Overview
Panama links Central and South America and joins two oceans through its famous canal. Beyond the modern skyline of Panama City lie rainforests, Caribbean islands, coffee highlands and rich wildlife. As a major airline hub, it is an increasingly popular gateway for UK travellers exploring the Americas.
Best time to fly to Panama
The dry season from mid-December to April is the most comfortable, with sunny skies ideal for beaches and the canal. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon rains but lush scenery and fewer crowds. Fares rise over the festive period, so the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, one of Latin America's busiest hubs. Domestic and regional flights also use Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC) in the city and Enrique Malek (DAV) at David in the west.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK, so journeys involve one stop. KLM (via Amsterdam), Iberia (via Madrid), Air France (via Paris), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and United or American Airlines (via the US) all connect London with Panama City. Total journey times are typically around 13–16 hours depending on the routing.
Popular places to visit in Panama
- Panama Canal: watch giant ships transit at the Miraflores Locks
- Panama City & Casco Viejo: a gleaming skyline beside a historic old quarter
- Bocas del Toro: Caribbean islands with beaches and reefs
- Boquete: cool highlands, coffee farms and hiking
- San Blas Islands: pristine islands home to the Guna people
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Panama
- Book well ahead for the December–April dry season.
- Compare hubs — Amsterdam, Madrid, Paris and US routings can differ in price.
- Travel in the green season for lower fares and fewer crowds.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers do not need a visa for tourist stays
- Health: a yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from an affected country, and it is advised for some jungle regions
- Currency: the Panamanian balboa (PAB), pegged to and used alongside the US dollar
