ariel_sjo

I've done it several times at PTY. And there's nothing to worry about. The worst case scenario is a ticket TO THE DRIVER. Picking a yellow cab on the departures level after dropping passengers is not a crime, nor an offense. It is up to the taxi driver to accept the ride (take the risk) or not, and if they are there, is because they are willing to take the risk.
At the same time, I still can do it with Uber. What's the difference between requesting an Uber and a taxi? Just the car color.

jphripjah

What's the current rate for a taxi from airport to Casco Viejo and from Casino Viejo to the airport? And does passenger customarily pay tolls in addition to agreed price?

donron

I get to Panama fairly often, last few times I've taken either a "Collectivo" Taxi for ~$14. This is a shared taxi, that will drop you off at your hotel... you just might not be first. If you can wait a little for a "Collectivo" you save about $10 per person. Usually needs about 4 people to share the taxi. Look around just outside of the arrivals hall after you exit to outside with your bag. Someone in a uniform will be acting as a dispatcher... ask him for a "Collectivo" and tell him where you are going. They seem to have stopped trying to get you to pay the tolls. If they do try with you just say no & tell them to take the old road... no tolls. ...or take that much out of any tip you might give them. I would only possibly tip an airport taxi. In the city there is no tipping... agree on a set price before you get into the taxi. What few Subway lines they have now in Panama City are cheap, modern & fast. Maybe someday it will go to the airport too.

jphripjah

How much does a private airport taxi cost to Casco Viejo?

donron

When I was there last, DEC 2016, it was $24. It seems to keep creeping up every time I'm there. If you plan carefully, some hotels do have free airport shuttles available. I'm still hoping for the Subway system to make it out to the airport.
TIP: If you like very local places, you might enjoy Cafe Coca-Cola at Plaza Santa Ana. I always enjoy the menu del dia. Apparently this was a hangout for Che Guevara back in the day.

dilbertsdaddy

I have seen some reference to tickets for taxis.

Can I pay cash to downtown or do I need some type of ticket at the airport?

I understand the flat rate is $30

JBord

I was just in Panama for the last 9 days. I'll add some data points. This is to/from PTY-El Cangrejo (Panama Marriott).

From PTY - $30 flat rate, I wasn't given a ticket of any type. I paid cash. The brown shirt taxi guys will just tell you $30 and you jump in a cab. They are the white, unmarked taxis at the airport.

To PTY - UberEnglish was $20.16 non-surge price. UberX was maybe $1 less. I was tired of speaking Spanish for 9 days!

My impression is that it would be difficult to arrange and find an Uber from PTY, but it was a great deal to PTY.

Also, hotel to Miraflores Locks was ~$8 via Uber. Only took a taxi once within the city (most days I had a rental car outside of the city). It wasn't a long taxi ride and the driver wanted $5. It was late, and I had a lot of beers so didn't feel like arguing , but I'm sure it probably should have been $2-3.

onobond

Recently another visit to Panama City. A very quick haggle at the airport ment initial $30 became $25 to the city.

Leaving the hotel, there were two of the typical "taxis", unmarked white cars, standing outside. Stepping outside with luggage still in the lobby I offered the driver with the newer, and more tidy car $25 all in to the airport, which he quickly accepted