The islands of the Bocas del Toro Province uniquely represent Panama’s Caribbean vibe and multicultural diversity. Be prepared to be delighted by relatively untouched beaches and coral reefs as you explore the natural beauty that surrounds the archipelago, and its exotic species of flora and fauna. As one of Panama’s most popular vacation spots and expat communities, it’s no surprise Bocas del Toro is well connected to major travel routes and transportation hubs. Bocas del Toro’s reliable transportation network makes it easy to get there by small planes, or a combination of buses and boats. In this article, we will explain how to get to Bocas del Toro from popular locations in and around Panama.
How to Get to Bocas Del Toro from Panama City
Domestic Flights
If you’re more interested in how to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City by air, this means you have chosen the shorter, more expensive route and can expect a travel time of up to 1 hour. However, you will save on time compared to a 10 hour bus journey. Most tourists who arrive by air from outside Panama will land in Tocumen International Airport (PTY). This airport is the international airport of Panama’s capital and is a regional hub for many Caribbean, North/South American, European and Asian destinations.You will need to take a shuttle or taxi from Tocumen to Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC), formerly Paitilla Airport, to get a flight to Bocas del Toro. Marcos Gelabert Airport is Panama’s main domestic airport and is close to the Albrook Mall and bus terminal, not far from downtown Panama City. The majority of domestic flights begin and end here.
Taxis will charge up to US$35 for the 35 minute drive between both airports, expect a travel time of up to 2.5 hours with traffic. The last flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro departs around 4:30 p.m., you will need to arrive at the Marcos Gelabert Airport one hour before your flight. If you don’t have enough time to fly to Bocas del Toro on the same day, there are plenty of hotels with double occupancy rates as low as US$15 per night.
Travellers who are already in Panama City can get a taxi or Uber from their location to Marcos Gelabert Airport easily and a taxi should cost no more than US$7 within the city.
In finding out how to get to Bocas del Toro, please bear in mind flights will land on the province’s main island, Isla Colon. There is no Uber here but you can easily get a taxi to your accommodation or simply walk because many hotels and restaurants are within walking distance. If you are not staying on the main island, you will need to take a boat from one of the islands many docks to your final destination. Always negotiate prices first.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
How to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City by land? This travel route includes a combination of bus and boat. Taking a bus means you will be on an adventure from Panama City through some of Panama’s more rural communities. It also means you decided to save some money or perhaps you’re doing it for the experience. Your journey by bus will last from 10 to 11 hours and is quite an interesting trip.
The bus will take you from Panama City to Almirante where you will need to take a boat and that’s how to get to Bocas del Toro. If you want to make it a bedtime session, taking an overnight bus from Panama City to Almirante is the way to go. The final destination of this bus is Changuinola, a 30 minute journey from Almirante, so be sure to get off at the correct stop. There are buses that depart around 8 o’clock in the morning, but you would risk missing the last boat that departs Almirante for Bocas del Toro around 6 p.m. Additionally, traveling during the day in a bus can be extremely tedious with a lot more stops and increased traffic.
If traveling from Tocumen Airport or your accommodation in Panama City, you will need to take a taxi to Albrook Bus Terminal (Gran Terminal de Transporte). From there you can locate the cashier that issues tickets for buses to Almirante (Bocas del Toro). The cost for the overnight bus ticket is roughly US$28 and the boat (water taxi) costs $6. Overnight buses from Panama City to Almirante depart as late as 8:30 p.m on weekends. The buses are modern, equipped with air conditioning, and have reclinable seats. Speaking of air conditioning, be sure to travel with a jacket, sweater or blanket, maybe all three if you’re not good at coping with the cold. The AC on the overnight buses can get extremely cold and make the journey a bit uncomfortable. You will arrive in Almirante between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. There is also a bus on Sundays that leaves Panama City at 7 a.m. If you choose this route it will be helpful if you note the details of how to get to Bocas Del Toro by bus and boat.
