Travelling from Los Angeles to Panama City: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can fly out of in Los Angeles. Check out your options leaving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY) when reserving your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City.
When planning your arrival in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the major entry points.
Book a direct Los Angeles to Panama City flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 6 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5, which is two hours ahead of Los Angeles.
With 21 flights a week between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Los Angeles to Panama City with Copa Airlines at 00:44. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest departure from LAX to PTY is with Copa Airlines at 22:18.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your Los Angeles to Panama City flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Panama City
Book seven months before you want to fly. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Los Angeles to Panama City flights.
October is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Los Angeles to Panama City. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Getting a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Panama City is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Find an affordable Los Angeles to Panama City flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
You can book a direct flight from Los Angeles to Panama City taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Begin your trip at LAX and come in for landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Copa Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Los Angeles to Panama City plane tickets from LAX.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even tour another city. When browsing Los Angeles to Panama City flights leaving from Los Angeles International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Los Angeles to Panama City or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Los Angeles International Airport gets top marks for its on-time performance. 81.05% of flights that depart LAX land on time.
LAX's address is One World Way.
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 takes roughly 20 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles to Panama City, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near PTY:
Pick up a Tocumen International Airport rental car and explore Panama City and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are popular outlets you can book with here.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead of your Los Angeles to Panama City flight.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The centre of Panama City is about 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Once your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 5 minutes.
The trip will take approximately 25 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to BLB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from PAC three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Step off your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City and head directly to your hotel or jump right into exploring. The centre of Panama City is around 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to drive there.
Take control of the next part of your journey by picking up a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty are reliable rental providers.
About one week before your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City is a good time to book your vehicle from BLB. You're more likely to land a better deal or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Panama City
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City. June is the most popular month for a trip to Panama City. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
Book a Los Angeles to Panama City ticket departing in March if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Panama City to range from 21ºC to 32ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles 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
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Panama City, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Panama City:
Panama Canal Museum and Casco Viejo are a couple of top attractions to put on your Panama City must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
San Miguelito is just one of the many cities in Panama waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Panama City. Around 6 kilometres to the north, check out popular attractions including Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo, IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel.
Around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City, Juan Díaz is another favourite stop in Panama. Start your sightseeing at Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.