Travelling from Panama City to Tampa: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Panama City to Tampa. Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Balboa Airport (BLB) are Panama City's main airports.
Come in for landing at Tampa's chief entry point, Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The average length of a direct Panama City to Tampa flight is 3 hours 20 minutes.
Tampa's timezone is UTC-5, which is the same as Panama City.
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 12 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Panama City to Tampa is with Copa Airlines at 11:41. Go for the first PTY to TPA departure with Copa Airlines at 09:04 to make the most of your first day in Tampa.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Panama City to Tampa flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious 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
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Panama City to Tampa flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird discounts.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Panama City to Tampa.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Panama City to Tampa by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Panama City to Tampa flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Panama City
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Set out from Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) on a nonstop flight from Panama City to Tampa. From PTY, you can travel directly to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Secure your Panama City to Tampa plane tickets with Copa Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from PTY.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore another city. When browsing Panama City to Tampa flights departing from Panama City Tocumen International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
Havana Airport (HAV)
PTY is around 18 kilometres from central Panama City. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Want a handy hotel close to Panama City Tocumen International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Panama City to Tampa, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
88% of flights departing from Panama City Tocumen International Airport arrive at their destination as planned. With its solid on-time performance, you're unlikely to face delays when taking off from PTY.
Balboa Airport (BLB)
Think about adding a stop at Havana Airport (HAV). It's a key stopover on a Panama City to Tampa flight departing Balboa Airport. Use a longer layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a quick break to visit an airport cafe.
BLB is around 5 kilometres from central Panama City. It'll take 10 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Panama City to Tampa, unwind in one of these hotels near Balboa Airport:
Balboa Airport has a strong track record for reliability and timeliness. 88% of flights out of here land precisely when expected.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 8 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 35 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late 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 well-known companies to choose from here.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Tampa International Airport around one week in advance of your Panama City to Tampa flight.
You'll find TPA at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 24 kilometres from the centre of Tampa. After your flight from Panama City to Tampa, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Panama City to Tampa, tuck yourself in at a hotel near PIE. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Budget, Alamo and Avis make collecting a St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport rental car simple. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just whatever's left, by reserving your ride from PIE ahead of time. You'll also avoid last-minute price surges, especially when demand is high.
You can find St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
April is the busiest month for flights from Panama City to Tampa. To skip the crowds, head to Tampa in March.
Book a Panama City to Tampa ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Tampa to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Panama City to Tampa in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 9ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about Tampa
Once you've booked your flight from Panama City to Tampa, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Tampa:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are must-visits when exploring Tampa.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Tampa, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Journey around 274 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its leading attractions. From St. John's Cathedral to MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If there's time to check out another side of the United States, consider Miami, roughly 338 kilometres southeast of Tampa. Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami are the start of reasons to visit.