Shuttle from Santiago to Santa Catalina
Departures & pickup
- Departure time: 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM from Santiago.
- Pickup: we confirm the exact pickup point in Santiago by WhatsApp the day before.
- Drop-off: your hotel or hostel in Santa Catalina.
- Includes: air-conditioned van, room for regular luggage.
About this route
Santiago, capital of Veraguas, is where most people travelling by bus from Panama City change for the coast — and where the slow part usually begins: a regional bus to Soná, then another to Santa Catalina. This shuttle skips both changes and takes you from Santiago straight to the village.
Departures at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM make it easy to connect with long-distance buses from the capital and still reach the coast the same day. Tell us where to collect you in Santiago when you book.
Travel guides for this trip
Frequently asked questions
How do I reserve and pay?
Use our booking form or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm availability, and you secure your seat with a $15 deposit per person — by PayPal (booking@panamashuttles.com), Wise or a secure card payment link (card payments include the processing fee). The rest is paid in cash to your driver on the day of travel. Please wait for our confirmation before sending any payment.
What if I cancel or miss the pickup?
The $15 deposit is non-refundable if you cancel — even at the last minute — or if you are not at the pickup point at the agreed time, so please be ready 10 minutes early. If road closures or blocked roads stop us from reaching your destination, we refund the deposit in full. Read the booking & cancellation policy.
What time does the shuttle leave Santiago?
The shuttle leaves Santiago at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. We confirm your pickup by WhatsApp the day before travel.
Do you drop me at my hotel?
Yes. In Santa Catalina we drop you at your hotel or hostel — tell us where you are staying when you book.
Can you line this up with a Coiba tour?
Yes — tell us your dates and we make sure you arrive the evening before your boat. Coiba trips leave Santa Catalina early in the morning.
Can I bring a surfboard or extra luggage?
Usually yes — tell us the sizes when you book so we confirm the space in the van.