Travelling from Panama City to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's main airports.
Arrive in Los Angeles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Around 7 hours is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Panama City to Los Angeles flight.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-7, which is two hours behind Panama City.
With 21 flights a week between the two airports, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Panama City to Los Angeles with Copa Airlines at 07:21. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from PTY to LAX is with Copa Airlines at 18:47.
To ensure you get on your Panama City to Los Angeles flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Los Angeles
Get cheap Panama City to Los Angeles flights by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
Plan your trip for November. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Panama City to Los Angeles. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Panama City to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your Panama City to Los Angeles flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, you can depart from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Travel from PTY to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in one seamless trip.
Copa Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct Panama City to Los Angeles plane tickets from PTY.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Panama City to Los Angeles flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Tocumen International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
The journey from central Panama City to PTY takes around 1 hour 5 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After an easy start to your holiday? Stay near Tocumen International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Panama City to Los Angeles or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Tocumen International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 86.03% of flights that take off from PTY arrive at their destination as scheduled.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Think about adding a stop at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). It's a popular stopover on a Panama City to Los Angeles flight leaving Panama Pacifico Airport. Use a long layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a short break to browse the airport stores.
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to BLB from Panama City's centre in around 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 11 kilometres away.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, unwind in one of these hotels near Panama Pacifico Airport:
Flights from Panama Pacifico Airport are known for their punctuality, with 86.75% of them arriving within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 19 kilometres. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes about 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near LAX:
Pick up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car and explore Los Angeles and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are popular providers to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is around 29 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. Once you've hopped off your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, it takes approximately 35 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to VNY. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make picking up a Van Nuys Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Secure your ride from VNY in advance so you can simply get the keys and go.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Panama City to Los Angeles. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Los Angeles in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Lock in your Panama City to Los Angeles ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Panama City to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
After booking your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
Griffith Observatory and The Broad are a couple of top-rated attractions to put on your Los Angeles to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Los Angeles, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Travel about 177 kilometres south-east to San Diego to check off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles, San Jose is another favourite stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.