How to Get From Cartagena to Panama City
Flight · Ferry
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 470 kilometre (292 miles) distance from Cartagena to Panama City. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Panama City as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
Written by Ela
Senior Travel Writer
Last updated 3 months ago
What are the 2 ways to travel from Cartagena to Panama City?
There are two ways to travel the 470 km distance from Cartagena to Panama City. You can choose between the flight and ferry.
The journey takes between 1h 55m–12h and the quickest way is by flight (1h 55m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 135 PAB ($135).
1h 55m - 2h 40m
135 PAB ($135)
6d 12h
720 PAB ($720)
Cartagena to Panama City by Flight
Step 1: How to get to Cartagena Airport
The easiest way to get to Cartagena Airport from the city centre is by Uber. Fares start from about 32,000 COP ($8.60) — a bit pricy, but well worth the convenience and peace of mind.
Taxis are cheaper with prices from 18,000 COP ($4.80). But keep in mind that many drivers try to overcharge, especially tourists who don’t speak Spanish.
If you prefer to book in advance, BookAway offers shared and private transfers:
- Shared minivan - 5.6 PAB ($5.60) per seat
- Private car - 17.2 PAB ($17) for 2 people
On a tight budget? You can take the Transcaribe T102 bus for 3,000 COP ($0.80). It’s the cheapest choice, but drops you off a block away from Cartagena Airport. Also note that you’ll need a Transcaribe card because cash isn’t accepted.
Check out our guide for Cartagena Airport for more details.
Step 2: Flight from Cartagena to Panama City
Copa Airlines operates several daily flights from Cartagena to Panama City’s main airport (Tocumen International Airport, PTY). Flight time is 1h 20m and airfares start from 180 PAB ($180).
A more affordable option is to fly to Panama City’s smaller airport, located in the Panama Canal Zone (Panamá Pacífico International Airport, BLB). These flights are operated by the low-cost carrier Wingo once a day on Thursdays and Sundays. Rates for this flight range from 115 PAB ($115) to 160 PAB ($160).
Step 3: Panama Airport to Panama City Centre
From Tocumen International Airport, the best way to get to the city centre is by Uber. Rates start from 20 PAB ($20) and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
A cheaper alternative would be to take the Metro, which is connected to the airport. However, there is no direct Metro line from Panama Airport to the city centre. You'll have to make at least one transfer, depending on where you're heading. A ticket costs only about a dollar, though!
Panamá Pacífico International Airport to City Centre
Are you coming from Panamá Pacífico International Airport? The easiest way to travel the 20 km to Panama City Centre is by Uber or Taxi. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 PAB ($30).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Cartagena to Panama City by Sailboat
Looking to make your journey from Cartagena to Panama City an adventure? Taking a sailboat is a popular choice.
With a sailboat, you can enjoy a scenic trip from Cartagena to Panama City — island-hopping from one paradise to another for 6 days and 5 nights. Prices start from 720 PAB ($720).
Step 1: Sailboat from Cartagena to Puerto Lindo/Portobello
Sailing across the Caribbean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It may not be the cheapest option, but it’s something worth experiencing if you have the chance, especially if this is your first time on a sailboat.
If the thought of a stunning sailing trip isn’t enough to convince you, the trip is all-inclusive, meaning you won’t spend extra money on accommodation or meals for the duration of the trip.
There are several companies offering this service; some have set schedules, while others operate on demand. We recommend planning your trip with Blue Sailing, as they offer an unforgettable experience, all with the highest level of safety.
The route they travel from Cartagena to Panama takes you through the spectacular San Blas Archipelago.
What to expect in your sailboat adventure
The agency operates a wide fleet of boats, all with a journey time of approximately 6 days. The price and schedules vary depending on which boat you choose and the season you’re travelling in.
No matter what trip you choose, meals, accommodation on the boat, and equipment for activities like snorkelling or fishing are all included in the price. During the trip, you’ll spend 2 days sailing on the open sea and 3 days island-hopping around the San Blas islands.
The boats usually depart from the Club Nautico Marina, in the Manga neighbourhood. This is easily reachable by taxi from Cartagena's historic centre. Expect to pay 7,000 COP ($1.90) – 8,000 COP ($2.20) for the 5-10 minute ride.
Step 2: Minivan from Puerto Lindo/Portobello to Panama City
Most sailboats will finish the trip either at Puerto Lindo or Portobello. Where it ends depends on the season and boat, but you will be informed by the agency when booking.
Once there, the fastest way to reach Panama City is by hiring a shared van transfer with Blue Sailing that will take you to your accommodation in the city. The rate is 25 PAB ($25) and the trip takes about 2 hours.
You can also use the local buses to get to Panama City via Sabanitas/Colon. These will drop you off at the Albrook Bus Terminal, on the western edge of Panama City. The minivan ride takes around 3 hours, with tickets starting at 5 PAB ($5.00).
Alternative option: El Porvenir to Panama City by Boat
Another popular port for arrival and departures in Panama is El Porvenir, located in the San Blas Archipelago. If that’s the case, you can take a boat to Carti, a port on Panama’s mainland for 20 PAB ($20), and then connect by car to Panama City for 30 PAB ($30).
Once again, you can book the combined trip of boat and car with Blue Sailing for around 50 PAB ($50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cartagena to Panama City. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Cartagena to Panama City is 470 km.
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About the Author
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
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