Travelling from Panama City to Tampa: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering the departure point for your flight from Panama City to Tampa. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the main airports in Panama City.
Hop off the plane at Tampa's chief entry point, Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Around 3 hours 25 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Panama City to Tampa flight.
Tampa is one hour ahead of Panama City and is in the UTC-4 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Panama City to Tampa is from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Tampa International Airport (TPA). You can select from ten services every week between these two airports. If you want to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from PTY to TPA is the 09:04 Copa Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 11:41 with Copa Airlines.
Leave enough time to get on your Panama City to Tampa flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month such as June? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Tampa
Book two months before travelling. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Panama City to Tampa flights.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Panama City to Tampa. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Panama City to Tampa.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Panama City to Tampa flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You can catch a direct flight from Panama City to Tampa taking off from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Begin your journey at PTY and touch down at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Secure your Panama City to Tampa plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from PTY.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Panama City to Tampa flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Tocumen International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV)
Located around 18 kilometres from central Panama City, PTY can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Panama City to Tampa? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to Tocumen International Airport:
86.03% of flights departing from Tocumen International Airport reach their destination according to schedule. Given its strong on-time stats, disruptions are unlikely when setting off from PTY.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Break up your Panama City to Tampa flight with a stop at Jose Marti International Airport (HAV). A major stopover between Panama Pacifico Airport and Tampa, it's a good opportunity to enjoy some downtime before continuing your journey.
The drive from central Panama City to BLB typically takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's around 11 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Panama City to Tampa? Relax in a hotel near Panama Pacifico Airport before your trip officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
The majority of flights that depart Panama Pacifico Airport land at their destination as expected. It maintains a high on-time performance rate of 87%.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is approximately 8 kilometres. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Panama City to Tampa. Stay at one of these accommodation options near TPA instead:
Pick up a Tampa International Airport rental car and explore Tampa and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Budget and Thrifty are leading providers to choose from here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Tampa International Airport about one week before your trip.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
The centre of Tampa is around 24 kilometres from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). As soon as your flight from Panama City to Tampa has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 25 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 2 hours 10 minutes or so.
Budget, Alamo and Avis make collecting a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Lock in the vehicle you want, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from PIE ahead of your arrival. You can also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when demand is high.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is located at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
May is the quietest month for flights from Panama City to Tampa, while July is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Tampa based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Panama City to Tampa ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Tampa to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Panama City to Tampa in January when temperatures average between 9ºC and 23ºC.
More about Tampa
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Tampa right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Panama City to Tampa:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are top sights which should feature on every Tampa itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Tampa has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometres north of Tampa, a visit to Jacksonville will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain.
Miami is another essential stop in United States and is around 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa. No trip is complete without dropping by Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena.
