"Plane or bus?" Top 5 Page for this destination Bocas del Toro Transportation Tip by elsadran

There are daily flights from Panama city with Air Panama and Aeroperlas. I took the second one because it was cheaper. It costs 93$ one way, 120$ return and takes you to Bocas in 45 minutes to one hour. The plane starts at Albrook Airport where Aeroperlas has an office (315 7500). I, personally, was directed to the famous Hotel El Panama, on Via Espana, where there is a little desk of the company. (223 2804).
The airport on Colon island is four blocks from the main square or 10 minutes on foot. But you can still use a taxi which shouldn't be more than 1$ for such a short distance.
The flight is pleasant because it is low enough to have a map-like overview of the Panamanian topography.
There are no buses to drop you at Albrook airport. You should take a taxi. Don't give them more than 2$ for a day ride and 3 $ for a call and night ride! The official price is 1.50$-1.75$. It's only a 15 minute ride.
If you decide to take that long bus ride you will first arrive in David, then in Almirante. There you will take a taxi to the pier where the boats for Colon island are waiting. The boat (lanza) from Almirante to Bocas costs 4$ and finally you will arrive right at the center of action. The whole journey from Panama city is more than 12 hours.
From Bocas the boats to Almirante run often from 7:00am to 6:00pm. At Almirante pier the taxis for the bus stop should not cost you more than 2$. It's only a distance of 2 kilometers to the junction where the bus for David stops. It is a small overpacked local bus so keep your valuables in your small pack, because your big bag will probably end up on the roof... This one cost me 7$ as far as David terminal (terminal telephone 775 0268 ) and it took us 4 -4.30 hours. If you are heading to Cost Rica or coming from there it is more convenient to stop over to Changuinola and not Almirante.

Mode: TO
Type: Airplane