Bus from Santa Catalina to Panama City
Local minibus + Santiago Pullman transfer · ~6-7 hours · US$12-25 combined · Daily + PTY airport connection
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The Santa Catalina → Panama City return route is the standard transit for travelers heading to PTY airport or other Panama destinations.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — local minibus to Santiago + Pullman to Panama City, same as inverse direction.
Route details: Santa Catalina to Panama City
Travel time
7 h
Distance
350 km
Typical fare
$12 – $25 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily local buses + Santiago transfer
First departure
Approx. 5:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 12:00 PM
Operators on this route
Local minibus to Santiago + Pullman · Tourist shuttle direct (limited)
Pickup at Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina central bus stop
Drop-off at Panama City
Albrook Gran Terminal de Transportes + onward to PTY Tocumen airport
About the journey
The Santa Catalina → Panama City return is the standard transit for travelers heading from the Pacific surf town to PTY airport or other Panama destinations.
Travel tips for Santa Catalina → Panama City
- Early departure (~5-6 AM) from Santa Catalina to make connections + arrive Panama City evening.
- Santiago transfer is the standard format.
- Onward to PTY Tocumen international airport — taxi from Albrook (~30-45 min, $20-40 USD).
- Onward to Boquete / Bocas del Toro — overnight Pullman from Panama City.
- Surfboard transport — most local buses accept surfboards for small additional fee.
- Currency: USD throughout.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Santa Catalina to Panama City?
**About 6-7 hours** with Santiago transfer — same as inverse direction.
How much is the bus from Santa Catalina to Panama City?
**US$12-25 per person combined**.
Can I make a same-day PTY international flight?
**Yes for evening flights.** Early Santa Catalina departure (~5-6 AM) arrives Panama City ~12-1 PM, taxi to PTY Tocumen airport. Comfortable buffer for most evening international departures.
What time do minibuses leave Santa Catalina for Santiago?
**Multiple daily — typically 5 AM, 7 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM** for local minibuses. Plan connections at Santiago terminal.
Can I transport a surfboard on the bus?
**Yes — most local buses accept surfboards** for small additional fee ($5-15 USD typically). Common request from Santa Catalina.
Going the other direction?