Boquete has a variety of types of transportation available to get you anywhere in the country.   All of these vehicles are privately owned and operated, usually by families of men who keep the vehicle on the road as much as possible.   The result is inexpensive and plentiful rides anywhere in the country.....from local to trans-border.   Tickets are not necessary and you just pay the driver or his assistant when asked for the money.

DAVID to/from BOQUETE:   Big yellow and white (ex-US Bluebird school buses) buses run between David's downtown bus terminal and the Central Plaza in downtown Boquete.   To catch one, just go to the plaza and get on the next one to leave.  There are usually 2 or 3 at the curb.

AROUND TOWN & BOQUETE VALLEY:  There are two ways to get around the Boquete Valley; bus and taxi.

Taxis always display a sign on the roof saying TAXI, and the rear side panel will have a government registration number.  ONLY these taxis are authorized to operate on the roads.   Stand by any road and flag one as they pass, or go to the taxi stand (there isn't actually any stand) across from the Central Plaza downtown.   Unless you specifically request private service when getting into an empty taxi, the driver will stop to pick up other passengers.   This will reduce your fare.   Private taxis around the valley run from $1 to $3 and shared rides run from 50 cents to $1.50, depending on the distance.  These taxis with truck beds are also wonderful for picking up and delivering items too big (or too dirty) for your personal vehicle.

Van type buses are licensed to operate between 2 specific places, and the windshield and rear window will display the names of the 2 places between which that particular bus operates, i.e., Palo Alto, Seminario, Alto Jaramillo and other "neighborhoods" of the valley and downtown Boquete (shown on the bus windshield as El Bajo).   These circulate throughout the valley and you can hail them from any location.   Fare varies depending on the route.

BOQUETE TO DAVID AIRPORT:   Boquete Tree Trek in the Los Establos Plaza operates the Boquete Shuttle Service which will pick you up at your home and take you to the David Airport, and return.   Fare is $10 per person.   Call in advance for reservations(see below).

BETWEEN TOWNS:   Van type buses also operate between 2 specific towns, and the windshield and rear window will display the names of the 2 towns between which that particular bus operates, i.e., David - Caldera.   Just stand on the side of the road and hail one to get a ride.   Fares will vary, depending on distance, but usually run between $1 and $2.   The driver must get written permission to operate outside his licensed area, and must pay a fee and provide all passengers names.   Highway check points will stop these buses if they are outside of their licensed area, and ask for this paperwork.  So, if you hire a bus to take you and friends somewhere, be prepared for this procedure.

SCHOOL BUSES:   Yellow van type buses with COLEGIAL written on them are school buses.   These buses are only authorized to pick up students, who pay a small amount for the ride.  Do not expect any of these to stop for you if you are on the side of the road.

DAVID to/from PANAMA CITY:   The trip takes 8 hours with 1 stop in Santiago for food and bathroom breaks (the buses also have bathrooms).   Buses leave from the David bus terminal.   Many people take the midnight bus and sleep, arriving refreshed in PC at 8 am.   These buses are modern, clean and efficient;  most are Van Hools or other European style coaches.   Because these are private businesses, owner/drivers take very good care of them and ensure repeat business.

Below are some drivers of vehicles who are known to be reputable, dependable and safe.

Click Here to post your favorite driver/vehicle

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