Loading map...
PUJ → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Punta Cana International Airport (Punta Cana) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior approach into Panama City, offering iconic views of the San Blas Islands, the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, and the modern skyline during the standard landing pattern.
Search flights from PUJ to PTY
Mona Passage
Dramatic views of the deep blue waters and coral reefs as you depart the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
San Blas Archipelago
The stunning Guna Yala region with hundreds of tiny white-sand islands scattered across turquoise Caribbean waters.
Panama City Skyline
A front-row seat to the 'Miami of the South', featuring the dense cluster of glittering skyscrapers along Avenida Balboa.
Panama Canal Entrance
The Pacific mouth of the canal, where you can see the Bridge of the Americas and massive cargo ships waiting to transit.
Casco Viejo
The historic colonial heart of Panama City, visible as a distinct red-roofed peninsula jutting into the bay.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Panama Canal entrance and the city skyline. During the final descent into PTY, aircraft often circle over the Gulf of Panama, providing an expansive view of the Pacific terminal. Mid-morning flights are ideal as the sun is behind you, making the turquoise water of the San Blas islands pop.
Get eSIMs for Dominican Republic
Get eSIMs for Panama
Punta Cana Coastline
Immediate views after takeoff of the expansive resort beaches and turquoise lagoons of Bavaro and Cap Cana.
Isla Saona
A bird's-eye view of this protected tropical paradise located within the Cotubanamá National Park.
Port of Colón
Views of the massive Atlantic container terminal and the northern expansion of the Panama Canal.
Chagres National Park
Dense, uninterrupted tropical rainforest canopy that forms the vital watershed for the canal system.
The right side is excellent for the initial departure from PUJ to see the DR's southern coastline. As you approach Panama, you will see the Atlantic side of the canal and Gatun Lake. If you prefer lush jungle landscapes and the engineering scale of the Atlantic locks, this is the side to choose.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 1,590 km (988 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 7 min
Departure: PUJ (18.567399978599997, -68.36340332030001)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.