Panama City To Playa Venao: How To Get There & Tips

Looking for how to get from Panama City to Playa Venao? If so then you’re in the right place!

In case you haven’t heard – since you’re here you properly have – but I’ll tell you anyway; Playa Venao is a boho-casual bay on the Azuero peninsula. It attracts a lot of backpackers and surfers who are in search of a laid-back party vibe, easy surf and friendly atmosphere.

The only thing is, that getting from Panama City to Playa Venao can be a little tricky, especially if you’re travelling on a budget and using public transport!

However, there are other ways to get there which are more straightforward (but more expensive), which I’ll go over as well in this transportation guide.

👉 ❤️ 🚐 Arriving in Panama City soon? The best way to get to Playa Venao is by shuttle. You can use My Pink Bus to get from Panama City to Playa Venao for only $60.00!!

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How To Get From Panama City To Playa Venao

Unlike Panama City, Playa Venao is still a relatively undeveloped town where the jungle meets the beach. This is a huge attraction for its visitors, it’s got an unspoiled charm; think dirt tracks, fruit stands and a handful of boutique shops. 

Even so, it’s starting to see more tourism and when we were last there a new hotel development was being built. So if you’re thinking of going, now is the time! 

There are many ways to get to Playa Venao from Panama City, these include shuttle buses, rental cars, public transport and taxis, such as Uber, which is now available from Panama City!

👉 Related Post: 13 Fun Things To Do In Playa Venao, Panama 2023

The Distance Between Panama City And Playa Venao

The distance from Panama City to Playa Venao is 224 miles/ 361 kilometres. Travelling between Panama City and Playa Venao by car is going to take you around 5 hours and 25 minutes. 

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Panama City To Playa Venao Shuttle

Want to book the best Panama City to Playa Venao shuttle? The most popular way of getting from Panama City to Playa Venao is to jump on a shuttle. Shuttle buses are a great way to get a direct transfer from A to B, however, they only usually run between well-known tourist routes. Luckily, Playa Venao has this option!

If you decide to catch a shuttle you’ll be sharing with other travellers, have air conditioning and a comfortable seat. You can usually arrange for pick-up from your hotel or airport unless it is a hotel-specific shuttle, in which case it will only run between themselves. 

✅ If you want to book directly with Viator, which is a trusted site offering tours and travel resources worldwide, you can use this link as they have a shuttle leaving weekdays from Selina at 8:30 am.

Shuttle Options

From what I can decipher there appear to be a couple of services running from Panama City to Playa Venao. Journey times are estimated at 5 hours.

👉 The top company to use is My Pink Bus Panama.

✅ Panama Heavens: offers daily shuttles from $50.00 (except Saturdays) from Selina Casco Viejo or Coco Loco Hostel at 8:30 am.

That being said, it’s still possible to request a pickup from a different location but it might come at a different price.

✅ Beachbreak Shuttle: offers a shuttle service from Tocumen Airport from $70.00 direct to Playa Venao departing at 9:00 am.

Pro tip: you might have to pay extra for surfboards, this is usually $15.00 per board, be sure to clarify before you leave.

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Panama City To Playa Venao Bus

The bus from Panama City to Playa Venao is the most affordable way to get there. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus to take you there so you will have to change a few times. 

It’s possible to break up the last leg of the journey by jumping in a taxi (which is what we did). This is beneficial if there is a larger group of you (+4) as it will end up being around the same price as catching the bus but is much more efficient. 

Otherwise, you can continue on the bus which will get you to Playa Venao. I strongly suggest you leave Panama City in the morning as you will be travelling for the majority of the day. This way you will have ample time to find your hotel and get settled before it gets dark.

Bus Route

You will need to get to Albrook National Transport Terminal which is just outside the city. We jumped in a taxi (specifically an Uber) which was very affordable in Panama and saved us so much hassle with our backpacks on trains and buses.

The taxi from downtown Panama to Albrook costs $5.00.

Once you arrive you’re looking for Expreso Santa Librada ticket office. From memory, the stall was somewhere in the middle of the terminal but I would ask at any one of the stalls for Playa Venao and you’ll be directed the right way until you find it. Just keep asking.

✅ Route: Panama City (Albrook) – Las Tablas – Pedasi – Playa Venao

Bus Prices

• Panama City (Albrook) to Las Tablas $9.25
• Las Tablas to Pedasi $4.00
• Pedasi to Playa Venao $40.00 (taxi split between 4 people)

✅ Total Cost On Buses: $22.25pp

The bus from Pedasi to Playa Venao is $8. Keep in mind there was no strict schedule from what we could see and I have heard waiting times of up to an hour for this leg of the journey.

If you are staying with the Selina Hotels (there are two in Playa Venao) it is possible to arrange a shuttle to pick you up from Pedasi for $5.00. This needs to be arranged with the hotel before your departure and is only available if you are staying at one of the Selina hotels. 

👉 If you’re not backpacking or visiting Panama on a budget, I would recommend catching the shuttle to Playa Venao. The bus route is long and uncomfortable! My Pink Bus to get from Panama City to Playa Venao for only $60.00!!

Bus Times

We caught the 9:25 am bus from Albrook. The journey took around 6.5 hours and we reached Playa Venao at about 4 pm. 

