Key points to remember
- From France: Direct Air France flight Paris-Panama (11h), average price €700-850, best fare January-February and September
- From Canada: Direct flights Copa Airlines Montreal (6h) and Toronto (6h30), average price CAD 600-900, best price February
- Optimum booking: 40 days in advance to get the best prices (15-20% savings vs. last minute)
- High season: July-August and December (prices +30-50%), low season: January, February and September (best fares)
Flights from France
Overview of Panama
Panama is accessible from France mainly via Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located 25 km from Panama City. French travelers enjoy good connectivity with several flight options
Direct flights from Paris
Air France is the only airline offering direct flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Panama City (PTY).
Flights from France
Direct flight Air France Paris-Panama
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airline | Air France (SkyTeam member) |
| Departure airport | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) |
| Frequency | 3 flights per week (average) |
| Flight time | 10h50 to 11h (direct flight) |
| Distance | 8,655 km |
| Typical flight times | Departure 13:55-15:10, arrival late afternoon (local time) |
| Available classes | Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class |
Flights with stopovers from Paris
Several airlines offer flights with stopovers, often less expensive than direct flights
| Airline | Stopover(s) | Total duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iberia | Madrid | 14-16h | Numerous frequencies, competitive prices |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt or Munich | 15-18h | German comfort, punctuality |
| Air Europa | Madrid | 14-17h | Fares often the lowest |
| KLM | Amsterdam | 15-17h | Excellent connection from CDG |
| United Airlines | Newark or Houston | 16-20h | Numerous connection options |
| Low-cost airlines | Various (Condor, Norse Atlantic, French Bee) | Variable | Very attractive prices in low season |
Fares from France
| Type of flight | Minimum price | Average price | High season price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct return (Air France) | 614-720€ | 800-850€ | 1 100-1 335€ |
| Round trip with stopover | 371-500€ | 650-750€ | 900-1 100€ |
| Low-cost round-trip | 345-400€ | 500-600€ | 700-850€ |
Fares observed in January 2026 for advance bookings. Prices vary according to period and availability
Best months to book from France
| Period | Average price | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Janvier | 513-650€ | The cheapest month (best value for money) |
| February | 550-680€ | Excellent rate + ideal climate in Panama |
| March | 600-750€ | Ideal month according to users |
| April-May | 650-800€ | Beginning of rainy season, prices still reasonable |
| June | 700-850€ | Prices start to rise |
| July-August | 950-1 335€ | High tourist season, maximum prices |
| September | 520-650€ | The cheapest month with January |
| October-November | 600-780€ | Average prices |
| December | 900-1 200€ | Holiday season, high demand |
Tips for finding the best prices from France
- Book 40 days in advance: statistically, this is the best time to obtain the best fares (average saving of 16%)
- Choose weekday flights: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays generally offer the lowest fares
- Compare direct flights vs. stopovers: possible savings of €200-400 with a stopover
- Use comparators: Skyscanner, Liligo, Kayak, Google Flights to compare prices
- Create price alerts: to be notified of fare reductions
- Flexible dates: ±3 days can save €100-200
- Book directly with the company: greater flexibility and customer service
Flights from Canada
Overview
Canadian travelers enjoy excellent connectivity to Panama, with direct flights from Montreal and Toronto. Shorter flight times and competitive fares make Panama a very accessible destination for Canadians
Direct flights from Montreal
Copa Airlines is the main airline operating direct flights between Montreal and Panama City
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airline | Copa Airlines (Star Alliance member) |
| Departure airport | Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) |
| Frequency | 7 to 9 flights per week |
| Flight time | 5h55 to 6h (direct flight) |
| Distance | 4,081 km |
| Typical flight times | Departure 7.10am-8.42am, arrival 1.37pm-1.42pm (local time) |
| Available classes | Economy, Business Class |
Direct flights from Toronto
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Main airline | Copa Airlines (Star Alliance member) |
| Departure airport | Toronto Pearson (YYZ) |
| Frequencies | 7 flights per week (average) |
| Flight time | 6h to 6h30 (direct flight) |
| Classes available | Economy, Business Class |
Flights with stopovers from Canada
| Airline | Stopover(s) | Total duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Houston, Miami or New York | 8-10h | Aeroplan program, excellent service |
| Avianca | Bogotá or San Salvador | 8-11h | Competitive prices, South American network |
| United Airlines | Houston or Newark | 8-12h | Numerous connections |
| Air Transat | Variable | Variable | Attractive package fares |
| Porter Airlines | Via United States | 10-14h | Quality service |
