Flying from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO): what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's main airports.
Jump on a direct flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport and you'll be travelling for around 1 hour 26 minutes.
The timezone in San Jose is UTC-6, which is 1 hour behind Panama City. Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in San Jose.
With 60 direct flights a week between the two airports, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the busiest route. Copa operates the earliest flight at 07:00. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest departure from PTY to SJO is with Copa at 21:39.
To ensure you catch your flight from Panama City to SJO, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like June, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during high season in general.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) makes it easy to travel directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) operate out of this terminal.
When leaving from PTY, you can take a direct flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport with Copa.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore another city. When searching for flights from Panama City to SJO leaving from Tocumen International Airport (PTY), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
PTY is approximately 21 kilometres from central Panama City. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will show you the fastest route and available public transport options.
Looking for a handy hotel close to Tocumen International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Searching for more options for a direct flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)? Browse the fares flying out of Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB).
Wingo operates direct flights from Panama City to SJO departing from BLB. Book your preferred seat and arrive at your destination in a single stretch.
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever your plans, here's where you can stop between Panama Pacifico Airport and SJO:
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)
Depending on road traffic, you can drive to BLB from central Panama City in about 22 minutes. The airport is approximately 16 kilometres away.
It's your holiday, so why not spend another night away? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Panama Pacifico Airport the day before your flight from Panama City to SJO:
About Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Reserve a hotel near SJO if you have a late flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Getting from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to central San Jose
From Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose is approximately 18 kilometres away. It takes around 21 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 2 hours and 22 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
$212 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Return flights start from $358. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time.
Lock in flight tickets from Panama City to SJO by booking 10 months ahead. Based on flight price data, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
You'll land the best savings on your tickets from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport if you plan your holiday for July. Go one step further and use the 'Whole month' search tool to see the cheapest day to fly out.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Panama City to SJO is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
The best time to fly from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport. July is the busiest month for a trip to San Jose. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in May.
Think about the type of weather that'll suit your plans for San Jose. March is known as the warmest month. Book your flights from Panama City to SJO during then and you can expect temperatures of between 12ºC and 29ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport in January when temperatures average between 12ºC and 26ºC.
More about San Jose
Start your San Jose trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica and National Park (Parque Nacional) are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your San Jose itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Plaza de la Cultura.
Complete your San Jose trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Panama City to Juan Santamaria International Airport to track down your perfect ride. Browse our car rentals in San Jose and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to know, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.