Bus from David to Bocas del Toro
Local bus + Almirante ferry · ~4-5 hours · US$14-30 combined · Direct Chiriquí-to-Caribbean transit (faster than via Panama City)
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The David → Bocas del Toro route is the direct Chiriquí-to-Caribbean transit — ~4-5 hours via local bus + ferry. Faster than going via Panama City for travelers already in Chiriquí.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — local bus to Almirante + ferry to Isla Colón ($14-30 USD combined, ~4-5 h).
Route details: David to Bocas del Toro
Travel time
4 h 30 min
Distance
260 km
Typical fare
$14 – $30 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily local buses + ferry connections
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 1:00 PM
Operators on this route
Local bus to Almirante + ferry to Isla Colón
Pickup at David
David central bus terminal
Drop-off at Bocas del Toro
Bocas Town on Isla Colón via Almirante ferry — water taxis to outer islands
About the journey
The David → Bocas del Toro route is the direct Chiriquí-to-Caribbean transit — ~4-5 hours via local bus to Almirante + ferry to Isla Colón. Faster than going via Panama City for travelers already in Chiriquí. Local bus David → Almirante (~3-4 h, $8-15 USD on Pan-American Highway via Continental Divide), then ferry Almirante → Isla Colón (~30 min, $6 USD).
Travel tips for David → Bocas del Toro
- Direct Chiriquí-to-Caribbean route — much faster than going back via Panama City.
- Local bus David → Almirante on Pan-American Highway via Continental Divide — scenic mountain crossing.
- Almirante ferry to Isla Colón ~30 min, $6 USD, multiple daily.
- Time your bus for ferry connection — typical last ferry from Almirante ~5-6 PM.
- From Boquete — first go to David (~30-45 min) + then onward to Almirante.
- Common combo for travelers — Chiriquí highlands (Boquete/Volcán) + Bocas del Toro in single trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus + ferry from David to Bocas del Toro?
**About 4-5 hours combined** — local bus David → Almirante (~3-4 h, $8-15 USD) + ferry Almirante → Isla Colón (~30 min, $6 USD).
How much is the bus + ferry from David to Bocas del Toro?
**US$14-30 per person combined**.
Faster than going via Panama City?
**Yes — much faster** for travelers already in Chiriquí. David-Bocas ~4-5 hours vs Panama City-Bocas ~10 hours (Pullman + ferry) or ~1 hour flight. Direct route is the obvious choice for travelers visiting both Chiriquí highlands + Bocas.
What time do buses leave David for Almirante?
**Multiple daily — typically 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM** for local buses. Plan to catch ferry the same afternoon.
Can I do same-day David-Bocas?
**Yes** — David departure ~6-8 AM arrives Almirante ~10 AM-12 PM, catch midday ferry to Isla Colón. Total David-Bocas ~4-5 hours same-day.
Going the other direction?