Panama City to Bogotá is one of Latin America’s easiest short hops — a non-stop of well under two hours linking Copa’s giant Tocumen hub with El Dorado, Colombia’s busiest airport. With Copa Airlines and Avianca both flying it several times a day, fares stay low and schedules are frequent. This guide covers who flies non-stop, what a fair return costs in US dollars, and how to lock in the best price.
Route: Panama City, Tocumen (PTY) → Bogotá, El Dorado (BOG)
Distance: approximately 740 km (460 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Direct flights: Yes — Copa Airlines and Avianca both fly non-stop daily, with Copa operating the most frequencies from its Panama hub.
Fares from Panama City to Bogotá (USD)
This is a competitive regional route, so fares are among the cheapest in the Americas. Prices are steadiest through the year, ticking up around the December–January holidays, Colombian long weekends and Bogotá’s festival dates. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (holidays) |
| February | medium |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | low-medium |
| June | medium (school holidays) |
| July | medium-high |
| August | medium |
| September | low |
| October | low |
| November | medium |
| December | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Both non-stop carriers are full-service and fly the short leg on Boeing 737s. There is rarely any reason to take a connection on such a quick route.
- Copa Airlines (non-stop) — Bogotá is a core spoke of Copa’s Panama hub, so it runs the most daily flights and the widest choice of times; a checked bag is usually included on standard fares.
- Avianca (non-stop) — Colombia’s flag carrier flies the route several times a day; watch the fare type, as its cheapest “basic” tickets carry only a personal item.
One-stop itineraries (usually no cheaper here) route via other hubs and only make sense if you’re combining the trip with onward travel:
- Wingo — the Colombian low-cost carrier serves nearby markets and occasionally offers connecting value, though it does not always fly this pair non-stop.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead. On a high-frequency regional route, fares are lowest a month or two out and creep up in the final fortnight.
- Dodge the December–January peak. Holiday demand between Panama and Colombia pushes prices to their yearly high; September–October are the calmest and cheapest.
- Check the fare family. Copa standard fares typically include a checked bag; Avianca and any low-cost “basic” fare may charge for both a bag and a seat, so compare the all-in total, not just the headline price.
- Travel mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually undercut Friday and Sunday, when weekend and business traffic peaks.
- Set a price alert. With so many daily flights, short sales appear often — a watch on the route catches the sub-$200 returns.
Arriving in Bogotá
Flights land at El Dorado International (BOG), about 15 km west of the city centre and Latin America’s third-busiest airport. There’s no rail link, so the usual options are the official airport taxi (roughly $8–$15 to central districts such as La Candelaria or Chapinero, using the metered rank) or a ride-hailing app. The TransMilenio bus and cheaper city buses also serve the airport for under $1 if you’re travelling light. Allow 30–60 minutes by road depending on traffic, which is heavy at peak hours. Bogotá sits at 2,640 m altitude, so take it easy on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Panama City to Bogotá?
Yes. Copa Airlines and Avianca both fly non-stop between Panama City (Tocumen) and Bogotá (El Dorado), with several departures every day. Copa operates the most frequencies because Bogotá is a key destination from its Panama hub, so you’ll usually find a convenient time in either direction.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Bogotá?
The non-stop flight takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Including boarding, taxi and immigration you should budget roughly two and a half hours from arriving at Tocumen to clearing the terminal at El Dorado.
How much does it cost to fly from Panama City to Bogotá?
A typical economy return runs about $180–$340. Good deals dip to around $150–$190, often in the quieter September–October window, while the December holiday peak can push fares toward $400. One-way tickets frequently appear near $80–$100.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Panama City to Bogotá?
September and October are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December and early January, when holiday travel between the two countries is at its heaviest and fares reach their yearly high.
Which airlines fly from Panama City to Bogotá?
Copa Airlines and Avianca operate the non-stop service, both on Boeing 737 aircraft. Copa carries the most passengers on the route thanks to its Panama hub. Connecting options exist through other carriers but rarely beat the direct fare on such a short leg.
Which airport do I fly into in Bogotá?
You arrive at El Dorado International (BOG), Bogotá’s main gateway and the busiest airport in Colombia, about 15 km west of the city centre. It handles both international and domestic flights, so onward connections within Colombia are straightforward.
How far in advance should I book?
Aim for 3 to 8 weeks ahead. On this high-frequency route, prices are lowest a month or two before departure and rise in the last two weeks, especially around Colombian holidays and the December peak. Early booking almost always saves money.
Is it cheaper to fly on certain days of the week?
Yes. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often among the cheaper options, while Friday and Sunday cost more because of weekend and business demand. Flying mid-week and avoiding public holidays can shave a useful amount off the return fare.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