The Bocas del Toro bus ticket office numbers are: 507-303-6326 and 507-303-6327 in Panama City, and 507-758-8127 in Bocas del Toro. Ticket sales for different overnight buses start at different times, while some tickets can be purchased a day in advance, others need to be purchased on the day of travel. You should try to purchase your bus tickets a few hours before your desired departure time. Trying to purchase a ticket immediately before boarding could result in you realising your itinerary conflicts with the bus schedules or the buses are fully booked. Bus tickets will often sell out very quickly, mostly from Thursdays to Sundays, during Panamanian National Holidays, and during school breaks. Planning for your journey in advance will save you a lot of time and effort because if you don’t speak Spanish asking a cashier or bus driver how to get to Bocas del Toro could lead to miscommunication.
TIP: You can purchase your bus ticket and boat ticket at the Albrook Bus Terminal.
The bus station and the Albrook Mall (next door) offer a variety of restaurants, shopping options and places to sit while you wait for your bus. Read your bus ticket carefully and request changes if necessary. There is a special card that is scanned by passengers to gain access to the platform where you board the bus. Most first time travelers who have not yet figured out the ins and outs of how to get to Bocas del Toro will not have this card unless they purchase it. One quick hack to gain access is to offer 50 cents to another traveler that has a card. You are allowed 2 bags to be stowed in the bus’ cargo hold and you will receive a ticket for each bag, the corresponding ticket will be taped to your bag.
After you’ve completed about a third of the journey the bus will stop at a rest stop for 20 minutes where you can eat and use the restroom. The bus driver and bus attendant will honk the horn when ready to depart. The bus attendant will shout ‘Almirante’ several times when you have arrived, be sure to present your baggage ticket when collecting your bag. At the bus station in Almirante, you will notice taxi drivers driving yellow vehicles (mostly pick-up trucks), it will cost you US$1 from the bus station to the docks where you can take a boat taxi to Bocas del Toro.
The first boat to the province of Bocas del Toro departs at 6 a.m. and takes 30 minutes to arrive. You will arrive at the water taxi dock on the main island, Isla Colón. Boats depart every 30 minutes until 6 p.m. Please ensure your baggage is always in your presence and is not exposed to any illegal drugs etc. as there are soldiers with trained dogs at the docks. The bags of all passengers will be lined up and sniffed by the dogs.
How To Get To Bocas Del Toro From Boquete
There are really only two ways to travel, the ‘touristy’ way, typically the more expensive, luxurious route or the way of the locals, typically the cheaper, more down-to-earth route. How to get to Bocas del Toro from Boquete is represented by the most practical route which is bus/taxi transportation from Boquete to Almirante, then boat to Bocas del Toro. There are several shuttle services available from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, advertised prices range from US$30 to US$40. Be sure to confirm if your shuttle booking includes boat transportation from Almirante to Bocas del Toro, some shuttle services offer a ride to Almirante only while some offer complete booking.
You can also take a taxi from Boquete to Almirante with prices ranging from US$28-US$35 and boat from Almirante to Bocas de Toro US$6. If you’re the adventurous type and you don’t mind saving a bit of money you can go the public bus route. This oprion will cost approximately US$16 in bus fares from Boquete to Bocas del Toro compared to a shuttle price of up to US$40. The estimated time via public transport is 5 to 6 hours compared to 4 to 5 hours less via shuttle/taxi service.
Step 1: In Boquete, Take the Bus to David
Duration: 45 mins
Cost: $1.75
At the bus station in Boquete, walk around the terminal until you see a bus to David, there will be a sign with the word ‘Boquete’ on the windshield or you will hear people shouting ‘Boquete.’ It can get a bit hectic when travelling public transportation routes, but if you pay attention and listen keenly it won’t be hard to find the bus. The road from Boquete to David is pretty much a straight road, and in no time you’ll arrive at your destination. Buses from Boquete to David start at 5:30 a.m. and run until 7 p.m.
