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How to get fromCalifornia to Panama Cityby plane, bus, or car

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There are 8 ways to get from California to Panama City by plane, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly from San Diego International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane SAN - PTY
    9h 19m
    $170–593

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles to San Salvadorbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Terminal Tica Bus San Salvador to Terminal Tica Bus San Josébus bus
    3. Take the bus from Terminal Tica Bus San José to Terminal Tica Bus Panamábus bus
    5d 7h
    $407–552

  3. Drive  6,066.5 km

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Panama Citycar car 6,066.5 km
    3d 5h
    $776–1,120

  4. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane LAX - PTY
    10h 1m
    $466–601

  5. Fly from San Francisco International Airport

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane SFO - PTY
    10h 48m
    $199–651

  6. Fly from Tijuana International Airport

    1. Fly from Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane TIJ - PTY
    13h 7m
    $222–761

  7. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport

    1. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane FAT - PTY
    13h 44m
    $199–689

  8. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

    1. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)plane plane SJC - PTY
    12h 22m
    $224–794

San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) flights

Calendar19Weekly Planes
Duration9h 4mAverage Duration
Ticket$135Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from California to Panama City.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 4,715.8 km
  • Duration: 9h 19m

What companies run services between California, USA and Panama City, Panama?

Copa Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) 3 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Spring / 1st to Terminal Tica Bus Panamá via Los Angeles, San Salvador, Terminal Tica Bus San Salvador, and Terminal Tica Bus San José in around 5d 7h.

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Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Getting around the Cyclades, Travelling to the US: What do I need to know?, and Getting to Milan from the airport - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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