Flying from Panama City to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Panama City to Istanbul. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) are Panama City's main airports.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's primary gateways.
A direct flight from Panama City to Istanbul takes on average 12 hours 48 minutes. The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, making it 8 hours ahead of Panama City.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 15 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Panama City to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 21:50. Choose the first PTY to IST departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 19:05 if you're more of an early bird.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your flight from Panama City to Istanbul. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month like June? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
If you hold a passport from Panama and plan to travel to Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may vary based on your reason for visiting and can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap flight from Panama City to Istanbul.
Flying from Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You can reserve a direct flight from Panama City to Istanbul jetting off from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Begin your trip at PTY and arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
If you want to leave from PTY, you can take a direct flight from Panama City to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Panama City to Istanbul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Tocumen International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these airports:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Located around 21 kilometres from the centre of Panama City, PTY can be reached in approximately 21 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Tocumen International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Panama City to Istanbul, these stays will have you moments from your departure lounge:
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Panama City to Istanbul. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these stops between Tocumen International Airport and Istanbul:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
BLB is about 16 kilometres from central Panama City. It takes 22 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre.
You're going on holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Panama Pacifico Airport the day before your flight from Panama City to Istanbul:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Book a hotel near IST if you're taking a late flight from Panama City to Istanbul. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Panama City to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 57 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There are some cosy hotels where you can rest ahead of your adventure near SAW. Unwind after your flight from Panama City to Istanbul at one of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Panama City to Istanbul is ج.م. 24,459. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ج.م. 49,899. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Lock in cheap tickets from Panama City to Istanbul by booking at least 11 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
The cheapest month for flight tickets from Panama City to Istanbul is July. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know right away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap tickets from Panama City to Istanbul every day.
Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Panama City to Istanbul, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Panama City to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Istanbul based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your flight from Panama City to Istanbul, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Panama City to Istanbul around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Panama City to Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are leading attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Panama City to Istanbul to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Istanbul, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.
