Panama Metro
Panama Metro
4.5
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MUFan-TRIP
Cape Coral, FL38 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I used the Metro to get back to my Airbnb after visiting the Locks on a 1 night stay in Panama. I had a feeling using the vending machines might be a challenge so I searched all over the internet for some clear English instructions but couldn't find any. So hopefully you can pick up things from my experience.
First of all Most vending machines are only for reloading $ on a card you already have. The machines that do dispense cards DO NOT have an English button. Even the staffed kiosks couldn't sell me a card. They just changed my $ bills for fresh crisp ones and pointed to a vending machine.
To get a card you have to select a box in the upper left of the touch screen. I asked several of the others standing in line and even they seemed confused by the title of the touch screen button.
Here's the next trick. The vending machines only take cash. 1s or 5s. Once you select this box in the upper left a green light comes on by the bill slot. You have about 4 seconds to get your 2 $ bills in this slot. If one goes in but the second gets spit out because it's wrinkled and you don't get it back in in time the machine voids your request BUT keeps your dollar. Now I know why the staffed desk insisted on giving me crisp dollars.
Assuming you make it past this the machine spits out your Rapid card.
But this card has no funds on it. So you have to select a different item ( this option is clearer in Spanish), and once the green light turns on quickly but carefully put in a couple bucks to load the card.
One more thing. Everyone told me at Metro subway rides were always 50 cents which is a great deal. But that's not completely true. If you start in downtown and then transfer to line 2 which heads close to the airport they charge you an additional surcharge when you try to get off. So don't cut it to close particularly if you're using one card across several people.
Aside from the difficulty getting a card if you are a nonspanish speaking tourist to Metro is very nice. The stations are clean and easy to get in and out of. It's crowded but safe.
First of all Most vending machines are only for reloading $ on a card you already have. The machines that do dispense cards DO NOT have an English button. Even the staffed kiosks couldn't sell me a card. They just changed my $ bills for fresh crisp ones and pointed to a vending machine.
To get a card you have to select a box in the upper left of the touch screen. I asked several of the others standing in line and even they seemed confused by the title of the touch screen button.
Here's the next trick. The vending machines only take cash. 1s or 5s. Once you select this box in the upper left a green light comes on by the bill slot. You have about 4 seconds to get your 2 $ bills in this slot. If one goes in but the second gets spit out because it's wrinkled and you don't get it back in in time the machine voids your request BUT keeps your dollar. Now I know why the staffed desk insisted on giving me crisp dollars.
Assuming you make it past this the machine spits out your Rapid card.
But this card has no funds on it. So you have to select a different item ( this option is clearer in Spanish), and once the green light turns on quickly but carefully put in a couple bucks to load the card.
One more thing. Everyone told me at Metro subway rides were always 50 cents which is a great deal. But that's not completely true. If you start in downtown and then transfer to line 2 which heads close to the airport they charge you an additional surcharge when you try to get off. So don't cut it to close particularly if you're using one card across several people.
Aside from the difficulty getting a card if you are a nonspanish speaking tourist to Metro is very nice. The stations are clean and easy to get in and out of. It's crowded but safe.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProsaicTraveller
Saskatoon, Canada325 contributions
Feb 2020
We each got a $5 Metro card and used it about 15 times. We still had a whole bunch left over. Easy to use and so convenient. The Metro Stations were clean and efficient. Highly recommended way to travel within the city
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BVinLA
Los Angeles, CA93 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The card purchase and charging process was a little confusing at first as they are separate processes. But once I had my card it proved to be a very efficient and reliable metro. The per ride price is a bargain compared to most subways, the trains are clean, the wait times low, and stations had modern wait time displays so one is never left wondering when or if a train will come. Overall I found the metro useful.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilverTraveler2
Castle Rock, WA438 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Just had our first trip on the Panama City Subway. Staff was very helpful in obtaining our Metro Card and showed us how to charge it. Very simple process. Uou scan your card to enter and scan your card on the way out. Thirty-five cents to ride either one stop or the entire length of Line 1. The cars were very clean, and everyone onboard was fine. No drama, no threats, no graffiti. There were plenty of young people and they were dressed nicely. This is the first subway that I've ever taken, in any city, and it was great. We took the trip all the way to the Albrook Mall/National Bus Terminal, and you couldn't ask for a better service.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PanamaVagabond
Chitre, Panama309 contributions
Dec 2022
The metro is the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation available in Panama City.
