Travelling from El Salvador International Airport (SAL) to Panama City: what you need to know
Around 2 hours 5 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City.
Panama City is one hour ahead of San Salvador, where El Salvador International Airport is located. Panama City follows the UTC-5 timezone.
El Salvador International Airport (SAL) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most popular route, with 39 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from SAL to PTY is with Copa Airlines at 13:46. Go for the first departure operated by Copa Airlines at 05:00 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your SAL to Panama City flight.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
You can book a direct El Salvador International Airport to Panama City ticket. Start your trip at SAL and land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Keep an eye out for offers from Copa Airlines. This airline operates direct flights from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from SAL to Panama City with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Augusto C Sandino International Airport (MGA)
Central San Salvador to SAL is around 32 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 40 minutes to reach there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
In search of a hotel close to SAL? If you've booked an early flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City, these accommodation options put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
84.27% of flights leaving El Salvador International Airport touch down at their destination as planned. Given its impressive on-time stats, you're unlikely to face delays when taking off from SAL.
How to find the cheapest flights from El Salvador International Airport (SAL) to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way El Salvador International Airport to Panama City flight is P4,769. The cheapest price for a return flight is P10,361. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from SAL to Panama City, book your trip nine months before your departure.
January is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on El Salvador International Airport to Panama City tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to check in daily to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from SAL to Panama City.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to the centre of Panama City takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 21 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near PTY:
Pick up a Tocumen International Airport rental car and discover Panama City and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Dollar and MEX are leading providers you can book with here.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your ride from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks before your flight from SAL to Panama City.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Central Panama City is located around 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Once your flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 25 minutes or so.
Following your SAL to Panama City flight, kick back at a hotel close to PAC. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Thrifty, Avis and Alamo make collecting a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at PAC can help you lock in a better rate.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is about 16 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre by cab or ride-share once you've hopped off your flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City.
If you don't want to make your way into the centre, head for a hotel near BLB. Settle in at one of these stays after your SAL to Panama City flight:
Whether you're after a zippy compact for a solo adventure or a full-size SUV to fit the family, you'll find the ideal Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the range of wheels available from suppliers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a specific type of vehicle, book your ride from BLB about one week ahead of your flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City. This gives you a higher chance of getting your preferred car, on top of a better deal.
Best time to go to Panama City
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City. The city comes alive in high season, but rates are often higher and top attractions can get crowded. Visit Panama City in the low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your El Salvador International Airport to Panama City plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SAL to Panama City in February when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).
More about Panama City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Panama City right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from El Salvador International Airport to Panama City:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Casco Viejo, Panama Canal Museum and Cinta Costera are attractions you won't want to skip in Panama City.
Explore more of Panama
You've visited Panama City, now it's time to explore more of Panama. Journey around 322 kilometres west to David to check off its top sights. From Parque Cervantes to Altos del Rio Park and Coquito Hills Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Santiago de Veraguas is another well-known destination in Panama and is around 193 kilometres south-west of Panama City. No journey is complete without experiencing Santiago the Apostle Cathedral, Santiago de Veraguas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and La Placita San Juan De Dios.