There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Panama City into a quick city adventure. From PFN, the local transport can get you into town in around 70 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Panama City, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Panama City is roughly 70 minutes from PFN via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What to See and Do in Panama City
Two recommendations for your time in Panama City:
Start with Pier Park. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule. Then, if time allows, make your way to St. Andrews State Park. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
If you’d rather stay inside PFN — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- The Beaches to Business Store
- Emerald Coast Beaches Gift Shop
Transport from Panama City-Bay Co International Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~70 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~90 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Panama City: Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market and Dat Cajun Place Cafe. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Clearwater Cafe or Clearwater Cafe Express. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Panama City layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Panama City.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PFN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Panama City itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Storing Your Luggage at Panama City-Bay Co International Airport
Specific locker facilities at PFN aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Panama City itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at PFN include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Panama City genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.