Tocumen International Airport Panama

This airport is like shopping mall first with an Airport attached. Although it’s duty free, prices are on the expensive side. Good variety of restaurants and shops. New Terminal 2 is nice with more open space, however is very long and you have to walk a lot to get to the last gates, in that area at the end, the closet bathroom is far from it.

Tocumen International Airport, Panama City – The Four-Star Gateway to the Isthmus . PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) isn’t just a transit hub — it’s the country’s handshake to the world. And like any good handshake, it’s firm, confident, and just a touch flashy. . The Good Stuff: Travelers consistently praise Tocumen’s modern expansion — the gleaming Terminal 2 — with its airy glass walls, polished floors, and a respectable lineup of duty-free shops that could tempt even the most disciplined carry-on minimalist. The airport’s Copa Airlines hub status means you’ll find a web of connections across the Americas, often with impressively short layovers. Security and immigration, while occasionally busy, are generally efficient by regional standards, and the staff — when not swamped — earn points for being courteous and bilingual. . Food-wise, you’ll find a mix of Panamanian staples and international chains, so whether you’re craving a quick empanada or a Starbucks latte, you’re covered. And yes, the air-conditioning works overtime — something you’ll appreciate after stepping out into Panama’s tropical embrace. . The Not-So-Good: Here’s where the shine dulls a bit. Crowding is the most common gripe — peak hours can feel like a rugby scrum with rolling suitcases. Seating in older areas is limited, and Wi-Fi, while free, can be spotty and slow enough to make you nostalgic for 3G. Signage, though improved, still leaves some first-timers wandering like contestants in a particularly humid scavenger hunt. And if you’re connecting, brace yourself: gate changes happen, sometimes with minimal warning. . The Verdict Tocumen is a solid four-star performer — a modern, strategically located hub that’s clearly investing in its future, but still wrestling with the growing pains of being the crossroads of the Americas. If you can navigate the occasional bottleneck and keep your expectations realistic, you’ll find it a capable, even enjoyable, launchpad for your Panamanian adventure — or your next hop across the hemisphere.

Absolutely wild experience they make you go through security in front of the gate where beyond that there is no access to bathrooms and water cannot be brought into the terminal. Panama City airport make it make sense because it doesn’t. There is no need to have multiple checkpoints instead of a large one for everyone to pass before entering the duty free area. Do not connect flights through PTY. Thank me later.

A wonderful airport serving as the hub of latin America. Tons of shopping available. Well staffed with helpful professionals. Also very well organized for pickups and Uber.

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) – Terminal 1 Terminal 1 at Tocumen is a well-sized and functional hub for the steady stream of travelers coming in and out of Panama City. It strikes a balance between manageability and capacity—busy, but rarely overwhelming. Arrival experience can vary: on my most recent trip, I waited about 30 minutes at customs, though on a previous visit, I cleared in minutes. So while not perfectly consistent, it’s still efficient compared to many international gateways. The duty-free selection is a highlight—particularly for alcohol and perfumes, where options are broad and pricing is competitive. However, the food court offerings are limited, so don’t expect a wide variety of dining choices. There are two general lounges available in Terminal 1, both accessible with Priority Pass, but be aware—you’ll need to present your physical card or app access, as credit card-only entry won’t be accepted. On the plus side, security lines have always been quick and streamlined, making departure relatively stress-free. Overall, Terminal 1 delivers a solid travel experience with room for improvement on food options—but excels in speed, simplicity, and essentials.

A huge airport, one of the most moderns in the region, it is the bridge among the Americas. Could be se little bit more easy to go around, because the distances, among gates, it"s too much. In all case, you can find, almost everything here, for anybody

The level of customer service at this airport was unacceptable. Employees consistently displayed a lack of courtesy and professionalism, often responding with attitude when asked simple questions. Travelers deserve respect and support, and the staff here failed to meet even the most basic standards of customer care.

Terminal 2 is a Five. Very modern , wonderful terminal and a good stop over between North and South America. Terminal 1 is a Zero. You have to go through security at the gate and they will take drinks you have purchased in the airport ( but don’t even look at other liquids). Given it is all one airport that you can change planes without exiting - it makes no sense to have two systems in place.