Travelling from Panama City to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's main airports.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are Los Angeles's major entry points.
The average length of a direct Panama City to Los Angeles flight is 7 hours.
Los Angeles is two hours behind Panama City and is in the UTC-7 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Panama City to Los Angeles is from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). There are 21 services every week between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from PTY to LAX is the 07:21 Copa Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the latest available service is at 18:42 with Copa Airlines.
To ensure you make your Panama City to Los Angeles flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like June, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Los Angeles
Get cheap Panama City to Los Angeles flights by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
Plan your trip for November. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Panama City to Los Angeles. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Panama City to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your Panama City to Los Angeles flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You can get a direct flight from Panama City to Los Angeles jetting off from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Start your trip at PTY and end it at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Lock in your Panama City to Los Angeles plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from PTY.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing Panama City to Los Angeles flights departing from Tocumen International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
PTY is around 18 kilometres from central Panama City. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Tocumen International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Panama City to Los Angeles or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Tocumen International Airport has an excellent on-time record, so flight disruptions are less likely. Departures from PTY arrive at their destination as scheduled 86.03% of the time.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Break up your Panama City to Los Angeles flight with a stop at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). A main stopover between Panama Pacifico Airport and Los Angeles, it's a good opportunity to unwind before the next leg of your journey.
The drive from central Panama City to BLB typically takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It's roughly 11 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, kick back in one of these hotels close to Panama Pacifico Airport:
Panama Pacifico Airport is known for its commitment to punctuality. 87% of flights departing here arrive right when they're supposed to.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near LAX if you have a late flight from Panama City to Los Angeles. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Los Angeles and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week in advance of your Panama City to Los Angeles flight.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
After your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 35 minutes by car. Central Los Angeles is approximately 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 40 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Panama City to Los Angeles flight at any of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Van Nuys Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Dollar or Hertz and be on your way in a flash.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from VNY ahead of your arrival. You can also avoid paying more than you have to, especially during busy airport times.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Panama City to Los Angeles. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Los Angeles in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 32ºC. Lock in your Panama City to Los Angeles ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Panama City to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
After booking your flight from Panama City to Los Angeles, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are top sights which should feature on any good Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Los Angeles, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Travel about 177 kilometres south-east to San Diego to check off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles, San Jose is another favourite stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.