Playa Venao is one of the most beautiful surf spots on the planet. It offers amazing waves, consistent surf, and stunning surroundings. In addition to surfing, people go there for yoga retreats, fishing, snorkeling, and many other activities.
While it feels like a secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s not that far a journey from the capital city of Panama City. With that in mind, this guide takes a closer look at detailed instructions for how to get to Playa Venao from Panama City, whether you want to drive, take the bus, go on a private shuttle, or fly.
How to Get to Playa Venao by Air
One of the quickest ways of getting to Playa Venao Panama is by flying there. If you’re traveling by air from Panama City Panama to Playa Venao, you’ll have to take a flight from the Albrook International Airport (PAC) in Panama City to the Alonso Valderrama Airport (CTD) in Chitre, Panama.
This flight only takes about 30 minutes and is relatively affordable. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi, shuttle, or other form of transportation to get from Chitre to Playa Venao. This journey should take just around 2 hours. As a result, this method of getting to Playa Venao from Panama City only takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Also, for surfers who may be in other nations like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, it’s a quick trip to visit Panama by flight, too. In fact, people in these countries only need a plane ride of under 2 hours to get to Panama City, and then make the short journey to Playa Venao using one of the methods we mention in this guide.
How to Get to Playa Venao by Private Shuttle or Bus
Another option is taking one of the many shuttles from Panama City to Playa Venao. There are many companies that offer a Panama City to Playa Venao shuttle service, so do your research and see which makes the most sense to you based on price and/or reputation. The trip will generally only take about 6 hours, and you won’t have to worry about navigating or anything, as the driver handles everything.
In addition to private shuttle buses, you can also take a standard bus from Panama City to Venao. While this is likely the most economical option, it may not be as comfortable or as quick as a private shuttle and you’ll have to make a few connections to other buses. All in all, it’ll take a little longer than a shuttle thanks to having to switch and due to the waiting times for buses, but not by much.
To head to Playa Venao by bus, you just need to go to the Albrook bus terminal and catch a bus to Las Tablas. After this 4-hour ride, you’ll take another bus from Las Tablas to Playa Venao, which takes around an hour and a half.
How to Get to Playa Venao by Rental Car
If you prefer to get to Playa Venao on your own, another transportation option is to pick up a rental car in Panama City. There are many places to rent vehicles and a variety of different vehicles that you’re able to rent from a car rental company.
The driving directions are easy, as well. You’ll begin your journey heading southwest on the Pan-American Highway/Route 1 until you eventually merge onto the Autop. Panama – La Chorrera/Route 4. Once you reach la Chorrera, you’ll once again get back on the Pan-American Highway.
You’ll now follow this road for the bulk of your journey, winding through numerous towns and landscapes as you go. However, once you reach Divisa, you’ll merge onto Av. Dr. Belisario Porras/Route 2 for the remainder of the drive.
Overall, the trip should take you a little over 5 hours, and the cost to rent a car varies depending on what you get, but this’ll generally be the cheapest option of getting to Playa Venao compared to the others we’ve talked about.
Of course, the journey and duration should be around the same when going back from Playa Venao to Panama City.
This method also gives you the most control to dictate your own journey and travel at your own pace. The drive from Panama City to Playa Venao is also beautiful, and you drive throughout some truly stunning landscapes, so many prefer it even if it takes a bit more effort and planning.
If you decide to drive, you also have the flexibility to check out other cities and towns around Panama on your vacation. Here are a few others you might consider visiting, why, and how long it takes to drive there from Playa Venao.
| Bocas Del Toro | 9 hour drive from Playa Venao to Bocas Del Toro | Bocas Del Toro is a popular tourist destination known for its amazing beaches, rainforests, and interesting wildlife.
However, this driving trip requires a ferry, so flying is an option for those who are tighter on time. |
| Boquete | 6 hour drive from Playa Venao to Boquete | Boquete is a mountain town located a few hours to the northwest of Playa Venao. It has a relatively cool climate, gorgeous views, and thrilling natural landscapes that differ from what you can see in many other parts of Panama. |
| Santa Catalina | 4-hour drive from Playa Venao to Santa Catalina | This beachside town is west of Playa Venao, and provides a similar experience to Playa Venao, with amazing surfing, fishing, snorkeling, and more. It is an untouched gem with only a few hundred people there and is a wonderful place if you value peace and quiet. |