The trains are frequent, clean, and on time.
the system is a little crowded during rush hour as everyone ones to use it.
The trains are frequent, clean, and on time.
the system is a little crowded during rush hour as everyone ones to use it.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan martin A
Buenos Aires, Argentina13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Excellent. Super recommended. The card is purchased at the recharge machines, if not at one entrance, try the other. It costs USD 0.35 each and the card USD 2. Station 5 de Mayo is dangerous to exit, it is not for walking to the historic center, I recommend leaving the station and taking a taxi, 0.25 for each child and 0.50 per adult. The San Isidro station is also dangerous. It is very comfortable and agile. Super recommended.
Written February 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fernandez s
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK78 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Rode the metro train around town. Relatively simple , only 2-4 trains ~ 15 stops . Very clean . I am used to NY subways so.... it’s not 24/7. Security present, trains run frequently and air conditioned. Graffiti free. Cheap too. Only 35 cents , metro cards available. I did not understand why you need card exit as well but it only charges you one way.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom M
Portland, OR60 contributions
Jan 2020
The metro is very well designed and the trains come frequently. They may be packed during rush hour but we were not overwhelmed as you might be in some other cities. There are two lines now and a third one will start construction soon. Inexpensive at 35 cents per ride, including transfer. The metro cars are air conditioned and so are the underground stations. Above ground is not. You cannot get to the airport yet but you can get to MetroMall and then take a free bus to the airport if you buy something in the Mall. Great idea!!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul F
St. Petersburg, FL46 contributions
Jun 2023
Clean and Reliable. Trains were generally full. Took an hour to get from El Congrejo to Tocumen Airport. A taxi might take 30 or 40 minutes. Cost was $.80 with a $2 Metro card. cards easy to recharge and the 3 of us used the same card. Only negatives are the lack of benches at the stations and no signage directing you to the stations from the surrounding area.
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ala F
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The metro is very clean and easy to navigate. You purchase $2 card, one is ok for two people. You have add money or you can use credit card. We use change to add additional funds. It is in Spanish but people are very helpful. It is only 35 cents for one ride. Metro doesn't go to Tocumen airport. We took Metro to Albrook Mall. At Albrook is the main bus station from you can travel through all the Panama provinces.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am a solo female traveler and looking at Panama. I think I will make plans for April., however,
I can"t find any information on their spring break season and if it gets crazy at that time of year. I want to avoid crowded times. Are the two weeks after Easter busy or slow?
Written February 12, 2020
I would say those weeks are rather slow; local people have come back to the cities after Easter Break and are not spending money at restaurants nor hotels, so basically is just foreigners also doing tourism which is not to be considered a big crowd. It will be a fine time to visit the country and you will still get a the warm weather and little or no showers that characterize April. The May showers bring somewhat more bearable temperatures.
Written February 13, 2020
Can you get the metro from the airport to the city,where you are staying?
Written February 6, 2020
No, sorry, the metro does not operate between the airport and the city. Perhaps you can try Uber.
Written February 11, 2020
Hola soy Fran de nuevo. He de corregir una cosa a mi comentario. En la est. Iglesia del Carmen sí hay servicio de ventanilla para comprar y recargar los billetes. Esto ha facilitado el uso del metro de Panama.
Written August 26, 2019
Hola para los turistas resulta complicado que no se pueda pagar con targeta de crédito y , peor que las máquinas para comprar los billetes de metro NO den cambio. No hay personal humano para atender dudas. Creo que se puede facilitar , si hay voluntad, el uso del metro en Ciudad de Panamá. Gracias
Written August 26, 2019
Is the line 2 of Panama Metro system to Tocumen Airport open (from the picture on their website it looks like it might be)? And what bus goes from the airport to TUP metro station which should be the closest one to the airport? Is there a free shuttle from the airport to TUP metro station or how can I pay on the bus (is it still impossible to buy the Metro card at the airport?)?
Thanks a lot.
Written July 26, 2019
Is the airport already connected to the metro? Can you go to the city from the airport using the airport?
Written May 17, 2019
Hello going to royal Decameron in farralon in two weeks I plan on busing from rio hato to downtown Panama City Avenida Balboa PH 60 B does the bus go downtown or just to Albrook airport. I want to ferry to Cantadora island does this leave just once a day. I have ferries app but not working. how much and how long a ride. Thanks to all
Written February 26, 2019
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