Aerial View of Panama Tocumen Airport

Panama Tocumen Airport PTY

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Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) Guide

Welcome to Panama Tocumen Airport, not only the largest in Central America but also home to the region's only airport rainforest. As Copa Airlines' main hub, PTY connects travelers to the Americas and beyond, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Our concise guide provides essential information, from flight updates to dining and shopping, ensuring a smooth journey through PTY. For more airport insights, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

PTY Airport has two main terminals: North Terminal and South Terminal. The North Terminal has 26 gates, while the South Terminal has 12 gates. Major airlines such as Copa Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines use both terminals for their departures and arrivals.

Passengers can easily navigate between the terminals by using the free shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes. The shuttle service is available 24/7 and can be found outside the arrivals area of both terminals.

Inside the terminals, passengers can find a variety of food options, duty-free shops, and other services such as currency exchange and ATMs. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has one main terminal building with two levels. The ground level is for arrivals and the upper level is for departures. There is no need to transfer between terminals as all gates and services are located within the same building. However, if you need to move between the levels, there are escalators and elevators available. The walk time between the furthest gates is approximately 15 minutes, but there are also moving walkways to assist with the journey.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At PTY, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles are not allowed to wait or park for more than a few minutes. This is to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion at the terminal entrances.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait until their passengers are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for a quick and hassle-free pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of PTY Airport, you'll find several parking options available to you. The airport has both covered and uncovered parking garages located in front of the terminal building, as well as an outdoor lot for long-term parking.

For those who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport's entrance. This area allows drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers are ready to be picked up, without having to pay for parking.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking facilities, with designated spots located near the entrances to the terminal building.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the terminal building, and can often be reserved in advance to guarantee a spot.

Get details about PTY parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. One of the most popular options is car rental. Major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National have facilities located at the airport. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the city on their own.

Taxi services are also available at the airport. The taxi drop-off area is located outside the terminal building. Fares are regulated by the government and are based on a metered system. Visitors should keep in mind that there is an additional charge for luggage and tolls.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services are available. These services offer door-to-door transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and visitors should expect to share the ride with other passengers. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These shuttles offer transportation to and from the airport and hotels in the area. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.

Finally, public transportation options are also available. The airport is connected to the city's bus system, and visitors can take a bus to various destinations in the city. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares are affordable.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable stay near the airport? We have got you covered. Our comprehensive list of airport hotels offers a range of options to suit every traveler's needs. From luxury accommodations like the Crowne Plaza Airport, an IHG Hotel, to budget-friendly options like the Express Inn PTY Aeropuerto Internacional Panama, there's something for everyone. Most of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless journey for guests. Explore our list of Tocumen Airport Hotels to find the perfect base for your travels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at Panama Tocumen Airport, you're in luck. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to suit any taste or budget.

For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, both located in the public area of Terminal 1. If you have more time to spare, check out La Pausa, a sit-down restaurant serving up delicious Panamanian cuisine. You can find it in the airside area of Terminal 1.

As for shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you're looking for duty-free deals, stop by the Dufry store in the airside area of Terminal 1. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Panama Hat Company or the Artisan Market, both located in the public area of Terminal 1.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Panama City Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check your options here.

Passenger Services

Panama Tocumen Airport is one of the busiest airports in Central America, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport offers a wide range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available for passengers who have lost their belongings. If you need assistance with special needs, such as wheelchair assistance or assistance for visually impaired passengers, the airport offers a range of services to help you.

If you are traveling with children, the airport has designated children's areas where kids can play and have fun. There are also family restrooms available for parents traveling with infants. For those who need to take care of financial matters, there are banking services available at the airport.

In case of any medical emergencies, the airport has a medical center with trained medical staff. The medical center is equipped to handle a range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to more serious medical conditions.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at Metropolitan Oakland Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancelations, and even change your seat or upgrade your ticket. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Metropolitan Oakland Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their flight departure time for domestic flights, and at least 3 hours prior for international flights. The airport can get busy during peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, so it is best to avoid these times if possible. Additionally, passengers should allow extra time for security and customs procedures.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Panama Tocumen Airport, including taxi, private car, and public transportation. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Private car services, such as Uber and Cabify, are also available and can be booked through their respective apps. Public transportation options include buses and the metro, which can be accessed from various locations throughout the city.

Getting Oriented

Panama City Airport offers an interactive map on their website, which can be accessed through the iFly.com website. This map allows passengers to easily navigate the airport and locate their gate, as well as find restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where passengers can ask for assistance and directions.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at PTY, passengers should arrive early, allow extra time for security and customs procedures, and check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport. It is also recommended that passengers pack their carry-on bags in compliance with TSA regulations to avoid any delays during the security screening process. Finally, passengers should be aware of any travel advisories or weather alerts that may impact their flight and plan accordingly.

Airport Facts & Stats

Panama City Airport, located in Panama, is the busiest airport in Central America. It has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a pedestrian bridge.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at PTY are Copa Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

On average, PTY Airport handles around 40,000 passengers daily and has around 400 daily flights.

The airport serves over 90 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Miami, Bogota, San Jose, Mexico City, and Madrid.

Several air carriers use Panama Tocumen Airport as a hub, including Copa Airlines and Wingo.

Airport History

Panama City Airport, located in Panama City, Panama, is the largest and busiest airport in Central America. It serves as a hub for Copa Airlines and is a focus city for several other airlines.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1947 - The airport was built by the United States as a military airbase during World War II.
  • 1949 - The airport was officially opened for commercial flights.
  • 1963 - A new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
  • 1978 - The airport was renamed to Tocumen International Airport.
  • 2006 - A major expansion project was completed, which included the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 2019 - The airport handled over 16 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Central America.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Tocumen International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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