Flying from Mexico City to Panama City: what you need to know
Mexico City has two main airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Mexico City to Panama City leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) or Santa Lucia Air Force Base (NLU).
When working out where to arrive in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the major hubs.
A direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City takes on average 3 hours 46 minutes. The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5, meaning it's 1 hour ahead of Mexico City.
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 39 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Mexico City to Panama City is with Copa Airlines at 15:45. Go for the first MEX to PTY departure with Copa Airlines at 01:20 to maximise your time in Panama City.
Leave plenty of time to make your flight from Mexico City to Panama City. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
If you have a passport from Mexico and plan to travel to Panama for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, visa and entry requirements may vary based on your reason for visiting and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap flight from Mexico City to Panama City.
Flying from Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
You can reserve a direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Begin your journey at MEX and end it at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
You'll find a direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City with Copa Airlines. This top carrier offers services from MEX.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Mexico City to Panama City that includes a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
MEX is about 8 kilometres from central Mexico City. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 24 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 57 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Mexico City to Panama City? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels near Benito Juarez International Airport:
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Mexico City to Panama City leaving from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU). Kick off your travels at NLU and in no time you'll be at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
You can board a direct flight from Mexico City to Panama City with Copa Airlines. This is one of the main airlines operating this route out of NLU.
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Mexico City to Panama City. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Benito Juarez International Airport and Panama City:
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
You can arrive at NLU from the centre of Mexico City in about 55 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour and 46 minutes to travel the 40 kilometres or so.
Kick back before your flight from Mexico City to Panama City by spending the night near Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport. Villa Granada is one option where you can roll out of bed and arrive at the airport with time to spare.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City is roughly 21 kilometres. It'll take you about 21 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Mexico City to Panama City, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near PTY:
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is about 2 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. After your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, expect a drive time of approximately 6 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take roughly 24 minutes.
After your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, rest your head at a hotel near PAC. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Mexico City to Panama City
Right now, P10,530 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Mexico City to Panama City. The cheapest price for a return flight is P18,490. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 2 months before your departure date. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Mexico City to Panama City.
October is the cheapest month for tickets from Mexico City to Panama City. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Mexico City to Panama City couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has fallen.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Mexico City to Panama City.
Best time to go to Panama City
June is the busiest month for flights from Mexico City to Panama City. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Panama City in February.
When booking your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with the temperature ranging from 21ºC to 32ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Mexico City to Panama City in February if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 31ºC on average.
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Mexico City to Panama City, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are popular attractions which should feature on every Panama City itinerary.
Complete your Panama City trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Mexico City to Panama City isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Panama City and have more freedom to explore. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.