Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Panama City: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 7 hours. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City.
Panama City is two hours ahead of Los Angeles, where Los Angeles International Airport is located. Panama City observes the UTC-5 timezone.
The busiest route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY). There are 21 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from LAX to PTY is the 00:44 Copa Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 22:18 with Copa Airlines.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your LAX to Panama City flight.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Direct Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City tickets are available for booking. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) will be your arrival point.
Copa Airlines is a popular carrier that operates direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from LAX to Panama City with a stopover. To see your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a hotel close to LAX? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
81.05% of flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport reach their destination on time. With its strong performance rating, you're unlikely to face delays when flying out of LAX.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City flight is ج.م. 8,146. The cheapest price for a return flight is ج.م. 19,444. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from LAX to Panama City by booking six months ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for finding the biggest deals.
Organise your trip for October. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from LAX to Panama City is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Save money on your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is around 21 kilometres from the centre of Panama City. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes about 20 minutes.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to PTY if you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City. Check in to one of these accommodation options and make arrival day easier:
Go where the road takes you with a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and venture far and wide through Panama City and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from LAX to Panama City.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is roughly 2 kilometres from central Panama City. After your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City, it'll take you around 5 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 25 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near PAC. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your LAX to Panama City flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Get exactly what you want. Booking your ride from PAC three weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Set your sights on the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City has landed. Central Panama City is around 16 kilometres from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you don't want to make the journey to the centre, find a hotel close to BLB. Settle in at one of these options after your LAX to Panama City flight:
Start your travels without stressing over how to get to your next stop with a Panama Pacifico Airport rental car. You can book with trusted companies here like Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a specific make or model, book your ride from BLB about one week ahead of your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
Travel to Panama City during peak season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC and 32ºC. Lock in your Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from LAX to Panama City in February when temperatures average between 22ºC and 31ºC.
More about Panama City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Panama City right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City:
Casco Viejo and Panama Canal Museum are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Panama City travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Cinta Costera.
Explore more of Panama
Panama City is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Panama you'll want to see. About 322 kilometres west of Panama City, a trip to David will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Parque Cervantes, Altos del Rio Park and Coquito Hills Park.
Around 193 kilometres south-west of Panama City, Santiago de Veraguas is another essential stop in Panama. Experience major highlights starting with Santiago the Apostle Cathedral, Santiago de Veraguas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and La Placita San Juan De Dios.
