Until recently, the transport system in Panama was poorly developed in comparison with other countries. However, due to the positive dynamics in the field of tourism in the transport system, there have been some changes. The government of the state began to pay special attention to the state of roads, including those that pass through rural areas. Consequently, the problem of land transport was solved.
To date, public land and air transport operate smoothly in Panama. In addition, a small branch of the recently opened metro in Panama is particularly popular. The state of the local roads is considered one of the best in Latin America. Drivers should remember that the traffic in Panama is right-handed, and there is also a system of toll roads.
Railway transport
Immediately it is worth noting that the once-demanded railroad after the construction of the Panama Canal lost its importance. Currently, only one route remains, Panama - Colon . The main purpose of this branch was the daily flights of residents of Panama City, working in Colón. However, the train has gained popularity among tourists, as it traverses the historical route through the wild jungle past the unique Gatun Lake , which forms the main part of the Panama Canal.
The train includes comfortable tourist cars with bar services, glass roofs and open viewing platforms. The train runs on weekdays: from the capital it leaves in the morning at 7:15, and back from the Colon at 17:15. A ticket for an hourly trip to one side costs about $ 25. It is believed that for tourists who want to get into the free trade area of the Colon, this is the cheapest way to travel.
Buses and metro
The main and inexpensive type of public transport in Panama are buses, both urban and intercity. For buses in the country a special line is allocated, this gives a great advantage before a trip by taxi or a rented car, as traffic jams often make traffic difficult. In the capital, all long-distance and international buses depart from the main terminal Albrook.
An interesting kind of buses are the so-called chickenbats or "red devils" - this is the cheapest form of transport. Buses are painted in bright colors with the image of famous actors, singers and politicians. Despite the fact that the ticket costs only 25 cents, the trip will take place in a stuffy and cramped salon. There are also more comfortable buses with soft seats and air conditioning. To travel to them you need to buy a reusable transport card.
More recently, in the capital of Panama, an underground movement was launched - this is a simple metro line consisting of a single 13 km long line. The first few months the metro was free of charge, so that the Panamanians could get used to a new type of transport unusual for them and appreciate it. To travel by subway, you also need to purchase a $ 2 card, it will be debited at 35 cents for each trip. Subway cars are modern and comfortable, but the traffic is quite fast.
Taxi and rent a car
Undoubtedly, the most convenient mode of transport for tourists in Panama is a taxi. There are 2 types of taxis: main and tourist. Cars of the main taxi are yellow, for them a fixed fare is established. It should be immediately said that the taxi drivers understand only the Spanish language. You can stop the taxi car on the street or call in advance by phone at any time of the day. It is very convenient for tourists to use the services of a tourist taxi, since the drivers in them are English-speaking. The tourist transport is white in color and, as a rule, the journey is a little more expensive.
As the main mode of transport, tourists can use a rented car. Renting a car in Panama is very easy, as several rental offices are right at the Tokumen airport, and most are located in the city. You can also rent a car in any major city of Panama. The basic conditions are the age of at least 23 years old, the availability of an international driving license and a credit card. The price will depend on the class of the car, for example, a used minicar can be taken for $ 6 per day. At the wheel of a rented car, tourists should remember the basic rules of the road.
Air Transport
In Panama, airways are well developed. In total there are 115 airports in the country. International flights depart and arrive at the international airport of Tokumen, which is located 24 km east of the capital of Panama. Domestic flights mainly depart from Albrook airport . Domestic flights are generally inexpensive and can save a lot of time, but you need to be prepared for the possibility of moving or canceling a flight. The main airlines specializing in local flights are Aeroperlas and Air Panama.
Water transport
A huge number of nearby islands contributed to the development of water transport in Panama. In the regions there are always fishermen who will take you for a fee on some secluded island. The main port of the country, located in Colon ( Cristobal ), accepts large cruise ships. Popular resort islands, such as Taboga , can be reached by ferries that depart daily in the morning and in the evening.