Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Upon landing at Tocumen, passengers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and clear customs before entering the public arrivals area.

• Follow the overhead directional signage along the concourse towards the main immigration hall.
• Present your passport, return or onward travel document, and any required entry documentation to the immigration officer.
• Proceed to the baggage reclaim area located after immigration control to collect checked luggage.
• Pass through customs inspection; complete a written declaration if carrying goods to declare or currency exceeding 10,000 USD equivalent.
• Exit into the public arrival hall where ground transport services, ATMs, and information counters are situated.

• Train

  Metro Rail

  The Metro Line 2 branch connects directly from Terminal 2 to Corredor Sur station, where passengers transfer to the main Line 2 and onwards to Line 1 into central Panama City. Requires a transit smartcard.

  Time:

  roughly 45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically under 2 USD

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Authorised airport taxis operate from designated ranks outside the arrivals exit of both terminals. Fares to central Panama City are generally standard flat rates.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically 30-40 USD

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  Rideshare services operate to and from Tocumen Airport. Pick-up locations are designated outside the main terminal exits.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically 15-30 USD

• Bus

  Public Bus

  MiBus (Metrobus) routes run along the main highway outside the airport complex. Requires a prepaid Metrobus smartcard purchased prior to boarding.

  Time:

  roughly 60-90 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically under 1 USD

Tocumen operates as a major transit hub where international connections are typically handled airside without clearing national border control.

• If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, follow the international transfer signs directly to your departure gate.
• If changing airlines or re-checking baggage, you must exit through immigration and customs, then re-check at the landside departure counters.
• Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected airside, allowing passengers to walk between gates without passing border checks.
• Security screening may be conducted at specific transit points or departure gates depending on the destination country.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the passenger terminals for limited time sessions.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network on your device.
• Accept the terms and conditions on the landing page to connect.
• Free access is typically granted for a set period, after which users may re-connect.

Panama uses the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar (USD). US dollar banknotes are the official paper currency used in daily transactions.

• US Dollar banknotes are accepted everywhere; Panamanian coins circulate alongside US coins.
• Automated teller machines (ATMs) dispensing USD are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 public areas.
• Currency exchange desks operate in both terminals for major foreign currencies.
• Major credit cards are widely accepted at airport shops, restaurants, and official transport desks.

A range of dining options is available both landside and airside across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Airside concourses host international fast-food chains, grab-and-go kiosks, and full-service restaurants.
• Landside public areas offer coffee shops and basic dining services for arriving passengers.
• Dietary options such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals vary by outlet.

Multiple premium lounges are located in the secure airside departure areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Copa Club lounges are available for eligible business class passengers and frequent flyer program members.
• Independent airline lounges and pay-per-use lounge facilities accept standard lounge access cards or paid entrance.
• Facilities generally include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, food buffets, and beverages.

While there is no transit hotel inside the airside area, several hotels operate close to the airport complex with shuttle connections.

• Airport hotels located along Via Tocumen are reachable within a 5-10 minute drive.
• Many nearby hotels offer complimentary or pre-booked shuttle services to and from the terminals.
• Downtown Panama City hotels are approximately 30-45 minutes away by road.

Baggage facilities at Tocumen include luggage carts, lost property services, and standard reclaim belts.

• Luggage trolleys are provided in the baggage reclaim halls for arriving passengers.
• If your luggage is missing or damaged, report immediately to your airline's baggage service counter before exiting customs.
• Inquire with airport information counters landside for lost and found inquiries within the terminal buildings.

Basic family support amenities are provided throughout the airport terminals.

• Baby changing facilities are integrated into select restrooms in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Lifts and ramps are available across multi-level sections to support pushchairs and strollers.
• Passengers travelling with infants can request priority assistance at check-in and security checkpoints.

• ATMs
• Currency exchange
• Duty-free shopping
• Restaurants and cafés
• VIP Lounges
• Car rental desks
• Information counters
• Medical station

Local emergency number: 911 (General Emergency / SUME), 104 (National Police).

• For medical emergencies inside the terminal, notify airport staff or locate the airport medical clinic.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your national embassy in Panama City and report to airport police.
• Dial 911 for emergency medical services or 104 for National Police throughout Panama.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Aeropuerto Internacional de TocumenOfficial airport source
• Servicio Nacional de Migración de PanamáGovernment source
• Autoridad Nacional de AduanasGovernment source
• El Metro de PanamáOfficial transit source
• Sistema Único de Manejo de Emergencias - SUME 911Government source