By Air
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main gateway to Panama and the largest hub in Central America. It sits about 25km northeast of Panama City, roughly 30–45 minutes by taxi. Most major airlines in the Americas and a number of European carriers fly here directly. Copa Airlines, Panama's flag carrier, operates an extensive network of regional connections through Tocumen.
Departure tax is included in most ticket prices nowadays, but check when booking.
By Road
The Pan-American Highway from Costa Rica crosses into Panama at the Paso Canoas border post in Chiriquí. Buses run between San José (Costa Rica) and David or Panama City, taking 8–9 hours. The crossing is straightforward for most nationalities.
Note: The Pan-American Highway does not continue to Colombia. It ends at the Darién Gap — a stretch of roadless jungle between Panama and Colombia.
By Sea
The Panama Canal makes Balboa (Pacific side) and Cristóbal/Colón (Atlantic side) ports of call for dozens of cruise lines. If you're arriving by private yacht, Panama City and Shelter Bay Marina near Colón are the main ports of entry.
Some travelers cross between Colombia and Panama by boat — usually a multi-day sailing trip between Cartagena and the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), then continuing by bus to Panama City. This is a popular route among backpackers.