Getting Here

How to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City, David, and San Jose, Costa Rica.

From Panama City

By Air

If time is short, it is a good idea to fly to Bocas del Toro. From Tocumen International Airport (Panama City), tourists must make a short taxi ride to Albrook National Airport. Aeroperlas (http://www.aeroperlas.com) and Air Panama (www.flyairpanama.com) offer daily flights from Albrook National Airport to Bocas airport. Expect to pay $85 - $100 each way for the hour-long flight. Flights usually leave early in the morning or at lunch time. There are many inexpensive hotels near Albrook National Airport ($20-40 per night) if travelers find themselves stranded at the airport.

Bocas airport itself is located just a few blocks from downtown Bocas and will be a short walk or inexpensive taxi ride to most hotels in town. Airport pick ups can usually be arranged for guests staying at hotels on other islands.

By Car

From Panama City, drivers will follow the Interamerican Highway for the 400km to Gualaca.  Drivers will then transfer to the 100km road to Punta Peña and finally the road to Almirante.  From Almirante, travelers will have to catch one of several regular motorboat services to Bocas del Toro.  Arrive early as the last water taxis leave at 6:30pm.There is safe and inexpensive long-term parking available in Almirante, as well as a car ferry which leaves for Bocas each morning. The roads from Panama City are all paved and offer beautiful views along the way.

By Bus

For about $25, travelers can catch a direct bus from Panama City to Almirante.  Views along the way are spectacular, but be prepared for a long haul: the drive takes approximately 10 hours. The bus departs regularly from Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, near Albrook airport. Call ahead to confirm departure and arrival times:  (507) 232-5803.

From Almirante, travelers will have to take a water taxi to Bocas town.  The 30-minute trip costs $4, and several boats leave per hour.
The bus returns to Panama City from Almirante daily at 7:30 a.m.

From David

By Car

Take the Interamerican Highway 10km to the entrance to Gualaca.  On the left will be the 95 km road to Chiriqui Grande.  At Punta Peña, it is a short drive to Almirante. From Almirante, travelers will have to catch one of several regular water taxi services to Bocas del Toro. Arrive early as the last water taxis will leave by 6:30pm. There is safe and inexpensive long-term parking available in Almirante, as well as a car ferry which leaves for Bocas each morning.

By Bus

There are several direct buses departing for Almirante for about $10. All buses leave from David’s city bus terminal.

From San José, Costa Rica

By Air

Nature Air (www.natureair.com) offers several daily flights from San José to Bocas del Toro for roughly $100, although prices fluctuate depending on the season. Because of heavy traffic from San José, it is recommended that passengers book flights  advance and confirm flights in the days before departure.

Bocas airport itself is located just a few blocks from downtown Bocas and will be a short walk or inexpensive taxi ride to most hotels in town. Airport pick ups can usually be arranged for guests staying at hotels on other islands.

By Car

Drivers will cross the border in Sixaola, then drive to Almirante (35 km). Road is paved, in good condition. Visitors crossing the border will be expected to show border officials sufficient funds (~$500) or a credit card before being allowed to enter Panama, as well as proof of onward travel, such as a return flight.  

Travelers should note that the Costa Rica-Panama border closes at 5:00 pm and reopens at 8:00 am the following morning. Costa Rica is an hour behind Panama – so if crossing into Panama, you must be at the border before 4pm Costa Rican time.

By Bus

A bus departs from San José to Changuinola 9:00 am daily.  The bus (TransporteBocatoreño) costs roughly $10. Travelers are advised to buy tickets in advance as the bus tends to fill up quickly, especially on the weekend. Latecomers can expect "standing only" tickets.

There are currently no water taxis from Changuinola to Bocas town, but Almirante is a short bus or taxi ride away. For updated rates and schedules, contact TransporteBocatoreño at (507) 222-2666.

Minibuses are often available at the Sixaola border, waiting to pick up travelers, and charge $14 for direct transport to Bocas town, including the water taxi. Alternatively, from Changuinola, travelers can catch a direct flight with Aeroperlas to Bocas, $19 each way.

From Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

By Bus/Taxi

Buses leave from Puerto Viejo for the border at Sixaola roughly every hour, and cost around $4. Please see above for entry requirements at the border. The border is open from 8am - 5pm, and as Panama is one hour ahead, you will need to arrive before 4pm Costa Rica time. Minibuses are often available on the Panamanian side of the Sixaola border, waiting to pick up travelers, and charge $14 for direct transport to Bocas town, including the water taxi. Alternatively, take the more economical bus to Changuinola and then to Almirante, and be at the boat dock before 6:30pm to catch one of the frequent 30-minute water taxis to Bocas, for $4.

By Direct Shuttle

CaribeShuttle will pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Viejo and take you to a hotel in Bocas (and vice versa) for around $30. Visit www.bocasshuttle.com for details.

NOTE:  At BSTA, we encourage travelers to choose Nature Air for flights to and from Bocas del Toro.  The Costa Rican airline is committed to sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and Panama.  Nature Air was the first 100% carbon neutral airline in the world and supports environmental conservation measures in Central America.  The company demonstrates its commitment to sustainable tourism in the region by supporting BSTA.