Panama Transportation - Travel within Panama - Veneto Panama
Panama Tourism Information
Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, Panama is a transcontinental nation which connects North and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the north-west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Ocean to the south. It is an international business center and is also a transit country.
Panama Transportation
There are various modes of transportation available in Panama:
Airlines
Panama has a good domestic flight network. The main domestic airlines are Mapiex, Aeroperlas and Air Panama, assessed by the US Federal Aviation as operated in compliance with international aviation standards. All domestic airlines operate out of Panama’s main domestic airport, Aeropuerto Marcos A. Gelabert, located in the Albrook area of Panama City, commonly known as Albrook Airport. You should be aware of the fact that baggage weight allowance on domestic flights is a total of 25 lbs. for checked baggage and carry on combined.
Car rental
Car rental agencies have offices at most airports, and locations in main cities. Major rental agencies include National, Thrifty, Budget, Avis and Hertz. Rates generally include mandatory insurance and unlimited mileage. To rent a car for transportation, you must be 25 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. When you accept your rental car, be sure to inspect it carefully and note any damages, scratches, or missing items on the rental agreement, as you could be charged when the car is returned.
Another alternative is to hire a personal car driver. This information can be provided by hotels and travel agencies. Professional terrestrial transport agencies will furnish comfortable vans or mini buses, equipped with air conditioning, with capacity to accommodate 4 people or more. This is the safest way to go.
Bus Service
Panama has an excellent, inexpensive bus system linking most communities in the country. The main bus terminal is close to Albrook Airport. Routes between major cities are covered by large Mercedes air-conditioned buses with video screens and reclining seats. Coaster buses run on smaller town links. The buses are very cheap. 420 new buses entered the system in 2009.
Taxis
Taxi’s throughout Panama are plentiful, and can be easily recognized by their numbered markings. However, they come in all size, shapes and colors. All fares are based on zones or areas, and not determined by meters - cab drivers are required to carry a copy of the zone chart with them at all times. Most fares within the metropolitan area average between B/.1.00-B/.1.50, and for each additional person there is a B/.0.25 surcharge. Trips from Panama City to Tocumen International Airport cost approx. B/.15.00 per person, with each additional person paying B/.5.00. The standard hourly rate for taxi rental is B/.8.00 but this can vary depending on the type of service you are requesting, so make sure to establish a price before departing.
Railway
The Canal Railway, a 47.6-mile transcontinental railroad operating parallel to the Panama Canal, offers passenger service between Panama City and Colon Monday - Friday. The train leaves Panama City from Corozal at 7:15 a.m. and returns from Colon at 5:15 p.m., with the trip lasting approximately one hour. Tickets cost $22.00 one-way and $38.00 round-trip. You can’t reserve seats in the tourist car, which has a glass ceiling; however, if you happen to arrive early you should be able to obtain tickets without too much difficulty. The standard taxi fare from Panama City to Corozal is approx. $5.00 one way.
Transport in Panama is simple and cost effective and only adds to the benefits of an ideal holiday. Plan the ideal holiday in Panama with family and friends!
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