Flying from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Panama City: what you need to know
The timezone in Panama City is UTC-5. The city is seven hours behind Sofia, where Sofia Airport is located.
To avoid missing your SOF to Panama City flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
We make it a breeze to book plane tickets from SOF to Panama City with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
SOF is about 4 miles from central Sofia. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to SOF:
66.73% of flights that depart Sofia Airport make it to their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Panama City
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Sofia Airport to Panama City flight is $346. The cheapest price for a return flight is $729. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from SOF to Panama City, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the lowest price across every month when searching for your Sofia Airport to Panama City ticket.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from SOF to Panama City by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is around 13 miles from the center of Panama City. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 20 minutes.
When traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near PTY:
Travel at your own pace with a Tocumen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Avis, Dollar or MEX and see more of Panama City and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Tocumen International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from SOF to Panama City.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
The center of Panama City is about 1 mile from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC). Once your flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take about 25 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near PAC. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your SOF to Panama City flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or long cab lines. Grab a Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Thrifty, Avis and Alamo.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at PAC will help you save.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Make your way to the city center after your flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City has arrived. Central Panama City is around 10 miles from Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) and takes roughly 20 minutes to get to by car.
If you don't want to travel into the center, find a hotel close to BLB. Get comfortable at one of these options after your SOF to Panama City flight:
Whether you'd like a zippy compact for a solo getaway or a full-size SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the ideal Panama Pacifico Airport rental car for you. Check out the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, lock in your ride from BLB around one week ahead of your flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City. This gives you a better chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Panama City
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel prices are generally higher and attractions can be busy. Go to Panama City in the low season if you like a quieter vibe.
Book a Sofia Airport to Panama City plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 70ºF to 90ºF.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SOF to Panama City in February when temperatures average between 72ºF and 88ºF.
More about Panama City
Start your Panama City trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sofia Airport to Panama City, browse our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Casco Viejo, Panama Canal Museum and Cinta Costera are leading attractions which should feature on any good Panama City itinerary.
Explore more of Panama
David is just one of the many cities in Panama waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Panama City. Around 200 miles away to the west, check out popular attractions including Parque Cervantes, Altos del Rio Park and Coquito Hills Park.
Santiago de Veraguas is another essential stop in Panama and is around 120 miles south-west of Panama City. No trip is complete without seeing Santiago the Apostle Cathedral, Santiago de Veraguas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and La Placita San Juan De Dios.
