Here you will find travel information for air and ground transportation to and from David Panama along with our recommendations for hotel accommodations.
AIR & GROUND TRANSPORTATION
AIR TRAVEL
Most visitors coming to Panama will fly to Tocuman International Airport in Panama City. (PTY) is the airport code if you are booking your tickets online. But that is soon to change as the Enrique Malik Airport in the city of David under goes a massive expansion in an attempt to bring international flights from the US directly to David Panama.
But in the meanwhile, domestic air travel between Panama City and David is available on Air Panama and Aeroperlas Regional. Domestic flights are based out of Albrook Airport. Albrook Airport is about 20 minutes from Tocuman International Airport and you can expect to pay approximately $25 to $30 for the cab ride. You can book your domestic air travel tickets online at www.FlyAirPanama.com for Air Panama or www.aeroperlas.com for Aeroperlas Regional.
Both domestic airlines also offer service to and from San Jose Costa Rica through Juan Santamaria International Airport. (SJO) is the airport code if you are booking your tickets online. However be sure to check the arrival and departure schedules for Air Panama and Aeroperlas from San Jose because daily flight service is not available. We have found some substantial savings on air fares when traveling to Panama through Costa Rica. The key to getting the best ticket prices is early booking.
The expansion work is continuing at the Enriqui Malik Airport in the city of David. The airports runways and terminal is currently under going a massive expansion. The expansion will allow the airport to accommodate jumbo jets and international flights from the US. Local officials are optimistic that the facility will be prepared to begin accepting the new international carriers later this year.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
For those who prefer to take the path less traveled ground transportation from Panama City to David is available by bus or rental car. The distance between Panama City and David is 350 miles. The Panamanian Highway is a direct route and the road is in good condition. Bus service is available daily however the travel time by bus is approximately 8 hours. Rental cars are also available at the Tocuman International Airport for those who desire the feel of the open road. However I will warn you the traffic congestion in Panama City will certainly put your driving abilities to the ultimate test. The travel time from Panama City to David by car is approximately 6 hours.
LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS
PANAMA CITY
Panama City has so many nice hotels that it is difficult to recommend any one particular facility. There are beautiful hotels in the business district, the historic district, on the causeway and in the rain forest just outside the city. There are also several beach resort hotels just outside of the city. If you plan on spending time in the canal zone I recommend that you search online for the accommodations that best meets your taste and budget. However the Hotel Riande Aeropurto is your best bet for lodging closest to Tocuman International Airport.
DAVID
In the city of David we have several recommendations for lodging.
The Hotel Best Western offers comfortable accommodations at reduced rates for our anglers. You can preview the facilities and book your reservations online at www.Best WesternDavid.com.
The Hotel Los Rivera offers our anglers comfortable accomodations at a reduced rate. Located within the city this hotel has a unique Panamanian decor and a warm and friendly staff. You can preview the facilities and book your reservations online at www.hotellosrivera.com.
If you prefer a more elegant atmosphere with fine dining, I would recommend the Ciudad de David Hotel. This is a business class hotel located in the heart of the city. You can preview the facilities and book your reservations online at www.hotelciudaddedavid.com.
Boca Chica
Boca Chica is small fishing village which is located to the southwest of the city of David. Boca Chica is surrounded by many small to moderately sized islands, many being worthy of exploration and sightseeing. In addition to its prime waterfront location Boca Chica is quickly becoming internationally recognized as one of Panama's premier pacific coast sport fishing centers.
Our recommendation for lodging in Boca Chica is;
The Sea Gull Cove Lodge is a small boutique resort with a total of 5 separate bungalows. For additional information regarding the facilities, rates and amenities, please check out their website from the link provided below. The Seagullcove Lodge