How To Get From Boquete to Panama City
Are you ready to make the journey from Boquete to Panama City?
This post gives you all the information and advice you need for your journey from Boquete to Panama City. A trip often made by travellers in Panama!
We have made this journey recently and noticed that there are multiple ways of doing so. We picked the most cost-efficient one – but I realize that’s not everyone’s style of travel. So let’s discuss the best ways to get from Boquete to Panama City
From buses and taxis to aeroplanes, there’s a variety of different options available that make it easy and cost-effective for everyone, from budget backpackers to luxury travellers.
Keep reading to get all the details on how best to get from Boquete down into the bustling crowd of city life in Panama City.
Map of Panama City & Boquete
Panama is a very narrow, long country. You’ll need one road – the Pan-American highway, that goes all the way from David (near Boquete) to Panama City.
But don’t think making the journey over land is quick! It’ll take you 6 – 8 hours, depending on your mode of travel.
Unless you’re flying, which is a lot quicker!
How To Make The Journey To Panama City
Let’s get to business. Before you get to your method of transportation you’ll need to get to David.
From there, you can take a bus or plane.
Boquete to David
Since Boquete does not have an airport, you’ll need to make your way to David first.
Doing so is easy. You can either take a public bus or use Uber/taxi.
By bus
You can take a 1-hour bus from the central park. This is the exact location.
The bus costs no more than $2 and will take you to the David bus terminal. This is also where the bus to Panama City goes from.
From there you can either hop in a taxi to the airport or buy your bus ticket to Panama City!
This is a safe, cheaper, slightly longer way of making the journey to David.
The bus schedule can be found here.
By taxi or Uber
If you want to arrive early in David to catch a morning bus to Panama City or an early flight, it’s best to pre-book a ride. We made this trip (by bus) at around 5 am, and we saw no taxis around.
As we were going by bus, I didn’t check the Uber app to see if any were available. But I can imagine it’s the same as taxis.
If you’d still like to take a taxi, it’ll cost you about $20 on Uber. And probably around the same in a regular taxi. This does get you all the way to the airport, so it’s a good option if you’re flying to Panama City!
Boquete to Panama City By Plane
The quickest way of making the journey is through the air. But, Boquete does not have an airport. Therefore, you’ll be flying from the airport in David. Called Enrique Malek International Airport.
The flight is only 1 hour. If you book a little in advance, they’re not that expensive either. I’ve just found a flight for next week for only $83. But this doesn’t include any bags.
Boquete to Panama City By Bus
We took a bus to Panama City. They take quite a long time, but they’re MUCH cheaper than flying. We paid $15.25 each, and it took us just under 8 hours. There is also an express bus that should take 5-6 hours. But they only go late at night and thus arrive VERY early in Panama City.
We weren’t comfortable moving around at night, so we decided to take the 8:45 am, slower bus.
This is the schedule:
When you get off the bus from David, you’ll need to get to the other (north) side of the bus terminal. We asked around and got pointed in the right direction.
You can buy your ticket at the booth on the north side. This is also where the bus leaves from.
Good to Know before you travel from Boquete to Panama City by Bus
If you take the bus during the day, you’ll stop at all the bigger cities along the way. That’s why it takes longer.
You’ll also stop for lunch at a buffet-style restaurant. This is where you can use the toilets for a number 2 because bus toilets are not equipped for anything other than urine!
The buses in Panama are generally safe. But don’t give opportunists a chance and don’t flash your cash, and keep an eye on your bag.
Boquete to Panama City By Rental Car
Another option for getting to Panama City is by rental car. It’s quicker than the bus, safe, and pretty fun if you ask me.
You’ll be free to stop wherever and whenever you want. There are loads of little restaurants along the way if you’d like a meal on your stop.
You’ll be driving on the Pan-American highway, which is the longest motorable road according to the Guinness World Records. It stretches from Alaska all the way down to Argentina and Chile.
How long does it take to drive from Boquete to Panama City?
According to Google Maps, the journey takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes without any stops. It’s a 300-mile (483km) trip.
This does depend on the time you leave. The journey should only be 5.5 hours if you go in the evening. But I’m not sure how safe the Panamanian roads are at night!
🚗 We use Discover Cars whenever we’re in need of a rental car!
Where to Stay in Panama City
Panama City is one of my favourite cities I’ve visited. Here are two of my recommendations for accommodation. For more, check out where you should stay in Panama City.
📍 Mid-class: Tantalo Hotel – Kitchen – Roofbar
A trendy and vibrant hotel that promises an exceptional experience for its guests, complete with a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant offering panoramic views of the city skyline and creative cocktails.
With stylish rooms, Tantalo is undoubtedly the prime choice for those seeking a comfortable stay in Panama City.
❗️ Check out Tantalo Hotel – Kitchen – Roofbar now!
📍 High-end: Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
Located in the midst of a bustling city, this luxurious hotel is the perfect hideaway for travellers seeking a charming and cosy retreat.
Featuring gardens, an outdoor pool, and comfortable rooms, the hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing stay.
❗️ Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity and stay at Villa Palma Boutique Hotel!
Things to Do in Panama City
Since you’re heading to the Capital City, let’s discuss a few things to do whilst there.
Day Tour of the San Blas Islands
Although I highly recommend doing a multi-day island hopping tour, not everyone has got the time.
The San Blas Islands are genuinely one of the last paradises on Earth. No hotels. No infrastructure. Just the indigenous Kuna people and some boats.
If you try to define paradise, you’re likely describing the San Blas Islands. Crystal clear, turquoise waters. White sandy beaches. Sunshine. Palm trees. Cold coconuts to drink from.
We sailed to Cartagena in Colombia from Panama via the San Blas Islands. It’s as amazing as it sounds. We were lucky to spend 5 days there!
⛵️ These tours WILL sell out, so don’t wait and book now!
Explore the picturesque streets of Casco Viejo
My favourite part of Panama City. The beautiful streets will make you think you’re in Spain.
Cute little bars and restaurants, beautiful buildings, multiple churches, and great views of the skyline.
Wander around the cobblestone streets and have a meal at Marzola Parrilla.
Day Tour of the Panama Canal
How can you visit Panama City and not check out the world-famous Panama Canal?
This wonder of engineering saves sailors needing to get from one side of the Americas to the other 9200 miles! (14800km)
⛵️ Don’t just see the Canal, but potentially meet monkeys and sloths as well on this tour!
Boquete to Panama City FAQs
Let’s dive into the frequently asked questions!
Is it worth going to Boquete Panama?
Absolutely! We loved every single part of Panama, especially Boquete! It has some of the best waterfalls in the country.
Also, its area is beautiful and quiet, perfect for nature lovers.
You can also check out our 8 Day Panama Itinerary for more inspiration.
What is the closest airport to Boquete?
The closest airport to Boquete is Enrique Malek International Airport in David. About a 45-minute taxi ride away, or a 1-hour bus journey and a short taxi ride.
Where to stay in Boquete?
We stayed in Hostal Boquete, and highly recommend it! It had the BEST shower I’ve encountered in our 8-month Latin America trip. Other than that, it has a shared kitchen and a little garden on the river.
❗️ Check out Hostal Boquete HERE! ❗️
How do I get from Panama City to Boquete?
Do the same thing backwards! Your bus journey will start at the Gran Terminal Nacional De Transporte.
There you will find the ticket booth for David. From the David bus terminal, hop in a taxi or resume your journey on another, 1-hour bus to Boquete.
Boquete to Panama City – Final Thoughts
Making the journey is either cheap and time-consuming, or pricey and quick. The journey is definitely worth it though, since both places should be on your travel itinerary!