The buses leave Albrook every hour, on the hour from 6 am to 4 pm but remember it’s best to leave in the morning. You’re also less likely to get a seat on the bus from Las Tablas to Pedasi if you leave Panama City in the afternoon – they are small minibuses.

From Las Tablas to Pedasi you’ll find buses leaving every hour but from Pedasi to Playa Venao they are few and far between – 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm.

• Panama City (Albrook) to Las Tablas: 4 hours
• Las Tablas to Pedasi: 30 mins
• Pedasi to Playa Venao: 45 mins

❗Important Note: The last bus from Las Tablas to Pedasi is at 5 pm!

If you’re very lucky you might be able to jump on a bus from Las Tablas direct to Playa Venao. We asked around (in my broken Spanish) for more information on this but no one was able to give us exact times.

✅ Travel tip: we stopped in Pedasi to buy groceries as we were told they were more expensive in Playa Venao. In truth, dry goods were extortionate but fresh fruit and vegetables were reasonable. However, Vena now has a supermarket which has changed everything for the locals. I doubt you’ll need to stop in Pedasi anymore!

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Panama City To Playa Venao Car

From what we saw one of the best ways to explore Panama was in a rental car. Most of the people visiting Playa Venao had their own cars which gave them so much flexibility when reaching remote areas, beaches and surfing spots. 

It would certainly have made for easier travelling and if Jack and I hadn’t been on backpackers’ budget it’s the way we would have chosen to travel the country!

The average cost of renting a car in Panama will be around £20.00 / $23.50 a day but you can find them as cheap at £12.00 / $13.50. A pickup (if you’re surfing) such as a Toyota Hilux will set you back £45.00 / $59.00 a day

Driving Route From Panama City To Playa Venao

The driving route from Panama City to Playa Venao is very straightforward, it’s basically down one long road along the coast. It should take you around 6 hours but I think this is a great opportunity to explore other coastal spots which would have otherwise been missed! 

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I’ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Panama. You can download your copy below by joingin my newsletters!

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Panama City To Playa Venao Taxi

The last and most comfortable way to reach Playa Venao by land is to go in a taxi. You can hire a private driver or arrange a taxi from Panama City to take you. Sometimes I find that we’ll meet a driver who we like and end up using more than once, generally, they are willing to take you to your next destination.

The taxis are always going to be the most expensive option for travel, however, we did find the prices quite affordable within Panama City.

If you prefer to ride in private, in a relaxing and convenient way and don’t mind the price tag then this is your best option. 

Know where you’re heading next? I’d recommend visiting the town of Boquete, here’s how to get there from Playa Venao!

Taxi Options

Unless you choose to organise this yourself with a local driver once you arrive, which might get you a better price, one of the only other options available is through Viator which has a private transfer starting from £228.00.

This private transfer will pick you up from your hotel or airport and take you directly from Panama City to Playa Venao. Viator is a trusted site and I would consider paying a little more to ensure you don’t get a “no-show”. 

✅ If you’re looking to book a private driver I’ve found this company on Viator which you might want to use!

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Panama City To Playa Venao Flight

Air Panama is now doing a flight 3 times a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Pedasi which is not far from Venao!

The fastest way of getting from Panama City to Playa Venao is to catch an internal flight to Pedasi and then a taxi, which will take around 30/40 minutes with costs starting from $40.

The flight takes about 40 minutes but keep in mind you’ll need an hour or so beforehand to check in. You can usually pick up a one-way flight for around $100.

If you choose to reach Playa Venao this way then you could be there within 4 hours! Which is great considering how long it takes on a public bus. Sigh.

Even so, the reality is that it wouldn’t take you much longer in a shuttle or private taxi, although the shuttle will likely be more in line with plane costs.

Plane Route

Your departure airport will be from the smaller national airport at Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Code: PAC), NOT Panama International Airport – Tocumen. So, make sure you go to the correct airport! (Pedasi Code: PDM)

Flights start from as little as $100 one way but always check your baggage allowance as budget airlines rarely include checked luggage.

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Where To Stay In Playa Venao

Playa Venao Bay is a brilliant place to visit, with a load of fun activities to be part of. As for accommodation, there is a variety although there is not too much. This is still a relatively unspoilt spot.

These are our top three suggestions:

Co-Working: Selina River

Located right on the beach, this bright hostel features free WiFi throughout. It’s a great place to stay if you want a fun and social atmosphere and to easily meet other travellers.

Mid-Range: Eco Venao Lodge 

Eco Venao is set within a 140-hectare reforestation project. With a choice of low-impact accommodations, it’s an ideal stay if you want something unique, offering a restaurant and Free Wi-Fi access.

Budget: Nao Venao Boutique Hostel

You’ll stay in a nice room or apartment with good air conditioning and a tasty breakfast included. 

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FAQs Panama City To Playa Venao

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Conclusion: Panama City To Playa Venao

Still wondering how to get to Playa Venao? After working my way through all this information I can certainly say that the shuttle is the best way to get from Panama City to Playa Venao. With a travel time of 5 hours and a direct route, it’s the most efficient and going to be (more or less) a comfortable journey.

We caught the public bus and had no issues, which if you are on a backpacking budget is the way to go but it’s a long day and should you miss a connecting bus it can be hours until the next comes.