Cartagena, Colombia → Panama City, Panama · ✈ 1h 5min · 🚗 7h 32min
251 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: west
The distance from Cartagena to Panama City is 464 km (288 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 5min.
The straight-line distance from Cartagena, Colombia to Panama City, Panama is approximately 464 kilometers (288 miles or 251 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Panama City is located west of Cartagena. Cartagena is in South America, in the Bolívar region of Colombia, while Panama City is in North America, in Panama, Panama. This intercontinental route spans from South America to North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 464 km | ~1h 5min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Cartagena to Panama City. For 464 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Cartagena sits at 10.3910°N, 75.5364°W, while Panama City is located at 8.9824°N, 79.5199°W. The initial compass bearing from Cartagena to Panama City is 251° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Cartagena heading roughly WSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.41° and the longitude difference is 3.98°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Cartagena and Panama City is approximately 9.6924°N, 77.5323°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 232 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Cartagena and Panama City share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Cartagena is a major city in Colombia with a population of approximately 1,028,736. Located in the Bolívar region, it is an important hub in South America. Cartagena is a significant metropolitan area in Colombia with good domestic and international transport connections.
Panama City is a notable city in Panama with a population of approximately 880,691. Situated in the Panama region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Panama City is a popular destination in the Panama region of Panama, known for its unique character and attractions.
464 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 464 km, the Cartagena-Panama City route is about 1.2% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 5min.
This route crosses from South America to North America, spanning 0 timezones.
The straight-line distance from Cartagena to Panama City is approximately 464 kilometers (288 miles, 251 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 5min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 7h 32min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Panama City is approximately Same timezone compared to Cartagena.
The estimated road distance is approximately 603 km, which is about 30% longer than the 464 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.