Panama City, Panama can be a hectic place to get around, especially if you’re a newcomer; but it doesn’t have to be. Like any major metropolitan city, there are many options for transportation fit for any budget. Driving is often the most direct, and certainly a popular option in Panama. But if you don’t have a car, or don’t plan on driving, don’t fear, you still have lots of choices to get around. For those of you who want to be in the know, here is a quick guide to know how to get by when you’re in the city:
Walking
Most locals will tell you that Panama is not a walking city. While this may have some truth to it, it’s not necessarily the case for the entire city. Neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Punta Paitilla, Marbella, and El Cangrego are all easy to navigate by foot, and it it’s the easiest way to get around there. While walking in Panama City, always stay very alert. There is a lot of traffic, and often, many sidewalks will have large cracks or holes that can pose a danger if you’re not careful. And it should be mentioned that pedestrians do not always have the right away as it accustom in a lot of major cities. So make sure to lot both ways when crossing the street.
Bus
Up until 2012, Panama’s bus system was kind of a mess. That has all changed now with the introduction of the Metro Bus. Now, a fleet of brand new, clean, air-conditioned busses service the city and its suburbs. The buses cost $0.25 a ride, and fare is collected through a Metro card, which you can charge at most of the larger stops on city routes. To get more info, check out their website.
Subway
The newest addition to public transportation in Panama is the Metro (Subway). Not to be confused with the bus of similar name, the “Metro de Panama” is Central America’s first subway, and a major source of pride for the country. This April, the first line was complete. It takes passengers from Albrook Terminal, on the SW side of the city near the canal, all the way into the suburbs, with 11 stops in total. Some of these stops include areas like El Cangrejo, downtown, and Bella Vista, which are all popular areas for expats to live and work. The fare costs $0.35 per ride, and can be purchased at the main terminals using your Metro card.
Taxis
Taxis are another very popular way to get around Panama City, and compared to the US and Canada, are very cheap. Yellow-painted cabs are the norm here, and they roam the streets at nearly all hours of the day and night looking for fares. Cabs are typically shared, which accounts for the low price; so don’t be surprised if your cabbie will stop to pick up other passengers on the way to your destination. There are also no meters, which can make negotiating a fare a bit of a challenge. Your best bet is to ask a local what the standard fare is from point A to point B, but as a general rule, they don’t surpass much more than $5 each way in the city. Recently, other taxi-like services have popped up in Panama, including Uber, which bases its fare on time and distance, and is charged directly to your credit card once you set up an account.
Regardless of how you choose to get around, it’s important to remember to stay patient. Panama has a lot of people, and a lot of traffic. Once you learn to go with the flow, and plan your travel with enough time, getting around the city can be a lot less painful than it looks. Good luck, and safe travels!
