Description
The Panama City sightseeing tour—known as the “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus—is an excellent way to explore the capital. As the name suggests, it allows you to get on and off the colorful red double-decker bus at various points throughout the city. You can purchase a ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours, depending on your needs, enabling you to design your own itinerary and tour the city at your own pace.
Below is the latest itinerary for the Panama City sightseeing bus:
Many people choose to complete the full circuit, which takes between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes. The tour includes audio guides and headphones so you can learn details about the various stops along the route. There are 16 stops in total, starting and ending at Balboa Boutiques on Avenida Balboa. Visitors can hop on and off at: Parque Urraca, Poin Panama, Casco Viejo, Mi Pueblito, Albrook Mall, City of Knowledge (Ciudad del Saber), Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks), Downtown Amador, Biomuseo, Punta Culebra, Bucaneros, Isla Flamenco, Isla Perico, Casco Viejo, and the Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos). The stop at Isla Flamenco is longer, giving visitors the chance to take photos and use the restrooms.
Panama City is a vibrant metropolis filled with skyscrapers along the Pacific Ocean. Travel along Avenida Balboa, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, and admire the impressive buildings. You can hop off at Parque Urraca if traveling with children, or at Poin (book activities here) if you want to add a touch of excitement to your Panama vacation. Next, the route heads to the historic district known as Casco Viejo, which preserves buildings dating back to the 17th century. This area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared with Panamá Viejo—the first city founded in the country.
The Panama Canal is a must-visit attraction. The tour bus will take you to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, where you will have the opportunity to watch ships pass through one of the three locks. This engineering marvel is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Next, you will head to the Amador Causeway, a man-made road connecting three islands. There is plenty to do in this area, including visiting the Biomuseo—designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry—and the Punta Culebra Smithsonian Center, an ideal spot for families. The Amador Causeway offers magnificent views of the city; the tour will conclude at the marina before heading back to Casco Viejo, with a final stop at the Fish Market prior to returning to Balboa Boutiques.
Includes:
- 24 or 48 hours bus ticket
- Audio Guide in English, Spanish
- Headphones
Available: daily
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What to bring? ticket (we will send), drinks, comfortable shoes and camera.
Important information: Children aged 0 to 3 travel for free. The child fare applies to children aged 4 to 12. Special fares are available for Panamanian citizens and residents, including rates for retirees. The buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, provided they have not been previously validated. Both digital (mobile) and printed tickets are accepted.
Sudden changes to routes or schedules may occur due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. Traffic congestion and road closures may cause delays and route modifications. We will do our utmost to provide a smooth and frequent service! No refunds will be offered for route changes or cancellations resulting from unforeseen circumstances. To receive a full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the activity or experience.