Panama City, Panama → Cartagena, Colombia · ✈ 1h 5min · 🚗 7h 32min
251 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Panama City to Cartagena 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 Panama City, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia 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.
Cartagena is located east of Panama City. Panama City is in North America, in the Panama region of Panama, while Cartagena is in South America, in Bolívar, Colombia. This intercontinental route spans from North America to South 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 Panama City to Cartagena. For 464 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Panama City sits at 8.9824°N, 79.5199°W, while Cartagena is located at 10.3910°N, 75.5364°W. The initial compass bearing from Panama City to Cartagena is 70° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Panama City heading roughly ENE. 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 Panama City and Cartagena 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.
Panama City and Cartagena 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.
Panama City is a major city in Panama with a population of approximately 880,691. Located in the Panama region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Panama City plays an important regional role in Panama and attracts visitors year-round.
Cartagena is a notable city in Colombia with a population of approximately 1,028,736. Situated in the Bolívar region, it serves as a key destination in South America. Cartagena offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Colombia.
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 Panama City-Cartagena route is about 1.2% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 5min.
This route crosses from North America to South America, spanning 0 timezones.
The straight-line distance from Panama City to Cartagena 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.
Cartagena is approximately Same timezone compared to Panama City.
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.