Step 2: In David, Take a Minibus to Almirante
Duration: 3 hours 45 mins
Cost: $8.50
This will be the lengthiest part of the journey, the roads from Almirante to David are well maintained but very winding. You can expect these buses to be packed to maximum capacity with little space between you and the person next to you. Regardless, the trip is comfortable and fairly picturesque, some buses even have light air conditioning. There will be a 10 minute rest stop where you can use the bathroom and purchase snacks. Buses from David to Almirante depart every 30 minutes and run from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Step 3: At the Almirante Bus Station, Take a Short Taxi Ride to the Dock (water taxi)
Duration: 5 mins
Cost: $1USD per person
The bus will stop at the bus station in Almirante where you can get a taxi to the dock in order to take a water taxi to Bocas del Toro. Alternatively, you can also walk for 15-20 minutes to the dock. This caught us by surprise as we thought the bus was right at the dock. Taxis travel the road by the bus stop frequently and you will be able to get one in no time.
Step 4: Take a Water Taxi to Bocas del Toro
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $6USD per person
Once you have learned out how to get to Bocas del Toro mainland, you will already know you need to take a water taxi from the dock at Almirante. You can pay for your ticket at the cashier located at the water taxi station. The cost for passage is US$6.
How to Get to Bocas Del Toro from David
Domestic Flights
There are no direct flights between David and Bocas del Toro, however, there are flights with connections through Marcos Gelabert Airport in Panama City, prices range from US$230 to US$320 one way. A quick Google search should deliver available options if you’re interested in going this route.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
The most inexpensive and practical way to travel from David to Almirante is by a combination of bus and ferry (water taxi). Prices range from US$11 to US$43.
To go about travelling from David to Bocas del Toro, do the following:
Step 1: In David, Take a Minibus to Almirante
Duration: 3 hours 45 mins
Cost: $8.50
This will be the lengthiest part of the journey, the roads from Almirante to David are well maintained but very winding. You can expect these buses to be packed to maximum capacity with little space between you and the person next to you. Regardless, the trip is comfortable and fairly picturesque, some buses even have light air conditioning. There will be a 10 minute rest stop where you can use the bathroom and purchase snacks. Buses from David to Almirante depart every 30 minutes and run from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Step 2: At the Almirante Bus Station, Take a Short Taxi Ride to the Dock (water taxi)
Duration: 5 mins
Cost: $1USD per person
The bus will stop at the bus station in Almirante where you can get a taxi to the dock in order to take a water taxi to Bocas del Toro. Alternatively, you can also walk for 15-20 minutes to the dock. This caught us by surprise as we thought the bus was right at the dock. Taxis travel the road by the bus stop frequently and you will be able to get one in no time.
Step 3: Take a Water Taxi to Bocas del Toro
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $6USD per person
Now that you’re in Almirante you want to know how to get to Bocas del Toro mainland You will need to take a water taxi from the dock in Almirante. You can pay for your ticket at the cashier located at the water taxi station. The cost for passage is US$6.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro from Colon
Domestic Flights
Colon City is home to Panama’s Free Zone where tourists and business operators can shop duty free so it’s no surprise the Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Airport is an international hub. There are no direct flights from Colon City to Bocas del Toro, however, there are flights with connections. One flight option is to take a bus from Colon City to Marcos Gelabert Airport (Panama City’s domestic airport) and take a flight to Bocas del Toro. Bus rides are US$2 to US$4 and the journey lasts for about 1 hour 20 minutes. Flight price ranges from US$110 to US$280 one way and takes approx. 1 hour to arrive in Bocas del Toro. Another flight option for those who want to stop in Changuinola before going to Bocas del Toro is to take a bus from Colon City to Marcos Gelabert Airport (sometimes referred to as Albrook Airport) in Panama City and take a flight to Changuinola Airport sometimes called Capitan Manuel Niño Airport.
Flights cost around US$130 to US$280. Bear in mind you will need to take a 45 minute bus from Changuinola to Almirante in order to get a ferry(water taxi) to Bocas del Toro. Even though Changuinola is a part of the Bocas del Toro province, it is located on Panama’s mainland while Bocas del Toro’s islands are located off the coast. The bus to Almirante should cost US$2. Once in Almirante you can take a taxi (US$1) from the bus station to the docks in order to get a water taxi (US$6) to Isla Colon (Bocas del Toro main island). The journey will last 20 to 30 minutes.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
There is almost always a corresponding journey by land when travelling within a country’s border from Point A to Point B. While you learn how to get to Bocas del Toro you can also save some money and see a bit more of Panama. This option includes you can travel from Colon to Bocas del Toro by bus and boat. Your journey will start by taking a bus from Colon City to Albrook Bus Terminal (Gran Terminal de Transporte) in Panama City and then purchasing a ticket for roughly US$28 to Almirante where you will take a water taxi (US$6) to Bocas del Toro’s main island.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro from El Valle de Anton
The cool climate and beautiful hiking trails in the sleepy mountain town of El Valle de Anton holds a lot of appeal as one of Panama’s best spots for a comfortable eco-tourism getaway. If you made this luscious green valley a stop on your way to Bocas del Toro, no worries, we’re here to tell you how to get to Bocas del Toro.
