Traveling from Chicago to Panama City: what you need to know
Chicago is home to two main airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Panama City flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
When planning your arrival in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are the major hubs.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Chicago to Panama City.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like August and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
If you hold a passport from United States and plan to travel to Panama for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may differ based on your length of stay and are subject to change. For the latest information, contact your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap flight from Chicago to Panama City.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Panama City, they're available from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in one continuous trip.
Copa Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct flights from Chicago to Panama City departing from ORD.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Chicago to Panama City. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
ORD is around 40 kilometers from central Chicago. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 54 minutes.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Panama City or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Split up your flight from Chicago to Panama City with a stop so you can recharge or cross a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between O'Hare International Airport and Panama City include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 46 minutes. The airport is roughly 19 kilometers away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 21 minutes.
Start your vacation sooner with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Panama City, take things easy in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport:
Arriving in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is around 21 kilometers from the center of Panama City. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 21 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Panama City. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PTY instead:
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The center of Panama City is approximately 2 kilometers from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Once your flight from Chicago to Panama City has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 6 minutes.
You can also travel by public transport, which will take around 24 minutes.
After your flight from Chicago to Panama City, rest your head at a hotel close to PAC. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Panama City
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Panama City is $132. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $399. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from Chicago to Panama City if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird deals.
Getting cheap tickets from Chicago to Panama City is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices throughout the month and land a great deal.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for cheap tickets from Chicago to Panama City every day.
Take advantage of filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chicago to Panama City, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Panama City
June is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Panama City. To avoid the crowds, head to Panama City in February.
The warmest month in Panama City is March, with the temperature ranging between 21ºC and 32ºC. Lock in your flights from Chicago to Panama City in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Panama City in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 22ºC and 31ºC on average.
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Panama City, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Panama Canal Museum, Casco Viejo and Cinta Costera are major attractions which should be on every Panama City itinerary.
Complete your Panama City trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Chicago to Panama City to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Panama City, from the most popular car rental to the average daily price.
