There are several ways to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City. We will start from the fastest to longest trips.
Get to Bocas del Toro by Air
Now is fast and easy to get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport.
You can get to Bocas del Toro International Airport at Isla Colon in around an hour.
So far, the only airline offering flights to Bocas del Toro is Air Panama with 4 departures and returns per day.
You could also consider charter flights to Bocas del Toro, which is more luxurious and pricey.
Prices
Air Panama Flights from Panama city to Bocas del Toro: Ranges from $130 to $330.
Aero Albrook Charter flights from Panama city to Bocas del Toro: starting from 2,273.75
Get to Bocas del Toro by Bus + Ferry Boat
If you have plenty of time to spend in Panama you can take a bus at the Bus Terminal Albrook (Gran Terminal de Transportes).
Currently, it only exists the option to buy it at the ticket office at the Terminal, not online. The only company that provides a trip to Almirante is Tranceibosa.
To make the trip as smooth as possible, our best recommendation is to make a reservation on the previous day! Bring your passport to be able to buy the ticket.
Once you are on the bus direction Changuinola, enjoy your 10-hour trip and smile because you saved yourself a one-night stay at a hotel!
Step out at Almirante. Take a taxi to the ferries, direction Isla Colon and hop in a 20-minute ferry that leaves every 30 minutes.
The Ferry should drop you in beautiful Bocas Town.
Bus Schedules to Almirante:
6:00 p.m., 18:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. ( These bus schedules are subject to changes so make sure to get to the bus terminal with enough time in advance.)
Prices:
Bus Trip Panama City – Almirante $28
Taxi – Approximately $1
Ferry boat costs $6 per trip. (If you know your return date, try asking for a return ticket right away for a better deal)
Contact info Bus Terminals
Albrook (Panamá): (+507) 303-6326
Almirante: (+507) 758-3278
Get to Bocas del Toro by Car
If you absolutely love road trips and are wondering how to get to Bocas del Toro, I need your eyes here!
Make sure someone takes pictures, cause you will see lush landscapes and will enjoy paved roads. Take the Panamerican Highway until the entrance at Gualaca. Turn right and take the highway direction Chiriqui Grande. When you get to Rambala you will see a crossroads with a gas station and a restaurant, turn left so you take direction Almirante and Changuinola.
Take your car on a ferry or park it in Almirante
As you arrive in Almirante you can leave your car in a car park for x$. Or you can also take a Ferry with a duration of 1 h 40 mins per trip. . Make sure you visit Ferry Bocas’s website for ferry schedules and prices.
Prices
Car-Ferry Ride: They offer different prices per person and per vehicle size. Starting from $35 for 5 passenger cars, $40, and $45 for medium and large 4×4, respectively.
Adults are charged $2.00, kids younger than 9 years $1.00, and retirees $1.40.
Car park: You will be charged for the number of days parked. Aim for an average of $3.
What to take on your trip to Bocas del Toro?
- Bring your passport to Bocas del Toro as well as for buying the ticket
- If you come in groups, make sure everyone who wants the ticket bring their passport and is present at the ticket office. Everyone willing to buy a ticket to Almirante must be there.
- We recommend making the reservation one day in advance to secure your trip!
We really hope this guide serves you well for planning your trip to Bocas del Toro. As you can see you can travel by air.