How to get to David

When planning a visit to David, you are setting off for the bustling commercial centre of Panama and the capital of the Chiriquí province, which serves as a convenient hub for travel throughout the region. This city often becomes the starting point for trips to mountain coffee plantations or the Pacific coast, so the infrastructure here is excellently developed.

Travellers deciding how to get to David have various options available: from quick domestic flights to journeys by intercity bus or car along the legendary Pan-American Highway.

For those who value their time, flying is the optimal solution. David boasts its own Enrique Malek International Airport, which receives regular flights from the capital of Panama and serves as a vital transport hub for the entire Chiriquí region.

Air travel not only significantly shortens the journey but also offers the opportunity to view the country's tropical landscapes from a bird's-eye view. The terminal is located very close to the city limits, making the transfer to your destination quick and hassle-free.

Reaching the city of David by train is currently not possible. There is no passenger railway network in this part of the country connecting the capital with the Chiriquí province. Existing railway tracks in Panama are concentrated mainly in the Canal zone and are used for tourist excursions or short-distance cargo transport.

Since there is no railway station in the city, travellers are advised to choose alternative methods of transport. The most popular ground transport remains comfortable intercity buses or a trip in a rented car along the picturesque Pan-American Highway.

The bus terminal in the city of David serves as the main gateway to the Chiriquí province, accepting routes from both domestic locations and abroad. One of the most scenic routes is considered to be from the town of Bocas del Toro: a journey spanning about 170 kilometres takes approximately 4 hours and passes through impressive winding mountain roads with views of the cloud forests.

For those travelling from the direction of Costa Rica, a convenient starting point would be Golfito, located just 90 kilometres away, allowing you to reach your destination in 3 hours, including border crossing time. Routes from Puerto Jiménez are also popular, from where the road takes about 4–5 hours, linking the wild nature of the Osa Peninsula with the lively centre of the Panamanian province.

Travelling by car to David is an excellent way to independently explore the region's picturesque landscapes without depending on public transport schedules. If you are heading from the direction of Costa Rica, the shortest route runs from Golfito: the distance is about 100 km, and the drive will take just under 2 hours. A slightly longer journey awaits travellers from Puerto Jiménez — you will have to cover about 190 km, which usually requires about 3 hours of driving time.

For those driving from the Caribbean coast of Panama, for example, from the Bocas del Toro region, the path will be longer but incredibly beautiful: the road across mountain ranges spanning almost 200 km will take about 4.5 hours. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use the services of intercity taxis or private transfers; prices for such trips are often negotiable, but for popular destinations, drivers may offer fixed rates.

A trip to David requires a little preparation, considering its hot climate and status as a busy trading centre. To ensure your journey through this part of Panama is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Climate: David is often called the hottest city in the country, so give preference to light clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring headwear and sunglasses, as well as a light cardigan if you plan trips in air-conditioned buses or ascents into the mountains.
2. Transport: It is most convenient to move around the city in yellow taxis, which are very plentiful here. They usually do not have meters, but tariffs are fixed and low (usually 2–3 dollars for a trip within the city limits); nevertheless, it is best to agree on the price with the driver before boarding.
3. Finances: The official currency is the US Dollar (local Balboa coins are also in circulation, equal in value to cents). Cards are accepted in large shopping centres and hotels, but always carry cash in small denominations for paying taxis, street food, and purchases in small shops.
4. Health and Safety: The sun here is very strong, so the use of cream with high SPF is mandatory even in cloudy weather. Tap water in the centre is considered safe, but tourists are recommended to buy bottled water to avoid acclimatisation issues.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Spanish. Unlike the capital or tourist-focused Boquete, English is not understood everywhere here, so download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases — the locals will appreciate your efforts.
6. Local Etiquette: Panamanians are polite and friendly; it is customary to greet people ("Buenas") when entering a shop or getting into a taxi. Despite the heat, a dress code applies in government institutions and banks: one should not enter them in beachwear or flip-flops.
7. What to Avoid: Try not to plan long walking tours at midday when the heat reaches its peak. In the evening, it is better to avoid poorly lit outskirts of the city and use taxis to move between districts.
8. Shopping Before the Road: David is the main commercial hub of the Chiriquí province. If you are heading further into the mountains or to the coast, purchase groceries, pharmacy goods, and equipment here: the selection in David's supermarkets is significantly wider, and prices are lower than in tourist zones.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on exploring the local culture. David is not just a transit point, but a city with its own unique character that reveals itself to the prepared traveller.