Panama City Airport Guide

sleeping in panama city airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / December 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Panama City Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I’m in hour 2 of a 16 hour wait at this airport and so far it’s not satisfying many of my needs. – Sean

PTY Airport Overview

panama city airport guide — (Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / August 2019)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Panama City Tocumen Airport.

What to Expect

Panama City Airport (code: PTY) currently operates from Terminal 1 and North Concourse. A new South Terminal (Terminal 2) is now open and will be occupied, for the most part, by Copa Airlines. Flights are expected to start in the Summer of 2019, which may alleviate overcrowding in the other terminals. In Terminal 1, travellers report that bathrooms can be dirty and some flights require additional security screening, so arrive at your gate early. Pay attention, as a few reviews describe airport staff looking for bribes or running credit cards twice. When you have had the opportunity to experience Terminal 2, write a review to help future travellers.

Eateries and shops are plentiful, though pricey, and none are open 24 hours, so plan ahead if you’re camping out. WiFi is free but may be limited to 30 minutes; use sparingly. For added comfort, you may be able to access one of two airport lounges.

Sleeping in Panama City Airport

Seating throughout the airport is equipped with armrests, which are not exactly comfortable for shuteye. A sleeping bag makes the floor your best option, and an extra sweater or blanket combats cold air conditioning. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Panama City Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.

Airport Hours

Tocumen Airport is open 24 hours.

What this means for airport sleepers:
Overnight stays are possible, but expect limited services late at night and a generally bright, busy terminal.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Panama City Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

Crowne Plaza Panama Airport (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) – Upscale hotel.
Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Casino (1.1 mi / 1.8 km) – Mid-range hotel.
B&B Lodgings (3.8 mi / 6.1 km) – Budget hotel.

Airport Shuttles: At the time of this update, these hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with the hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

Copa Club – 2 Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, above Gates 130 and 133 • Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures. Showers: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Tocumen Royal Saloon – Location: Landside, 3rd Floor. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network – Location: Airside, near Gate 115. Showers: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Food & Drinks

The airport offers a wide range of restaurants and coffee shops (approximately 19 total). According to the airport website, most restaurants close by 10:00 PM, though some may operate 24 hours during high season. Vending machines are available.

Drinking Water
A reader reports that drinking water fountains are available for refilling water bottles. (February 2025)

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A reader reports a left-luggage office located after exiting the customs area. Reported rates: approx. $5/day per suitcase, with higher fees for oversized items (e.g., surfboards).

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging is available throughout the airport, with power outlets compatible with US-style plugs.

Showers

Showers are available in the Copa Club. [ see Airport Lounges above ]

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available for 30 minutes. (Confirmed by a reader in April 2023)

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international fees before travelling.

Banking Services – A branch of Banco Nacional de Panamá is available.

Currency Exchange – Travelex operates currency exchange counters within the terminal.

Duty-Free and Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside, with additional souvenir and retail shops located in public (landside) areas. Most shops operate during daytime and evening hours, with extended or overnight hours during peak travel periods.

Information Desk – An information desk is available landside and is open 24 hours, offering general airport assistance.

Medical Services – Free urgent and emergency medical care is available at the airport’s medical clinic. Medical staff can assist or arrange transport from other areas of the terminal if needed.

Pharmacy – A Farmacias Arrocha location is available.

Smoking – Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal.

Airlines

Panama City airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air China • Air Europa • Air France • American Airlines • Aruba Airlines • Avianca • Avior Airlines • Condor • Conviasa • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Iberia • KLM • Laser Airlines • Lufthansa • SBA Airlines • Spirit • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Venezolana.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

PTY airport is connected to the local bus transportation system. At the time of this update, a one-way ticket costs $0.25/person. For more information and to plan your route, visit the Panama City Tocument Airport website.

Shuttle Bus – The Tourism Authority of Panama provides a free shuttle bus from the Airport to the Metromall Shopping Center. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Service is available every day except Saturdays. For more information, visit the Panama City Tocumen Airport website.

Car Rentals

The following agencies provide car rental service from Tocumen Airport: Ace • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty and more.

Hotel Shuttles

A few airport hotels provide airport shuttles. See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Only taxis operated by Tourist Taxi Service can be boarded at Tocumen International Airport. These taxis are available exclusively to tourists to guarantee passenger safety and service. For a sample list of fares, visit the Panama City Airport website.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-03-20

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.