Public Transport
Panama City – Soná
- Panama City – Soná
5 hours, $9.65 - 0.00 (only Fridays)
- 6.45
- 8.20
- 10.20
- 12.45
- 14.20
- 16.20
- 17.30 (only Fridays)
- Soná – Santa Catalina
1.5 hours, $4.65 - 5.30
- 8.40 (not Sundays)
- 11.20
- 13.30
- 15.30 (not Sundays)
- 16.45
- 16.20
- 17.30 (only Fridays)
Soná – Panama City
- Santa Catalina – Soná
1.5 hours, $4.65 - 6.15 (not on Sundays)
- 7.00
- 8.00
- 10.40 (not on Sundays)
- 13.15
- 15.30
- Sometimes there is one more bus leaving 17.20, but this is not always confirmed.
- Soná – Panama City
5 hours, $9.45 - 0.00 (at 23.40 on Sundays)
- 4.30
- 8.30
- 10.30
- 13.30
- 15.30
- Sometimes there is one more bus leaving 17.20, but this is not always confirmed.
From Panama City, the best option is to take an early morning bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal to Soná. Once in Soná, catch a local bus to Santa Catalina.
Please note that bus schedules may change without notice.
If the direct connection doesn’t work for your timing—or if you miss a bus—you can also travel via Santiago de Veraguas. Buses between Panama City and Santiago, and between Santiago and Soná, run approximately every 30 minutes in both directions. This route just involves two instead of one transfer. If you miss the last bus from Soná, you can take a taxi to Santa Catalina for around $40.
If you’re coming from Boquete or Bocas del Toro, head to Santiago, then take a bus to Soná, followed by another to Santa Catalina.
Your Own Vehicle
There are plenty of car rental companies available in Panama. A 4×4 vehicle isn’t necessary unless you plan to explore more remote areas during your trip—like hidden surf spots or secluded waterfalls. Most roads are in decent condition, though you’ll encounter potholes along the way. Be aware that speed traps are common, so it’s highly recommended to stick to the speed limit.
Directions:
From Panama City, take the Interamericana Highway all the way to Santiago de Veraguas. If you don’t have a GPS, it’s best to ask for directions to Route 4 toward Soná. Just before reaching Soná, you’ll come to a left turn at a Delta petrol station(a great spot to refuel), which leads directly to Santa Catalina. The entire drive typically takes around 6 hours.
Shuttle Services
If you’d prefer to arrive or depart by shuttle, take a look at the following companies—they offer a variety of routes throughout Panama and into Costa Rica.
Charter Flights
If you’re short on time or prefer a bit more comfort, several charter companies offer flights to Lago Bay—the closest airstrip to Santa Catalina.
