Transportation
Our location is privileged in many ways, however it does not provide easy access to public transportation. We do our best to overcome this, providing a variety of options to get you to the services you need.
Marina bus service to and from Cuatro Altos shopping center in Colon: Free service Monday thru Saturday at 08:00 with return at 11:15 (from the mall). There is also an afternoon service a Monday thru Friday leaving 12:45, returning 15:15. We charge for this in the afternoon ride during the low season. Some seats may be available on our employee bus service at 16:00, which connects with bus and train service to Panama City.
We are always looking at transport options for our guest to enjoy the marina and have good inexpensive options to obtain what they need. For the low season we are currently trying out a free once a week Wednesday marina bus trip to Panama city. Free for marina guests. While this operates on there will be no Bus run to Colon on Wednesdays.
Taxi Services: The marina office can organize a taxi for you to most any destination, costs for this service vary considerably. Given that the cost to go to Panama City is generally $90 or more you might consider the following alternatives.
Car Rental: Rental car, prices and deals compare with the USA. Cars are mostly rented in Colon at the Cruise Port: it is possible they may be returned at other locations including the airport, costing less than the taxi. Road signs may be imperfect but the roads are the best in the region. Expressways can take you quickly to places of interest. Touring Panama by rental car is easy and popular.
Taking a coach to Panama from Colon requires prudence as the Colon terminal is within a neglected part of the city. A coach leaves the Colon terminal to Panama city approximately every 15 mins., departing when full. Cost is minimal, taking about 2 hours. Returning from the main terminal in Panama City (Albrook) you will need to obtain a $1.00 turnstile pass to enter the bus concourse and get on the return coach to Colon. Be sure to get off at the Cuatro Altos stop 3 miles before the Colon terminal. Take time to provision at the 24hr Rey supermarket before returning to the marina using the marina bus or a taxi (costing $20/25 usd).
Train. Panama Railroad: a great trip makes one round trip a day: leaves Panama at 07:15 and leaves Colon at 17:15. Runs along the canal thru the jungle, loads of wild life and a good view of the canal. Cost about $ 25 per person, everyone who makes the trip reports that it s well worth it.
Helo (helicopter) charters routinely come to SBM, the office will help you arrange one, costly but the trip over the canal is very interesting.
Getting to the airport: a taxi will cost approx. $120 day or night. Why not consider some of the options mentioned to avoid very early departures: spend a night at a good hotel with breakfast included. You could spend something similar to this taxi fee but arrive refreshed and relaxed at the airport: stress free having enjoyed a night in Panama’s capital city.