Fares from Canada
| Departure | Type of flight | Minimum price | Average price | High season price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | Direct Copa Airlines | 533-660 CAD | 700-900 CAD | 1,200-1,400 CAD |
| Montreal | With stopover | 299-450 CAD | 600-800 CAD | 1,000-1,200 CAD |
| Toronto | Direct Copa Airlines | 500-602 CAD | 685-900 CAD | 1,200-1,400 CAD |
| Toronto | With stopover | 301-450 CAD | 650-850 CAD | 1,100-1,300 CAD |
Fares observed in January 2026, expressed in Canadian dollars. Prices vary according to period and availability
Best months to book from Canada
| Period | Average price (CAD) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| January | 600-750 CAD | Very good post-holiday rates |
| February | 533-680 CAD | The cheapest month + ideal climate |
| March-April | 650-800 CAD | Spring break = slight increase |
| May-June | 700-850 CAD | Average prices |
| July-August | 950-1,400 CAD | High season, summer vacations |
| September-October | 650-800 CAD | Return to reasonable prices |
| November | 700-850 CAD | Average prices |
| December | 1,000-1,400 CAD | Holidays = high prices |
Special flight: Montreal – Río Hato
Air Transat operates a direct seasonal flight between Montreal and Río Hato airport (RIH), located on the Pacific coast close to seaside resorts
- Period: January to May (dry season)
- Advantage: Direct access to Pacific beaches without passing through Panama City
- Nearby destinations: Playa Blanca, Santa Clara, Coronado, El Valle de Antón
Advice for Canadian travellers
- Copa Airlines: excellent choice – reliable Panamanian carrier, Star Alliance member, very punctual
- Book 40 days in advance – same recommendation as for France
- Loyalty program – ConnectMiles (Copa) or Aeroplan (Air Canada) to collect points
- Luggage – Copa Airlines: 1 hold bag included in economy class
- Avoid December and July-August – possible savings of CAD 400-600 by traveling in February or September
- Price alerts – Skyscanner.ca, Kiwi.com, Google Flights to track variations
Practical information about airports in Panama
Panama City – Tocumen Airport (PTY)
Panama’s main international airport, located 25 km east of Panama City
- Regional hub: Largest hub in Central America (Copa Airlines)
- City access: Taxi (USD 30-40, 30-45 min), Uber (available), private shuttles, public buses
- Services: Currency exchange, ATM, car rental, restaurants, duty-free stores
- Free WiFi: Available throughout the airport
- Domestic connections: Flights to Bocas del Toro, David, San Blas Islands
Río Hato – Scarlett Martínez Airport (RIH)
Small airport on the Pacific coast, 120 km west of Panama City
- International flights: Montreal (Air Transat, seasonal)
- Proximity: 15 min from Playa Blanca beaches, 30 min from Coronado
- Services: Limited but sufficient, car rental available
Formalities and documents required
- Passport: Valid at least 6 months after date of entry
- Visa: No visa required for French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian citizens (stay up to 180 days since 2024)
- Return ticket: Mandatory (or proof of continuation to another country)
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended but not mandatory
General advice for all travellers
When to book to save money
- Optimum window: 40-60 days before departure
- Too early: More than 6 months = often high prices
- Last minute: Risk of paying 30-50% more
- Days of the week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday = best rates
Luggage
- Cabin baggage: Usually 1 piece (dimensions 55x40x23 cm, max 10-12 kg)
- Hold baggage: Included on long-haul flights (23 kg in economy)
- Check: Specific policies of each airline, especially for low-cost carriers
Duration and time difference
- Time difference France-Panama: -6h in winter, -7h in summer
- Time difference Canada-Panama: -1h (Toronto/Montreal)
- Jet lag: Moderate from Europe (6-7h), minimal from Canada (1h)
Recommended comparators
- Skyscanner: Excellent for comparing all options
- Google Flights: Price tracking, fare calendar
- Kayak: Price prediction
- Momondo: User-friendly interface
- Company websites: Direct booking often more flexible
Recommended airlines
For flights from France
- Air France (direct): Comfort, French service, Flying Blue program
- Iberia (via Madrid): Excellent value for money
- Air Europa (via Madrid): Very competitive fares
For flights from Canada
- Copa Airlines (direct): Reliable Panamanian airline, punctual, excellent service
- Air Canada (with stopover): Aeroplan program, Canadian service
Before you book
- Dry season in Panama: January to April (better climate, medium-high prices)
- Rainy season: May to December (afternoon rains, lower prices)
- Connections in Panama: Ideal hub for combining several Central and South American destinations
- Exit taxes: Generally included in ticket price
Our final recommendation for your flights to Panama
From France: Choose Air France direct flights if your budget allows (time savings, comfort). Otherwise, Iberia or Air Europa via Madrid offer an excellent price-duration compromise.From Canada: Copa Airlines direct is the best choice (short flight, reasonable prices, quality service). The company is highly rated and a Star Alliance member.Ideal period: Book in January, February or September for the best fares while enjoying Panama’s pleasant climate
