ground transfers.
Connecting at Tocumen
Tocumen International Airport is a massive connecting hub, especially for Copa Airlines. If you have a layover, get familiar with your arrival and departure gates. You might have a bit of a walk, so budgeting your time is key.
Here’s a helpful tip: gate numbers in the 100s (like 101-115) are in Terminal 1, and those in the 200s are in Terminal 2.
The good news is you don’t have to go through customs or immigration when connecting internationally at Tocumen on Copa Airlines itineraries, and your bags should be tagged through to your final destination. Policies may differ for other airlines or separate tickets.
The only time you’d need to leave the airport is if your connecting flight is from one of Panama City’s two smaller airports. Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (also called Albrook - PAC) serves as the hub for domestic carrier Air Panama, and Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB) is used by the low-cost carrier Wingo.
If you’re flying out of either of those, you’ll need to clear customs at Tocumen, grab your bags, and find a ride. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour to get to Albrook and about an hour and a half for Panama Pacifico. City traffic can be a real beast.
The Panama Stopover program
Copa Airlines offers a Panama Stopover program that allows passengers connecting at Tocumen to stay for up to seven days in Panama without paying additional airfare or fees. It’s a good option if you’d like to experience Panama while headed somewhere else.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
