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Cheap Flights from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)

Popular airlines from Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Tocumen Intl. Airport (PTY)

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Cheap Flights from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

avianca
avianca
avianca
avianca
avianca
avianca
avianca
avianca
Copa
United

Find the cheapest month to fly from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)

April is typically the cheapest month to fly

From AU$283 - AU$349 per traveller.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from AU$203 and cheap return flights from AU$417 SJO to PTY with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between AU$173 and AU$581 and return flights often range between AU$407 and AU$1,824. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SJO to PTY ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from SJO to PTY are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.). Here are the carriers:
  • Copa operates 65 direct flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) every week.
  • Avianca operates 7 direct flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) every week.
How do I find cheap flights from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)?
To find a cheap flight from San José (SJO)Panama City (PTY), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Copa offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Avianca typically offers the lowest fares. Avianca offers the most daily flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
You'll find approximately 10 nonstop flights per day from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 18 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Rafael Nunez Intl. (CTG), La Aurora Intl. (GUA), and El Dorado Intl. (BOG).
What is the earliest flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) typically departs around 12:30 AM local time. This flight is operated by United. This is a seasonal service, active in May, June, July, and August. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
You'll generally find the most flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) on a Friday, with around 22 flights available. This gives you a good selection of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include Copa, Avianca, and United. Flight schedules are quite consistent throughout the week, so you'll have plenty of choices no matter which day you choose to fly.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) are in the afternoon, between 3pm and 6pm. Many major carriers, including Avianca, Copa and Iberia, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these times as they allow for a productive morning before heading to the airport, and you'll arrive in Panama City in the early evening.
How long does it take to fly from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.) typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. This route covers a distance of approximately 538 kilometres. If you opt for a one-stop flight, your travel time will be significantly longer, usually around 14 hours 18 minutes. Flights with two or more stops can take even longer, often around 23 hours 18 minutes. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic, so it's always a good idea to allow for some extra time when planning your journey.
Can you fly business or first class from San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) to Panama City (PTY-Tocumen Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class between SJO and PTY. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
  • Avianca
  • Copa
  • United
  • Aeromexico
  • TACA Airlines
First class cabins are not typically available on this route.
How do I earn miles on a San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a It'San José (SJO)Panama City (PTY) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Panama City (PTY) from San José (SJO)?
If you're planning to travel to Panama City from Juan Santamaria Intl. (SJO), you can fly directly into Tocumen Intl. (PTY). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Augusto C. Sandino Intl. (MGA), Rafael Nunez Intl. (CTG), or La Aurora Intl. (GUA) before reaching Panama City. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San José (SJO)Panama City (PTY) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San José (SJO)Panama City (PTY) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San José (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)?
If you booked your San José (SJO)Panama City (PTY) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Juan Santamaría Intl.
Destination airport
Tocumen Intl.
Return price
AU$417
Distance
535 km
Average flight time
2 hours 23 mins

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*Available to Expedia members.