Cheap Flights from New York to Panama City Starting at $162

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is New York’s primary international gateway, catering to long-haul and premium carriers alongside many global alliances. Flights here can be comparatively pricier than nearby alternatives, especially for intercontinental routes. JFK sits about 15–20 miles (24–32 km) from Midtown Manhattan; travel options include the AirTrain plus subway or LIRR (roughly 35–60 minutes, fares typically in the $2.90–$12 range), taxis or rideshares (35–75 minutes, variable fares), and express buses. Pros: extensive international connections and full-service amenities; cons: can be congested and transfer times may be longer during peak hours. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) primarily serves domestic and near‑international flights and is often positioned as the closer, more budget-friendly option for short-haul routes. Located about 8–10 miles (13–16 km) from Midtown Manhattan, it offers relatively quick ground access by taxi or rideshare (20–40 minutes) and MTA bus services that connect to subway lines (30–60 minutes; fares low single‑digits). Recent terminal upgrades improved comfort and dining, but drawbacks can include limited long‑haul services and potential congestion on road approaches during rush hours. Newark Liberty International (EWR), across the Hudson in New Jersey, functions as a major hub for both legacy carriers and many transcontinental flights, often attracting competitive fares on international and domestic routes. It’s roughly 16–18 miles (25–29 km) from Midtown Manhattan; transit choices include NJ Transit or Amtrak via the AirTrain to Newark Liberty (about 30–45 minutes, fares commonly in the single to low‑double digits), express buses, and taxis/rideshares (30–70 minutes). Strengths are strong airline connectivity and frequent service; downsides can include customs processing times and traffic variability on approach roads.

The route New York — Panama City is served by many carriers — 6 in total, including Copa Airlines, United Airlines, Avianca, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $162) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Tocumen International (PTY) is Panama City’s main international hub, handling most long-haul and regional flights and serving carriers from legacy networks to Latin American and US low-cost airlines. It sits about 24 km (15 miles) east of downtown Panama City, with drive times typically 25–40 minutes by taxi or rideshare depending on traffic; fares can often range from moderate to higher than local transit. Express buses and airport shuttles provide cheaper transfers in roughly 45–60 minutes. Pros: extensive international connections and modern facilities; cons: distance from the center and sometimes busy peak-period queues. Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC) nearby is smaller and mostly domestic, useful for short-haul or budget regional hops.

In different months, ticket prices from New York to Panama City vary: minimum — $205 (January 2026), maximum — $310 (December 2025). Typically, the flight costs $258–$310.