Arrival by metro & bus
From Panama City - Tocumen Airport or downtown
Step 1: Metro to Albrook Terminal
From Tocumen Airport or Downtown Panama City, take the metro to Albrook (Line 1).
This is the main transport hub for all long-distance buses heading west.
-
Metro cost: US$0.35
-
Metro card: ~US$2.00 (or tap contactless card)
-
Trains every 4–8 minutes
-
Operating hours:
-
Mon–Sat 5:00–23:00
-
Sun/Holidays 7:00–22:00
-
Step 2: Bus to San Carlos / El Palmar
At Albrook Terminal, go to the ticket booths and look for buses heading to:
-
Antón
-
Aguadulce
-
Santiago
(US$4–$6 depending on destination)
These buses pass San Carlos but make far fewer stops, so the journey is faster than the local San Carlos–only buses.
📌 Tell the driver or conductor: “Drop me at the entrance of Playa El Palmar.”
Once you get off:
-
cross the highway
-
walk 8–10 minutes down the El Palmar road
-
first right → then first left → arrive at the hostel
Alternative:
Get off at San Carlos town and take a local taxi (US$3).
Bus schedule & tips
-
Route: San Carlos / El Palmar from Albrook
-
Frequency: every 30–60 minutes throughout the day (More buses in the morning and late afternoon)
-
Cash only — bring small bills
-
Arrive early at Albrook for the shortest waiting times
-
Travel time: approx. 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic
_edited.jpg)
Arrival by car
El Palmar is 93 km from Panama City, just 10 km past Coronado.
-
Follow the Pan-American Highway
-
Pass San Carlos town
-
Look for a walking bridge, then the police station, then Texaco
-
500 meters after the gas station is the entrance to El Palmar (left side)
You cannot legally turn left here.
Drive to the retorno, turn around, then take the right turn into El Palmar.
Road tips
-
Download Waze for speed limits & police controls
-
Watch for potholes
-
A regular car is perfect — no 4x4 needed
-
Last 50 meters to El Palmar are unpaved
-
We have free gated parking available
Arrival by taxi/Uber
-
Taxi Panama City → El Palmar: US$80–$120
-
From Panama City, taxis are usually cheaper than Uber
-
Uber works well inside El Palmar and for short trips
-
No need to book ahead
-
Drop-off: Panama Beach Lodge, Calle Pelícano
.jpg)
Nearby transit
Safety tips
-
San Carlos town: 10 min walk (cross the river)
-
Mini-market: 10 min walk
-
ATM: In San Carlos
-
Free bikes: 2 available
-
Bring both cash + card — most places take cards, but just in case bring cash
El Palmar is a calm surf village with a friendly local vibe. Our property is gated and quiet.
Walking from the bus stop is safe during the day. If you arrive after dark, we recommend a taxi from San Carlos (US$3).
A warm, relaxed surf hostel in El Palmar, made for slow living, nature, and mellow waves.
Get in touch
E-mail: pmabeachlodge@gmail.com
Whatsapp: + 507 65013990
Address: Calle Pelicano 07033 San Carlos
Explore
Check-in: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free private parking at the hostel
Kitchen: Fully equipped shared kitchen
WiFi: Free high-speed fiber WiFi
Surf rentals: Surf shop + board rentals available on-site
Follow us
Policies