Distances at a glance
| From | Distance | Drive time | Uber cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tocumen Airport (PTY) | 27 km | 30–50 min | $18–28 |
| Miraflores Locks | 15 km | 20–30 min | $8–14 |
| Balboa Cruise Port | 6 km | 15–20 min | $7–12 |
| Miraflores Hotel Zone | 8 km | 15–20 min | $6–10 |
| Punta Pacífica / Financial District | 5 km | 10–15 min | $5–9 |
| Amador Causeway | 5 km | 10–15 min | $5–9 |
| El Cangrejo / Marbella | 4 km | 10–15 min | $4–8 |
Uber — the recommended option
Uber / InDriver
RecommendedUber is available throughout Panama City and is the easiest, most reliable, and usually cheapest way to get to Casco Viejo. The app works exactly as you'd expect — request from your current location and the driver comes to you. Payment is through the app; no cash or negotiation needed.
InDriver is a popular alternative that lets you name your price — often cheaper than Uber but requires a slightly more active negotiation. Both apps are widely used by locals.
Uber pickup inside Casco Viejo: when leaving the neighbourhood, request your Uber from your specific street address or landmark — the area's narrow cobblestone streets mean drivers sometimes struggle to find you. Be ready to guide them via the app's message function.
Taxis
Taxis (yellow cabs)
Works, but negotiate firstPanama City's yellow taxis are not metered — you agree on a price before getting in. This means fares vary and tourists are often quoted higher prices. For reference: from the financial district, a fair fare is $5–8; from the airport, $20–30; from Balboa Port, $12–18.
Always agree on the price before you get in the car. Say where you're going and ask "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much?). You can politely negotiate — drivers often come down on the initial quote. If you speak no Spanish, show the driver the address on your phone.
Taxi safety: Only hail licensed yellow taxis or use Uber. Do not accept rides from unlicensed drivers offering rides near tourist areas or the airport — these are not regulated and have been associated with scams. Licensed taxis have a taxi license plate (starts with "T") and a driver ID displayed inside.
Bus — Metro and Diablo Rojo
Metro Bus / Diablo Rojo
Budget optionPanama City has a metro bus network (red modern buses) and the informal "Diablo Rojo" decorated buses. Buses are very cheap ($0.25–1.50) but require knowing the routes. For Casco Viejo, buses along Avenida Central run through or near the neighbourhood — look for buses marked "Casco Viejo" or ask locals.
The Metro Bus requires a pre-loaded Metrobus card (available at Metro stations for $2 deposit + credit). The Diablo Rojo takes cash. Neither is recommended for first-time visitors with luggage, but they're perfectly fine for a daytime ride when you have time to figure it out.
Getting from Tocumen Airport to Casco Viejo
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is 27km east of Casco Viejo — roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.
- Uber: Open the app as you exit baggage claim. Cost is typically $18–28. Uber pick-up area is clearly signed outside arrivals.
- Official airport taxi: Available at the taxi counter inside arrivals. Fixed rates of approximately $25–35 to Casco Viejo. More expensive than Uber but guaranteed and supervised.
- Avoid peak traffic: Panama City rush hour is 7–9am and 5–7pm. If possible, arrive outside these windows — the 27km can take over an hour in gridlock.
Getting around inside Casco Viejo
Once you're in Casco Viejo, everything is walkable. The neighbourhood is approximately 500 metres wide and 800 metres long — you can walk end to end in 15 minutes. All of the major landmarks (Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Bolívar, Church of San José, Las Bóvedas seawall, Paseo Esteban Huertas) are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
The cobblestone streets are uneven in some places. Wear comfortable shoes — heels are genuinely inadvisable. There are no cycle lanes and driving within the old quarter is restricted, which makes the pedestrian experience much better than most Central American city centres.
Once you arrive — start with the free tour
Our colonial walking tour departs daily at 10am from Plaza de la Independencia — right in the heart of Casco Viejo. Reserve your free spot before you travel.
Reserve Free Spot →