Houston to Tocumen (IAH–PTY) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IAH–PTY is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. United Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 1,775 miles in approximately 4h 13m. Beyond nonstop, 62 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UA United Airlines Also: CM | 21 | 739, 7M9 | 4h13-4h15 | Star Alliance | CM |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Tocumen from Houston
| Metric | IAH→PTY | AUS→PTY |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from IAH | – | 140 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 1 |
| Weekly flights | 42 | 5 |
| Flight time | 4h 13m | 4h 22m |
| Departure OTP | 100% | – |
Travel Essentials
IAH: CDT · PTY: EST
When it's 6:00 PM in Houston, it's 6:00 PM in Tocumen.
US passport holders enter Panama visa-free for up to 180 days. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of entry. A return or onward ticket is required, and immigration may ask for proof of funds ($500 or equivalent). At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, immigration stamps your passport. Panama also requires an online immigration affidavit filled out at migración.gob.pa within 72 hours before arrival.
The 180-day allowance is generous and makes Panama popular with remote workers and retirees. Panama City's skyline is Central America's most modern, with the Casco Viejo historic quarter contrasting the glass towers of Punta Pacifica. The Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks visitor center is 15 minutes from the city center and lets you watch ships transit. Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast is a laid-back island town. Boquete in the highlands is known for coffee farms and the Quetzal Trail in Volcan Baru National Park.
Direct flights from Miami (MIA) to Panama City run about 3 hours 15 minutes on American Airlines, Copa, and Delta. Houston (IAH) to PTY runs about 4 hours on United and Copa. Copa Airlines uses PTY as its hub with connections across Latin America. Direct service also operates from New York JFK, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles, and Atlanta. Panama uses the US dollar (called the balboa, pegged 1:1). Balboa coins circulate alongside US coins. No currency exchange needed. ATMs dispense US dollars. Card payments work at most businesses. The Panama Metro runs 2 lines from Albrook to the eastern suburbs for $0.35 per ride. Uber operates in Panama City. A taxi across the city costs $3 to $8.
IAH has no direct rail link to downtown Houston. The IAH Express bus runs from Houston Amtrak/Greyhound station via Park & Ride to Terminal C (60–90 min, $1.25 with METRO Q card). This is the only transit option; Houston's rail network does not reach the airport.Taxis from downtown Houston cost $50–70 and take 40–60 minutes. Ride-hails (Uber, Lyft) are typically $35–55. IAH sits 23 miles north of downtown on the North Freeway (I-45); traffic is heavy during morning and evening rush. Remote economy parking lots serve all terminals via shuttle.
IAH–PTY Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IAH to PTY
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) are connected by nonstop service from United Airlines. With 42 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IAH to PTY Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IAH to PTY ranges from 4 hours 13 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes. The route covers a distance of 1,775 miles (2,856 km). There are approximately 42 weekly flights outbound and 42 return, totaling 84 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
62 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 6 hours via XPL. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Austin (AUS).