Planning a holiday on our yacht in San Blas and wondering how best to get to Panama? We’ve put together an overview of the most cost-effective and comfortable connections from the Czech Republic and nearby countries, including practical tips on buying tickets, transfers, and arriving at Tocumen Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

1) Fastest and often the best value: Condor Prague → Frankfurt → Panama City (FRA → PTY nonstop) https://www.condor.com/en-de/flights-to-panama-city

• Why it’s a great choice: a direct long-haul FRA → PTY with no US transit (no ESTA/US visa), through-checked baggage to Panama, reliable timings, and excellent value for money.
• Smooth connections: our sailing dates are synchronized with Condor, so Prague → Frankfurt → Panama City lines up nicely without unnecessary waiting.
• Lowest currently published “from” fares: long-haul FRA → PTY (Economy) from €199.99; feeder PRG → FRA (Condor) from €68.99. In one booking, the total “from” price usually comes to roughly the sum, depending on availability and fare (Economy Light).
• Getting to Frankfurt: new direct Condor feeders PRG ↔ FRA (typically several times daily). Alternatively, a European feeder with Lufthansa, or Deutsche Bahn Rail&Fly within one booking.
• When it flies: on fixed weekdays throughout the year (typically Wednesday and Sunday in peak season). FRA → PTY itself takes about 11 h 50 min.
• Promo fares: Condor regularly runs promotions (Economy, Premium Economy, and Business). Watch their Deals and stay flexible with dates — prices drop notably outside holidays and school breaks.
• Fare tip: the lowest tiers usually exclude checked baggage. Consider a bundle with a 23 kg bag plus seat selection — often cheaper than adding extras later.

2) Madrid (MAD → PTY, nonstop) – Iberia & Air Europa https://www.iberia.com/

• Advantages: multiple weekly frequencies and good access from CZ via Madrid. Strong European feeder network, Premium Economy/Business options.
• Why it makes sense: frequent promos, a wide choice of times, and smooth same-terminal transfers. If you want flexibility, Madrid often has the widest selection of nonstop PTY flights within the EU.

3) Amsterdam (AMS → PTY, nonstop) – KLM

• Why choose it: nonstop with KLM, good connections from Prague/Brno/Ostrava via Amsterdam, solid service, and often attractive prices off-peak.
• For whom: ideal if you prefer SkyTeam and want a direct route without the USA.

4) Istanbul (IST → PTY, 1 stop) – Turkish Airlines (usually a short technical stop in Bogotá)

• Advantages: very good onboard service, generous baggage on many fares, and often competitive prices even in peak season.
• Important: all on one ticket — baggage checked through to Panama. No US transit, so no ESTA/US visa needed.

How to Get the Best Price

• Flexible dates: search ±3–7 days around your ideal date. Tuesday–Thursday is usually cheaper than weekends.
• Price alerts: set a Price Alert for your route and follow Condor’s newsletter (promos often have limited capacity).
• Seasonality: highest prices around Christmas/New Year and during EU school holidays. Off-peak fares are noticeably lower.
• Fare hacks: compare basic “Light” (no checked bag) with “Standard/Classic.” If you need a 23 kg bag, a bundle often beats adding it later.

Entry to Panama & Formalities (briefly)

• Czech citizens usually travel visa-free to Panama for up to 90 days (tourism). Always check current conditions before departure on the MZV CZ/embassy.
• We recommend a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return.
• If you choose routes via the USA, you’ll need ESTA (even for transit). That’s why EU hub routes above make sense.

Arrival at Tocumen (PTY): Getting into the City

• Taxi/Uber: about 25–35 minutes to downtown Panama City depending on traffic. Uber and official taxis usually cost around USD 20–30 depending on time of day and destination.
• Local SIM/eSIM: for easy Uber ordering and navigation, we recommend an eSIM before departure or a local SIM at the airport.
• Domestic connections: if continuing to the provinces or Pacific islands, allow at least 2.5–3 hours for immigration, baggage, and check-in.

How to Connect It with a San Blas Cruise

• Our yacht schedules are synchronized with Condor’s nonstop FRA → PTY, so arrival and boarding connect seamlessly (without US transit). If you prefer a slower pace, arrive a day earlier and enjoy an evening in Panama City. We’ll arrange airport pickup, a comfortable minibus transfer, boarding, and all logistics.
• If you want to combine city + sea, we recommend 1 night in Casco Viejo followed by a week-long cruise on our Hanse 630e.

Recommended Itineraries from the Czech Republic (examples)

• Prague → Frankfurt → Panama City (Condor, nonstop FRA–PTY) – the fastest and often the cheapest option without the USA.
• Prague → Madrid → Panama City (Iberia/Air Europa) – higher frequency of nonstops from MAD.
• Prague → Amsterdam → Panama City (KLM) – nonstop AMS–PTY and excellent connections.
• Prague → Istanbul → Panama City (Turkish Airlines) – easy connection, generous baggage, no USA.

Got your flights? Book your cruise dates and we’ll handle the rest — from airport pickup to your first cocktail on deck: booking • San Blas cruise.