Two announcements this week about direct flights to Panama:
1) Starting February 1, 2016, Emirates will launch a flight from Dubai to Panama City. At 17 hours and 35 minutes, this flight will have the distinction of the world’s longest flight.
The World’s Longest Flight.
2) Air France is expanding its Paris to Panama City service, with six weekly flights between Charles de Gaulle and Tocumen International, starting November 2015.
More exciting news about Panama flights! (It seems this blog has morphed into a ‘new Panama flights’ blog).
United Airlines has announced new direct flights between Denver, Colorado and Panama City, Tocumen International Airport. Starting August 2015, flights will operate daily (five times a week between September and October 2015).
And with the news of direct flights to David Panama (the addition of Copa Airlines flights between Tocumen International Airport and David Airport), it’s even easier for Coloradans (?) to come visit us in Boquete. (A large percentage of our US guests come from Colorado!)
It’s official. Copa Airlines flights between Tocumen International Airport and David launch January 15, 2015.
Julio from Habla Ya Panama language schools, who always hears the news first, circulated this article from La Prensa earlier today.
And rates are confirmed at $166 return, all taxes and surcharges in (versus Air Panama’s rate of $275).
Great news!
When visiting Panama, many people do the Panama City – Boquete – Bocas del Toro circuit. A perfect combination of city, mountains and beach, right?
But sometimes logistics can be a challenge. Here are the top 5 things you need to know if you are planning a trip to both Bocas del Toro and Boquete:
1. Flights There are no longer flights between David (the regional airport closest to Boquete) and Bocas del Toro.
2. But…there are economical alternatives to flying! Land transfers between Boquete and Almirante (the port town close to Bocas) take approximately 3.5 – 4.5 hours, depending on your mode of transportation. Once you are in Almirante, you can take a $3-$4 water taxi to the island. Here are your options:
a. A shuttle service between Boquete and Almirante: The cost is $35 per person. We recommend Panama Travel Services. They have professional drivers, safe vehicles and are insured. And the best thing is – they pick up at Boquete Garden Inn at 9:00 am (other shuttle services require that you get to them – for 7:30 am)
b. Private taxi: Panama Travel Services also offers transportation between Almirante and Boquete for $160 for 2 people. Comfy, safe and insured minivan. c. Bus: Take either a taxi or bus to David bus station, and then a bus from David to Almirante. Buses leave every 30 minutes from David. Panama bus schedule. You’re looking at a 5 hour trip. And possibly sharing the vehicle with chickens.
3. Taking a rental car from Boquete to Almirante is not a great idea. The rental companies charge a hefty premium to pick up your car from Almirante. And if you are planning on leaving the car in Almirante and then driving it back yourself – you’re paying to park an unused car.
4. Guests tell us that they wish they’d stayed longer in Boquete. I know what you’re thinking: Of course we’d say that – we’re a Boquete hotel. But it’s true! There are so many things to do in Boquete and the surrounding areas – see our Things to Do section for more info.
5. Skip the logistics and stay in Chiriqui! Boquete is the perfect home base to explore the mountains and beaches of Chiriqui. Las Lajas is 1 hour and 45 minutes away, Boca Chica and Las Olas are 1.5 hours away. We provide our guests with great maps to plan their beachy day trips! Spend less time traveling and more time enjoying your Panama vacation right here in Chiriqui!
“How do we get to Boquete without an overnight stay in Panama City?”
Many guests have asked us about flying from San Jose, Costa Rica to the regional airport in David Panama (closest airport to Boquete) versus flying from Panama City.
The reasoning behind this: Boquete is very close to the Costa Rica border. Guests want to get to Boquete as quickly as possible, without spending a night in Panama City. This is technically an option, but the timing is very tight.
Panama flights leave San Jose for David Panama on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 am local time. So, unless your flight lands in San Jose very early, you’ll still have to spend a night in a big city. Given the choice, I’d rather stay overnight in Panama City than San Jose.
Another option available soon: David Airport Expansion
The David airport is set to undergo a major expansion, which will open up this side of the country to more Panama flights. Copa Airlines recently announced that it will provide service from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City to David, starting the first quarter of 2011. (Right now, travellers have to do a 30-minute land transfer from Tocumen International to the regional airport in Albrook and then take a flight to David.)
Panama Flights – Regional airlines
Aeroperlas www.aeroperlas.com
Air Panama www.flyairpanama.com
Thanks to Ursula from Panama Travel Group, we’ve received some exciting updates about new direct flights to Panama.
Madrid – Panama Airline: Iberia. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting October 1, 2010
Frankfurt – Panama Airline: Lufthansa. Departure dates to be determined. Starting November 1
Panama – Japan – Salomon Shamah, administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, is visiting Japan with a Copa Airlines rep to submit a business plan to the directors of All Nippon Airways (ANA). If this goes forward, an air link would be established in 2011.
Panama – Amsterdam– Air France-KLM plan to increase their weekly flights on this route in November, possibly up to seven a week.
(Sloth designed by David Shenoda, featured on shirt.woot.com)
