Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the Albrook Terminal, airport buses (US$1.25, one to 1½ hours) marked 'Tocu-
men Corredor' depart every 15 minutes. You can also take a taxi from downtown (from
US$27).
The Albrook airport north of Cerro Ancón handles domestic flights. The easiest way to
get to/from the airport is by taxi; the ride should cost between US$3 and US$5.
From the Bus Terminal
All long-distance buses arrive at the Albrook bus terminal; from here there are connec-
tions throughout the city. Routes (such as Vía España, Panamá Viejo) are displayed in the
front window and cost US$0.25. If you arrive after dark, it is recommended that you take
a taxi (US$3 to US$5) to your destination.
BICYCLE
The only spot to rent bicycles in Panama City is at the Causeway entrance. Both
Moses
(
221-3671; 9am-7pm Sat & Sun)
and Bikes n More (
Click here
) operate booths with
rentals starting at US$4 per hour for mountain bikes. You can also rent tandems and rick-
shaw bikes.
BUS
Panama City is almost done phasing out its
diablos rojos
('red devils') for modern, safe,
air-conditioned buses by Metrobus (
Click here
). Rides cost US$0.25 to $1.25, with the
higher cost for corredor routes.
Buses run along the three major west-to-east routes: Av Central-Vía España, Av Bal-
boa-Vía Israel, and Av Simón Bolívar-Vía Transístmica. The Av Central-Vía España
streets are one-way going west for much of the route; eastbound buses use Av Perú and
Av 4 Sur; these buses will take you into the banking district of El Cangrejo. Buses also
run along Av Ricardo J Alfaro (known as Tumba Muerto).
Metrobuses stop at official bus stops and the Albrook bus terminal near the Albrook
airport.
TAXI
Taxis are plentiful but problematic. Some do not travel (or even know) the whole city, so
don't be surprised if they leave you standing on the sidewalk upon hearing your destina-
tion.
Taxis are not metered, but there is a list of standard fares that drivers are supposed to
charge, measured by zones. One zone runs a minimum of US$2; canal zone destinations
run up to US$6. An average ride, crossing a couple of zones, would cost US$3 to US$4,
more for additional passengers or if it's late. Always agree on a fare before you get into
