Bus from David to Panama City
Padafront + Expreso Panamá Pullman · ~6-7 hours via Pan-American Highway · US$15-25 · Daily + overnight cama + PTY airport connection
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The David → Panama City return route is the standard transit for travelers heading to PTY Tocumen airport or onward Panama destinations.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — Padafront + Expreso Panamá + Terminales David Pullmans, same as inverse direction.
Route details: David to Panama City
Travel time
6 h 30 min
Distance
440 km
Typical fare
$15 – $25 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily Pullmans + overnight cama option
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 11:00 PM (overnight)
Operators on this route
Padafront · Expreso Panamá · Terminales David
Pickup at David
David central bus terminal
Drop-off at Panama City
Albrook Gran Terminal de Transportes + onward to PTY Tocumen international airport
About the journey
The David → Panama City return is the standard transit for travelers heading from Chiriquí to PTY Tocumen airport for international flights or onward to Bocas del Toro / San Blas / Pacific destinations.
Travel tips for David → Panama City
- Overnight cama Pullman (~11 PM departure) saves daytime hours.
- Daytime Pullman for scenic travel.
- Onward to PTY Tocumen international airport — taxi from Albrook (~30-45 min, $20-40 USD).
- Onward to Bocas del Toro — Air Panama flight from PTY/Albrook (~1 h, $80-150 USD).
- Onward to San Blas — 4WD shuttle from Panama City (~3-4 h to Cartí port + lancha).
- Currency: USD throughout (no exchange needed).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from David to Panama City?
**About 6-7 hours** on Padafront / Expreso Panamá Pullman — same as inverse direction.
How much is the bus from David to Panama City?
**US$15-25 per person** on Pullman.
Can I make a same-day PTY international flight?
**Yes for evening flights.** Day Pullman from David (~6-7 AM) arrives Panama City ~1-2 PM, taxi to PTY Tocumen airport. **Overnight cama Pullman** for early-morning flights — board David ~11 PM, arrive Panama City ~6 AM, taxi to airport.
What time do Pullmans leave David for Panama City?
**Daily — typically 6 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 11 PM (overnight cama)**.
Can I continue to Bocas del Toro from David?
**Yes — alternative to Panama City return.** David → Almirante local bus (~3-4 h, $8-15 USD) + ferry to Isla Colón (~30 min, $6 USD). Total David-Bocas ~4-5 hours. Faster than going via Panama City for travelers in Chiriquí.
Going the other direction?