Travelling from Washington DC to Panama City: what you need to know
When searching for your flight from Washington DC to Panama City, there's a nice range of airports you can start your trip from. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are among Washington DC's main terminals.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's major entry points.
Around 5 hours is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Washington DC to Panama City flight.
The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5, which is one hour behind Washington DC.
Give yourself enough time to make your Washington DC to Panama City flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Getting away during a peak month like February? Popular periods (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break) can easily add an hour at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Panama City
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Washington DC to Panama City flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Washington DC to Panama City across the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Washington DC to Panama City is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Washington DC to Panama City flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Washington DC to Panama City flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
DCA is around 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Washington DC to Panama City or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
76.44% of flights departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Consider booking your direct flight from Washington DC to Panama City departing Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Nonstop services from IAD will get you to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
From IAD, you can lock in a direct Washington DC to Panama City plane ticket with Copa Airlines.
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Washington DC to Panama City flight. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Washington Dulles International Airport and Panama City:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
You can reach IAD from central Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to travel the 40 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Washington DC to Panama City? Check in to a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your trip officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 74.39%.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Direct flights from Washington DC to Panama City depart from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is where you'll step off the plane.
Fly out of BWI with Copa Airlines. This trusted airline offers direct Washington DC to Panama City plane tickets.
Lock in a ticket from Washington DC to Panama City departing from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) with one or more stops. Some popular stopovers between BWI and Panama City are:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
The trip to BWI from the centre of Washington DC is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you're going by car, it'll take you about 50 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Sleep a little longer and still make your Washington DC to Panama City flight without having to rush. These hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport make departure day effortless if you're jetting off early:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that measures how often flights arrive as expected. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The distance from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to central Panama City is approximately 18 kilometres. It takes around 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near PTY if you have a late flight from Washington DC to Panama City. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Travel at your own pace with a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and discover more of Panama City and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead of your trip.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The centre of Panama City is located around 2 kilometres from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Panama City has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 25 minutes.
After your flight from Washington DC to Panama City, rest your head at a hotel near BLB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from PAC three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Washington DC to Panama City has touched down. Central Panama City is about 11 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
Be in control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty make getting on the road smooth sailing.
If you're after a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from BLB around one week ahead of your flight from Washington DC to Panama City. This gives you a higher chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
February is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Panama City, while June is the busiest. Find the ideal time to go to Panama City based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Washington DC to Panama City tickets, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Panama City, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
February sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Search for cheap flights from Washington DC to Panama City around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Panama City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Panama City right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Washington DC to Panama City:
Panama Canal Museum and Casco Viejo are just a couple of the popular attractions to add to your Panama City travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
Panama City has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Panama waiting to be explored. About 6 kilometres north of Panama City, a visit to San Miguelito will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Iglesia Cristo Luz del Mundo, IDMJI SAN MIGUELITO and Iglesia Bautista Independiente Emanuel.
Around 11 kilometres north-east of Panama City, Juan Díaz is another essential stop in Panama. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Malecon Costa Del Este, El Patio Human Friendly and Parque Los Robles Sur.
