Travelling from Houston to Panama City: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll board your flight from Houston to Panama City. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are Houston's main airports.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's primary gateways.
The average length of a direct Houston to Panama City flight is 4 hours 15 minutes.
Houston and Panama City are in the same timezone, UTC-5.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 19 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Houston to Panama City is with United Airlines at 14:27. Go for the first IAH to PTY departure operated by United Airlines at 09:34 to maximise your time in Panama City.
Leave plenty of time to catch your Houston to Panama City flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month such as July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Houston to Panama City
Book two months before flying. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Houston to Panama City flights.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Houston to Panama City is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Houston to Panama City.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Houston to Panama City flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Set off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on a nonstop flight from Houston to Panama City. From IAH, you can fly directly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
United Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Houston to Panama City plane tickets from IAH.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore another city. When searching for Houston to Panama City flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport (MTY)
IAH is about 21 kilometres from central Houston. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Have an early flight from Houston to Panama City? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near George Bush Intercontinental Airport:
When it comes to George Bush Intercontinental Airport's on-time performance, data shows 78.42% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
IAH's address is 16930 JFK Boulevard.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Break up your Houston to Panama City flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick another place off your list. Popular stopovers between William P. Hobby Airport and Panama City include:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Houston to HOU in around 1 hour 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 16 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near William P. Hobby Airport the day before your flight from Houston to Panama City:
Flights from William P. Hobby Airport have a reputation for punctuality, with 81% of them touching down on schedule.
HOU is located at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Houston to Panama City. Book one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Pick up a Tocumen International Airport rental car and explore Panama City and beyond with your own set of wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are top outlets to choose from here.
For the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Houston to Panama City flight.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
After your flight from Houston to Panama City has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 5 minutes by car. Central Panama City is roughly 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC).
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 25 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to BLB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Houston to Panama City:
Thrifty, Avis and Alamo make picking up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Lock in the best price by booking your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is roughly 11 kilometres from central Panama City. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from Houston to Panama City.
Take the guesswork out of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty are reliable rental providers.
Plan ahead and enjoy the payoff. Book your ride from BLB one week before your flight from Houston to Panama City to access the best deals.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from Houston to Panama City, while June is the busiest. Find the best time to visit Panama City based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Before locking in your Houston to Panama City tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 32ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Houston 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
Start your Panama City trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Houston to Panama City, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
You've visited Panama City, now it's time to discover more of Panama. Journey around 6 kilometres north to San Miguelito to tick off its top sights. From Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo to IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel, your itinerary will be busy.
Juan Díaz is another well-known destination in Panama and is around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City. No journey is complete without experiencing Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.