Travel - Internal
Air
Smaller airports for internal flights are: Aeropuerto Marcos A. Gelabert in Albrook and Enrique Malek in David, Chiriqu. Internal air services operated by Aeroperlas, Aerotaxi, Ansi, Aviatur and Mapiex Aero include flights from Panama City to all centres in the interior of the country.
Rail
The Ferrocarril de Panam currently only operates freight trains and is in the process of selling the national rail service. The Panam Canal Railway Company (PCRC) runs a scenic 47-mile passenger route from Panama City to Coln as well as cargo services. Further information can be obtained from the Instituto Panameo de Turismo (see Contact Addresses section).
Road
The Trans-Isthman Highway links Panama City and Coln. The Corredor Norte toll road has reduced the travel time to Coln by 30 minutes. Bus: Traffic drives on the right. There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow. Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Car hire: Available in city centres and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient.
Urban
Extensive bus and minibus services run in Panama City. There is a flat fare with coin-operated turnstiles at the entrances of most buses.
Travel times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Panama City to other major cities in Panama. | Air | Road | | Chiriqu | 0.45 | 6.00 | | Santiago | 0.30 | 3.00 | | Chitre | 0.30 | 3.10 |
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