Flying into Panama's interior: the airports west of the Canal

A trip to Panama's interior doesn't have to start in Panama City traffic. Most international flights still land at Tocumen, but west of the Canal there are airports closer to the mountains, beaches and lake where we build, and Chiriquí is reached by domestic flight. Here is how the pieces fit together.

Tocumen: the hub

Tocumen International Airport (PTY), east of Panama City, is the country's main gateway. The tourism authority lists connections to 91 cities in 36 countries, including 434 direct flights a week to 24 cities in North America. For most people visiting from abroad, this is where the trip begins.

Panamá Pacífico: already west of the Canal

Panamá Pacífico airport (BLB) is in Panamá Oeste, on the same side of the Bridge of the Americas as our whole area of work. It has international routes as well as domestic flights to David. For the Pacific beaches, Altos de Campana and the western shore of Gatun Lake, landing here means you don't have to cross the city or the Canal.

Río Hato: on the Pacific coast

Scarlett Martínez airport (RIH) is at Río Hato in Coclé, close to the beaches of the Riviera Pacífica. Check which routes are operating when you plan your trip.

Flying to David for Chiriquí

For Puerto Armuelles, Coco Beach and the Chiriquí highlands, fly to David (DAV), the regional capital. Domestic flights leave from Albrook (Marcos A. Gelabert, PAC) in Panama City, and also from Tocumen and Panamá Pacífico. From David, the Pacific coast lies to the west and the highlands of Volcán Barú inland.

By road and by bus

The Pan-American Highway is the backbone of the interior. It runs west from the Bridge of the Americas along the Pacific side of the country and through David to the Costa Rican border at Paso Canoas. Long-distance buses to the interior leave from the Albrook terminal in Panama City. We don't quote travel times: they depend on traffic, weather and the time of day.

Planning a viewing trip

If you're coming to see residences, send us your travel dates and the areas you'd like to visit, and we'll suggest the most practical airport. You'll find our Altos de Campana, Gatun Lake, Cambutal and Azuero and Puerto Armuelles guides helpful too, or get in touch.

Sources: Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (tourismpanama.com), checked September 2026. Airlines and routes change often; check current schedules before you book.