Domestic Flights
If you decided to travel to Bocas Town by airplane from El Valle de Anton you have two reasonable options.
Option # 1 – Take a 2 hour bus from Anton Valley to Albrook Bus Terminal (Panama City) for US$5, then take a flight from Panama City (Albrook Airport – PAC) to Bocas del Toro. Flights range from US$110-280 one way.
Option #2 – Take the bus from Anton Valley to Marcos Gelabert Airport in Panama City (sometimes referred to as Albrook Airport) and take a flight to Changuinola Airport sometimes called Capitan Manuel Niño Airport. Flights cost around US$130 to US$280. Bear in mind you will need to take a 45 minute bus from the town of Changuinola to Almirante in order to get a ferry(water taxi) to Bocas del Toro. Even though Changuinola is a part of the Bocas del Toro province, it is located on Panama’s mainland while Bocas del Toro’s islands are located off the coast. The bus to Almirante should cost US$2. Once in Almirante you can take a taxi (US$1) from the bus station to the docks in order to get a water taxi (US$6) to Isla Colon (Bocas del Toro main island). The journey will last 20 to 30 minutes.
Option #3 – Take a taxi to Chitre Airport, the journey will last approximately 2 hours 20 minutes and costs US$35-50. At the airport in Chitre you can then take a plane to Panama City’s Albrook Airport and connect to a flight heading to Bocas del Toro. Flights range from 200-250 one way.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
The longer route to Bocas del Toro includes a combination of bus and boat. You will need to take a bus from Anton Valley to Albrook Mall and then journey from there by taking another bus to Almirante (US$28). When you arrive in Almirante you will need to take a short taxi ride to the dock (US$1) and the a boat taxi from the dock to Bocas Town (US$6).
You may also adjust your journey to include a taxi(a bit more expensive). In order to travel this route you will need to take a taxi from Anton Valley to San Carlos (US$11-14/38 minutes), then take a bus from San Carlos to Santiago (US$5-9/2 hours 30 minutes). When you arrive in Santiago, you will need to take a bus to David (US$6-19/2 hours 30 minutes). From David you need to catch a bus to Boquete (US$1-3/45 minutes). From Boquete you will travel to Almirante by taxi (US$28-35/2 hours 52 minutes) or bus (US$5-9/2 hours 30 minutes). In Almirante you will take a taxi (US$1) from the bus station to the docks in order to get a water taxi (US$6) to Isla Colon (Bocas del Toro main island). The journey will last 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from David to Almirante and skip the stop in Boquete (US$8.50/3 hours 45 mins).
How to Get to Bocas del Toro from Colombia
By Airplane
If you would like to travel by air only, you will need to take a flight from Bogota Airport in Columbia to Tocumen Airport in Panama City. After arriving at Tocumen, you need to change airports by taxing a taxi to Albrook Airport in order to catch a flight to Bocas del Toro. Flight prices are an average US$377 for a one way ticket through both airports. Total travel time is dependent on your layover time in Panama City. It is also possible to take a flight from the airport in Bogota to San Jose (Costa Rica) then take a direct flight to Bocas del Toro Airport. Flights cost around US$595 one way for traveling to both airports. Another option is to travel by air and land – take a flight from Bogota Airport in Columbia to David Airport in Panama (US$160-350/4 hours 22 mins) and complete the rest of your journey by land.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
If you would like to explore the option of traveling from Columbia to Bocas del Toro by land , sad to say, this is not possible. Even though the Pan American Highway runs from Alaska all the way down to the tip of Argentina, if you look at the map carefully, you will find one impenetrable, 90-kilometer gap in the road, right where South America and Central America meet. Thanks to a vast area of swampy, mountainous land called the Darien Gap, it is impossible to drive from Columbia to Panama. Your best bet to include some journey by land in your trip from Bogota to Bocas del Toro is to take a flight to Panama City (Tocumen Airport) and then take a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal to Almirante and then travel by boat to Bocas del Toro.
