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San José, San José to Panama City, Panama from $55: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San José, Costa Rica
to
Panama City, Panama

How to Get from San José to Panama City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$55 by busBest price
861 kmDistance
3h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San José to Panama City with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$139-715
Recommended
Company
Tica Bus
Bus
Average Duration
16h  10m
Estimated price
$55-85
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 861 km
Duration: 3h 40m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
15h  16m
Estimated price
$56-1390
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$119-784
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
5h  41m
Estimated price
$132-332
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
12h  26m
Estimated price
$1391-1392
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
20h  48m
Estimated price
$1393-1394
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Jose (Heredia) to Panama City

The journey from San Jose (Heredia) to Panama City offers a fascinating contrast between Costa Rica's lush landscapes and the vibrant urban energy of Panama's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Panama City

Panama City features diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience.

Casco Viejo
• Rich in history with colonial architecture.
• Vibrant nightlife and local eateries.
Amador Causeway
• Scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Ideal for biking and walking.
El Cangrejo
• Known for its excellent dining options.
• A lively atmosphere with local markets.

Best Times To Visit Panama City's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your Panama City experience.

Panama Canal
Visit early morning for fewer crowds and stunning views of ships.
Casco Viejo
Explore on weekdays to enjoy quieter streets and local markets.
Ancon Hill
Go in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunsets.

Panama City Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Panama City enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season, making it warm and humid year-round. The best times to visit are during the dry season from December to April, when you can experience outdoor activities and city exploration without the frequent rain interruptions.

Dining Recommendation in Panama City

Experience the bold flavors of ceviche at La Cevichería, a lively spot where fresh seafood takes center stage, contrasting with the more traditional Costa Rican fare in San Jose (Heredia). The vibrant atmosphere and the unique use of local Panamanian ingredients add a distinct edge to your dining experience that you won’t find back home.

San José - Panama City operators

Explore transport companies operating between San José and Panama City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
copaair.com

Plane from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Panama City Airport (PTY)

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$1398-1399

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Balboa (BLB)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$7150-7151
Website
copaair.com

Plane from San Jose (SJO) to Balboa (BLB)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$7150-7151
Website
airpanama.com

Plane from Changuinola (CHX) to Panama City Marcos A Gelabert (PAC)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$1397-7152
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+52 962 625 2435
Website
ticabus.com

Bus from San José to Panama

Average Duration
16h 10m
Estimated price
$55-85

Bus from San José to Quepos

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$7150-7155

Bus from Quepos to Panama

Average Duration
13h 13m
Estimated price
$7150-71550
Contact phone
+506 2771 2550
Website
grupoblanco.cr

Bus from San José to Quepos

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$7150-7155
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+506 2750 0626
Website
caribeshuttle.com

Other from San José to Bocas del Toro

Average Duration
8h 6m
Estimated price
$85-715550

Other from Bocas del Toro to Panama City

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
$715550-3200
Train
Contact phone
+507 504-7200
Website
elmetrodepanama.com

Train from Cerro Viento to San Miguelito

Average Duration
13m
Estimated price
0-0

San José to Panama City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San José and Panama City offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from San Jose to Panama City, covering a distance of 492 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture along the way. 💰 The cost of driving from San Jose to Panama City ranges from $100 to $160, offering an affordable transportation option for travelers seeking adventure and flexibility. ⏱️ With an estimated driving time of 12 hours and 26 minutes, immerse yourself in the journey and make unforgettable memories as you traverse from Costa Rica to Panama by car.
Average price
$100 - $160
🛫 Flying from San Jose Airport in Heredia to Panama City Airport can be a quick and efficient journey with Copa Airlines, as the direct flight takes only 1 hour and 23 minutes. 🌍 The overall travel time from San Jose to Panama City by plane is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, offering passengers a relatively short flight to reach their destination in Panama. 💸 Prices for flights between Panama City and San Jose can range from $119 to $784, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
San Jose Airport
Arrival Point
Panama City Airport
🚌 Embark on an adventure from San Jose to Panama City by bus, with a direct service that departs once daily and takes approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes to reach your destination. 💵 The bus fare for the trip between Panama City and San Jose ranges from $55 to $85, offering an affordable and convenient way to explore the vibrant capital of Panama.
Departure Point
San Jose station
Arrival Point
Panama station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San José to Panama City.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Jose and Panama City is approximately 320 miles by air, with a flight duration of around 3 hours and 40 minutes. If traveling by road, the distance is 492.2 miles, and it takes approximately 12 hours and 26 minutes by car or 16 hours and 22 minutes by bus. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, while taking a bus or driving a car would require a longer travel time.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Jose to Panama City is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 16 hours and 22 minutes and costs around $55 to $85. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking only 3 hours and 40 minutes. The flight ticket prices range from $120 to $800 depending on the airline and booking time.
The prices of a bus ticket between Panama City and San Jose can range from $56 to $84. This price variance is likely due to factors such as the type of bus service, the level of comfort provided, and the popularity of the route. It is advisable to check with different bus companies and compare prices to find the best deal for your travel needs.
To travel from San Jose to Panama City without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is approximately 492 miles, and it takes around 12 hours and 26 minutes to reach Panama City by car. The cost for this option can vary between $100 and $160.
To travel from San Jose to Panama City without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes around 15 hours and costs approximately $80. The bus service is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities, allowing you to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and Panama City. Expreso Panamá operates bus services that depart from San José and arrive at Panama City. The bus service operates four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with a journey time of approximately 15 hours. This provides a convenient and direct option for travelers looking to travel between the two cities.
The flight between San Jose and Panama City typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $124 and $784, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and book in advance to get the best deals.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Panama City. With over 518 hotels to choose from, you will find something to suit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels start at $52 per night, offering a range of options for every traveler. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly accommodations, or something in between, you are sure to find a suitable place to stay near Panama City.

Trips from San José

Trips to Panama City