Travelling from Panama City to Washington DC: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Panama City. Check out your options leaving from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) when booking your flight from Panama City to Washington DC.
Step off the plane at one of Washington DC's major entry points like Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Alternatively, come in for landing at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Around 4 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Panama City to Washington DC flight.
Washington DC is one hour ahead of Panama City and follows the UTC-4 timezone.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 21 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Panama City to Washington DC is with Copa Airlines at 22:29. Choose the first PTY to IAD departure operated by Copa Airlines at 09:13 to make the most of your first day in Washington DC.
Leave enough time to make your Panama City to Washington DC flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like June, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Washington DC
To score cheap Panama City to Washington DC flights, book your trip two months ahead of your departure.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Panama City to Washington DC is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Panama City to Washington DC by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Panama City to Washington DC flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You can find a direct flight from Panama City to Washington DC departing from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Begin your trip at PTY and then hit the runway at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Reserve your Panama City to Washington DC plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This carrier is a popular choice for direct flights from PTY.
We make it easy to book a Panama City to Washington DC flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Tocumen International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
PTY is around 18 kilometres from central Panama City. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want a handy hotel near Tocumen International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Panama City to Washington DC, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Tocumen International Airport earns top marks for its on-time performance. 86.03% of flights that take off from PTY land on time.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Take a moment to stretch your legs during your Panama City to Washington DC flight with a stopover. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is one of the options between Panama Pacifico Airport and Washington DC.
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to BLB from the centre of Panama City in about 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 11 kilometres away.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away? Think about kicking back in one of these hotels near Panama Pacifico Airport the day before your flight from Panama City to Washington DC:
Flights from Panama Pacifico Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 87% of them arriving right on cue.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes around 15 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 5 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Panama City to Washington DC, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Washington DC and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your trip.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
As soon as your flight from Panama City to Washington DC has arrived, you can get to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to IAD. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Panama City to Washington DC:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make collecting a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Hop off your flight from Panama City to Washington DC and go straight to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. The centre of Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and typically takes 50 minutes to reach driving.
Public transport will take you there in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to travel into the centre, head for a hotel close to BWI. Get comfortable at one of these stays after your Panama City to Washington DC flight:
Take control of the next leg of your journey by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget will get you on the road.
If you're searching for a specific make or model, book your ride from BWI about two weeks ahead of your flight from Panama City to Washington DC. This gives you a better chance of getting the car you prefer, along with a better price.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the most popular month for flights from Panama City to Washington DC. To skip the crowds, visit Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Panama City to Washington DC ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Panama City to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from Panama City to Washington DC, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Washington DC travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
You've done Washington DC, now it's time to explore more of United States. Travel about 322 kilometres north-east to New York to tick off its top sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're ready to explore another major stop in United States, head for Philadelphia, about 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are among its highlights.