The main hub for Panama is Miami, and COPA is Panama's national airline, though TACA and LACSA also make flights to Panama City. . The departure tax on international flights is $20 cash and do not forget that unless you are traveling from the U.S., Germany, or Switzerland where only a passport is necessary for entry into Panama, many other foreign travelers are required to carry a tourist visa/card, as well. Money-wise, touching down in Costa Rica, if you plan to visit in addition to Panama, is far less expensive than a flight to Panama and could save an international traveler hundres of dollars. While Panama is surrounded by water, traveling by boat is difficult as most ships are cargo only, and not for transportation, thus travel by car or bus is the best way to get into Panama if flying into another country. Some travelers who also plan to visit Columbia endeavor to hike through the jungle that is the Darien gap, however such a move is risky at best and is warned against by other travelers and locals alike, due to dangerous looters and local turmoil. The safest town to cross through, however, if you must walk, is Puerto Obaldia, which is also adjacent to a handful of lovely beaches.