How to get to Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica
IMPORTANT: Panama is ahead of Costa Rica by 1 hour, this will affect your travel plans so please pay close attention.
By Airplane
Direct airline flights are available from San Jose, Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro. The journey is approximately 50 mins and costs around US$140-390, one way. Once in Costa Rica, you can take a flight on Skyway Airlines directly from Tobias Bolaños airport in San Jose. Flights depart daily from Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro at 12:15 PM and from Bocas back to Costa Rica, departures take place at 2:15 PM.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
In San José, Costa Rica you can take a bus to Sixaola (US$10-14/6 hours), which is an hour away from Almirante, from where you’ll be taking a boat taxi to Bocas del Toro. Sixaola is the border between Costa Rica and Panama, here you will get off the bus and literally walk across the to Guabito on the Panamanian side to do the rest of the immigration procedures. Be sure to check that you have the necessary documentation to enter Panama and most importantly, the border closes at 6 p.m. If you are late in getting to the border you will need to spend a night in Sixaola. At the border in Sixaola you will get an exit stamp from Costa Rica, and then when you cross the border (over a bridge) to Panama, you will have to get your passport stamped to enter Panama. Keep on hand a valid exit ticket for Panama.
Additionally, you can travel by bus from the San Jose Terminal MEPE to Limon (US$5-10/3h 10m). Your next step after arriving in Limon is to take a bus to Sixaola(US$4-7/1h 40m) to do immigration procedures. After crossing the border in order to get to Almirante you can take a taxi (US$20), or a bus (US$1) or taxi (US$5) to the Changuinola bus terminal, and here a bus to Almirante (US$2 – 45 minutes). There is also a private shuttle from San José to Bocas del Toro (US$76/10 hours).
If you’re in other parts of Costa Rica such as Puerto Viejo, Cahuita or Manzanillo there is a shuttle that does private transfers from those destinations to Almirante and include the boat ride in the overall price.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro from NYC
By Airplane
Our recommendation for the shortest flights from New York City to Bocas del Toro is to travel from NYC (JFK) to Panama City (Tocumen Airport) and take a direct flight from Albrook Airport (Panama City) to Bocas del Toro Airport. Another possible route is to take a flight from New York City to San Jose in Costa Rica and then take a direct flight to Bocas de Toro. You can also look into getting a flight from Newark (which is 34 minutes by car from New York) to Panama City or San Jose and then a direct flight either airport to Bocas del Toro.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
The alternative to flying from New York or Newark to Bocas del Toro, is to take a flight from New York or Newark to Panama City or San Jose and then travel by bus or taxi to Almirante and then take a boat to Bocas del Toro. If you choose to fly from New York or Newark to either Panama City or San Jose and complete your journey by car and boat. You can also fly from New York City to Panama City (PTY) to David Airport in Panama and complete your journey to Bocas by bus and boat.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro from Los Angeles
By Airplane
To get to Bocas del Toro from Los Angeles you can take a flight from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Panama City and then take a flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to Bocas del Toro. Another alternative is to fly from Los Angeles to San Jose, Costa Rica and take a direct flight to Bocas del Toro. Additionally, you can take a flight from Los Angeles to Panama City (Tocumen Airport) and from Tocumen Airport you can take a connecting flight to David in Panama. Bear in mind once in David, you will need to complete your journey by a combination of bus and boat.
A Combination of Bus and Boat
To travel partially by land you can take a flight to Panama City or San Jose and journey to Bocas del Toro via a combination of bus and boat.
There are so many ways to get to Bocas del Toro, the choice is completely yours. Please bear in mind that transportation costs quoted in this feature are based on the time of this writing and are subject to change. However you choose to travel you should know that the most fascinating part of your journey is yet to come. In Bocas del Toro the adventure of a lifetime awaits you!