Metro and Metro Bus Panama - Complete Guide

Introduction

The metro and metro bus systems are among the most used means of transport in Panama City. Throughout this complete guide we break down for you the times, the money you have and how to use the metro bus card smoothly.

The Integrated Public Transport System consists of the integration of the Metro and the Metrobus bus system, so that people can move throughout the city.

This integrated system makes it easier for users to make transfers between the metro and buses using a single transport card used for both transport systems.

Metro Panama

The Panama Metro is a rapid transit system that serves the capital of the Central American country of the same name as the metro.

This metro connects the south and the eastern area of the metropolitan area to the city center. The metro was inaugurated on April 5, 2014.

Line 1

Line 1 has a total of 14 stations, from Albrook to San Isidro, 6 elevated and 8 underground. It has a length of almost 16 km, with a travel time close to 26 minutes.

Line 2

In its first phase, Line 2 of the Metro network will have a length of 21 kilometers of elevated track and 16 stations, located in those areas where the greatest influx of people occurs: San Miguelito, Paraíso, the intersection of Via Cincuentenario, the developments of Villa Lucre, Brisas del Golf, the Los Pueblos and Metromall shopping centers; San Antonio Urbanization, El Parador in the Pedregal corregimiento, Don Bosco Urbanization, the Technological University of Panama (UTP), Las Mañanitas, Eastern Hospital, Altos de Tocumen, the La Doña shopping center, located in the 24 de Diciembre sector and the Nuevo Tocumen community.

There are bus and taxi stops at each station.

Line 2 of the Metro has a transport capacity of 16,000 passengers per hour per direction and is projected to reach a capacity by its target year of more than 40,000 passengers/hour per direction.

Line 3

Line 3 of the Panama Metro is among the most important of the ambitious projects currently being developed in the country and will directly benefit thousands of people residing in the Panama Oeste province.
Construction will be carried out in two phases. Execution phase number 1 will be carried out up to the Ciudad del Futuro sector, Arraiján district, which will house the line’s Yards and Workshops, and execution phase number 2, included in Line 3, which will go to La Chorrera.

Line 3 will start at Albrook Station and run through Arraiján, Nuevo Chorrillo, to reach Ciudad del Futuro. Line 3 will have an extension of 25 kilometers in its first phase and will contain 11 stations on its route.
It will carry approximately 16,000 passengers at peak hour, very high; the waiting time for the train here will be at intervals of less than 4 minutes. The demand for this line is estimated at approximately 160,000 passengers per day.

Metro Panama Schedule

The schedule of the Panama Metro is:

Monday to Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sundays and holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

It is important to check the schedule before planning your trip, as it may vary on holidays or special events.

Metrobus Panama

The Metrobus, which is currently also called MiBus, is the urban bus transport system that operates in the districts of Panama, San Miguelito and Colón.

This system of “diablo rojo” (school buses brought from the United States and modified) existed for several decades.

In September 2018, a coding system was confirmed to facilitate user identification and mobility.

This consists of the current coding of alphanumeric codes on the bus route sheets to facilitate memorization and identification of routes.
The current system presents 3 types of routes: Corridors, Complementary and Trunk

Contacts:

WhatsApp corporate: 6781-2906
Email: servicioalcliente@mibus.com.pa
Customer Service Point (PAC), located at the Gran Terminal de Albrook.

How can I recover a lost item on a bus?

If you have forgotten any item and/or document you must report it without delay using any of the official channels indicated above.
We must remember that when making the corresponding report, you must provide: date, time, the number of the card you used, bus number, route or service the driver was following and other details of the lost item.

What is the Metro Bus Card?

The metrobus card is a prepaid payment method to travel on buses and the Panama metro. It is very important to use both transports, as you cannot pay in cash.
It is the new type of metrobus payment.

It is a prepaid value card that has a chip inside where you can store up to $50.00 as fares on the metro and buses, thus avoiding the use of cash.
Do not forget to keep your card once used, as it is rechargeable.

Metro Bus Balance

To check your metrobus card balance, you can enter your metro card number on the official site: http://consultasaldomb.com:8080/PortalCAE-WAR-MODULE/

Go to tarjetametrobus.com.
Enter your Metro Bus card number.
Get your updated balance in seconds.

Where can I buy a Panama Metro card?

The Card can be purchased at various Panama Metro stations.

It is currently available at the metro stations: Iglesia del Carmen, Albrook, Los Andes and 5 de Mayo and also at the entire network of sales and recharge points located in Panama City and San Miguelito.

How can I recharge the MetroBus card?

There are different channels you can use to recharge MetroBus cards such as:

In person: Recharge your MetroBus Card by going to an authorized establishment. You only need to present your card and state the amount you wish to recharge, as well as pay in cash. The operator performs the transaction and gives you a receipt with the transaction information.
Web recharge: You can also recharge online. Choose your provider, select your MetroBus Card number, confirm the data and complete the payment. Then download the balance at an Auto Attended kiosk or Totem.

Metrobus Panama System Fares

The Metrobus Panama system offers differentiated fares according to user type and route, providing accessible options adapted to daily needs:

Student Fare $0.10
Trunk Fare $0.25
Corridor Fare $1.25

Panama Metro System Fares

The fare for the Panama Metro is $0.35 per trip on Line 1.
If a transfer is made between Line 1 and Line 2, the total cost of the trip is 0.85 balboas.

For students, retirees, seniors and people with disabilities, there are special fares that require a personalized card to access the discount.
The fare is $0.17 balboas per trip for students.

The Metro or MetroBus card costs 4.00 balboas, and must be recharged to be used. The minimum recharge allowed is 0.50 balboas.

Maximum amount: $50.00 You can recharge up to $50.00 balboas in a single operation, avoiding frequent recharges.

Frequently Asked Questions about Metro and Metro Bus Panama

Can I pay in cash on the Metro Bus or Metro? No. It is mandatory to use the Metro Bus card.
What should I do if I lose my Metro Bus card? Buy a new one at authorized points and remember to register it to easily check your balance.
Are there discounts on the Metro and Metro Bus? Yes, students, seniors and people with disabilities have special fares.

Sources & Footnotes

[1] El Metro de Panamá - Official information on lines, stations and schedules
[2] Metro de Panamá - Spanish Wikipedia
[3] Metrobus Card - Details on issuance, recharge and integrated use
[4] Transit and Land Transport Authority of Panama (ATTT) – Regulations and integrated transport system