Travelling from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL): what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Panama City. Explore your options leaving from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) when organizing your flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL).
Book a direct flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport and you'll be travelling for an average of 6 hours 33 minutes.
Santiago is 2 hours ahead of Panama City. Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is located in Santiago, which operates on the UTC-3 timezone.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) is the most popular route. There are 49 direct weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Copa at 21:33. Opt for the first PTY to SCL departure with Copa at 11:44 if you want to get going earlier.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Panama City to SCL. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid any last-minute rush.
Show up at the airport even earlier during popular months like June. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and up to four hours for international flights. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to relax or grab something to eat.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) can be booked from this terminal.
When taking off from PTY, you can take a direct flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport with Copa.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Panama City to SCL leaving from Tocumen International Airport (PTY), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE)
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
PTY is roughly 21 kilometres from central Panama City. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will give you the fastest route and available public transport options.
Looking for a handy hotel close to Tocumen International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Searching for more options for a direct flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)? Check out the fares flying out of Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB).
Split up your flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Panama Pacifico Airport and SCL are:
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Alfonso B. Aragon Airport (CLO)
Depending on road traffic, you can drive to BLB from Panama City's centre in around 22 minutes. The airport is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Panama City to SCL? Relax in a hotel near Panama Pacifico Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
About Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near SCL instead:
Getting from Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) to central Santiago
From Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago is approximately 19 kilometres away. It takes around 21 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 14 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is C$375. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$713. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 8 months before you want to travel. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find flight tickets from Panama City to SCL.
To snag the best price on your tickets from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, book your trip for May (it's when flights are cheapest). Have flexibility with your dates? Use the 'Whole month' search function to browse the most affordable day to fly.
Finding a cheap ticket from Panama City to SCL is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price drops.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport.
The best time to fly from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
May is the quietest time to travel to Santiago. Alternatively, follow the crowds and take your trip in July. This is the most popular month for flights from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, but the best time to go is up to you.
The warmest month in Santiago is January, with the temperature ranging between 13ºC and 27ºC. Book your flights from Panama City to SCL in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in July when temperatures average between -2ºC and 15ºC.
More about Santiago
After booking your flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Santiago:
Cerro San Cristobal and La Moneda Palace are just a couple of the big attractions to add to your Santiago itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Plaza de Armas.
Complete your Santiago trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Panama City to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Santiago and see the sights your way. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
