Overview
David (pronounced Dah-veed) is the capital of Panama's Chiriquí province and the gateway to the country's cool green highlands, coffee farms and quiet Pacific beaches. It is a working Panamanian city rather than a resort, which is part of its appeal — busy markets, a shady central plaza and easy road access to Boquete and Volcán Barú. Most UK travellers use David as a base for the western highlands or as a stop on a longer Panama itinerary. Live fares from the UK are shown in the price charts on this page, refreshed as airlines release seats.
Best time to fly to David
Panama has two seasons. The dry season, roughly mid-December to April, brings the clearest skies and is ideal for hiking, birdwatching and beach days, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to fly. The green season, May to November, tends to be kinder on airfares and the landscape is lush; showers are usually short and are heaviest from September to November. David itself sits low and stays hot and humid all year at around 30C, while nearby Boquete is noticeably cooler. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices shift month by month.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to David, and no non-stop service from the UK to Panama, so every routing involves at least one connection. The usual pattern is a flight from London to Panama City with KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris, Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Iberia via Madrid, followed by a short domestic hop to David with Copa Airlines or Air Panama. Routings via the United States with American, United or Delta are also common but require an ESTA. Expect around 16 to 22 hours in total, including a London to Panama City leg of roughly 11 to 12 hours and a 45 to 60 minute flight on to David.
Things to do in David
David rewards a slow wander, and the surrounding Chiriquí region is the real draw:
- Parque Cervantes: the leafy central square where locals gather in the evening for street food and people-watching.
- Catedral de San José de David: the city's landmark church, its bell tower rising over the old centre.
- Volcán Barú National Park: Panama's highest peak and, on a clear dawn hike, a rare place to glimpse both the Pacific and the Caribbean.
- Boquete: a mountain town about 40 minutes away, known for coffee tours, hot springs, hiking trails and quetzal spotting.
- Playa La Barqueta: a long dark-sand Pacific beach around half an hour from the city, with a protected zone for nesting sea turtles.
At Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV)
David's airport sits about 5km south of the centre, a 10 to 15 minute drive. There is no dedicated airport bus, so most travellers take a taxi, agreeing the fare before setting off, or arrange a hotel transfer. Car hire desks are useful if you plan to explore Boquete and the highlands, where having your own vehicle genuinely helps. The terminal is small and easy to navigate, with a few regional flights alongside the Panama City service.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to David
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the long-haul connection; last-minute fares to Panama are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid the December to April peak and UK school holidays to find lower prices.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to pick out the cheapest departure days.
- Compare the European hub carriers against US-routed options, and check the through-fare all the way to David rather than booking the domestic leg separately.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Panama as tourists and are generally admitted for up to 180 days; carry a passport valid for at least six months, plus proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Panama uses the US dollar, known locally as the balboa, so change pounds into dollars and keep some cash for smaller towns, though cards are widely accepted in David. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but check NHS TravelHealthPro and the FCDO's Panama travel advice a few weeks before you go, and take sensible mosquito precautions. If you connect through the USA you will need an ESTA; through Canada, an eTA.
