A Guide to Driving in Panama
Driving in Panama City, Panama
If you can drive in Panama, you can drive anywhere. I do believe this statement to be true. As a driver in Panama, not only do you have to watch out for other cars, but you must also be aware of people attempting to cross the highway and of the crazy buses known as the diablo rojos.
When driving in Panama City I generally tend to follow my own set of rules, because I’ve gotten lost one too many times and ended up in areas that are less than pleasant. I try to stay away from signs that point toward any Corredor, be it Corredor Norte or Corredor Sur.
I also stick to this general rule of thumb- Corredor Sur leads to Tocumen Intl Airport and the bizarre development area of Costa del Este. Unless you want to pay around 5 dollars for getting on this highway and going way out of your way, (which I have done before) I would suggest avoiding it.
My second rule of thumb- Corredor Norte leads to Albrook and eventually towards Colon.
Driving around the city is pretty easy. The main road that I always follow is Via Espana, it runs the length of the city and has outlets to just about every major place you would need to go, I prefer it over Balboa (which runs parallel along the water). Balboa is generally more congested and dangerous to drive, though it is a lovely view along the ocean with the short blue mosaic wave wall running alongside.
My advice:
Do NOT drive in the city between 5-8, this is rush hour and you will sit for 30 minutes to an hour and only move a few blocks.
Do NOT stay in right lane, when driving long distances, make sure to stay in the right hand lane and only use the left for passing. Cops love to pull cars over and fine for this.
Do learn to lighten up while driving, don’t get angry because you must play both the defensive and aggressive driver.
| Written by Cailey Halloran |
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Filed under: Country Guide on September 3rd, 2008
When driving on the Panamerican, get used to the idea that lanes mean nothing. Most drivers just continue on the lane they started out on unless they have to move to pass someone (left or right) after which they keep on going in the new lane. We found that the drivers seemed to be quite reasonable and courteous including big rig drivers. Much better than big rig drivers in Canada! As well, get used to the idea that people drive at the speed that they want to. That could be 50 kmh in the left lane or 130 in the right lane.