Are taxis readily available in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, and what do taxis cost in Bocas Del Toro, Panama?

Taxis are readily available in Bocas Town and Isla Colon. In fact, there are so many taxis you will wonder how they can make a profit, but you will notice they are always full. There are a few "taxi stands" but the best way to get a ride is to just raise your hand as one approaches. If there is room, you're in luck! The rate to go around Bocas Town and from Bocas Town to the "bomba" (the only gas station on the island) is 30 cents. If you begin to go beyond that...

Taxis are readily available in Bocas Town and Isla Colon. In fact, there are so many taxis you will wonder how they can make a profit, but you will notice they are always full. There are a few "taxi stands" but the best way to get a ride is to just raise your hand as one approaches. If there is room, you're in luck! The rate to go around Bocas Town and from Bocas Town to the "bomba" (the only gas station on the island) is 30 cents. If you begin to go beyond that point start adding dollars to that amount. But the taxistas are friendly guys and it is easy to create a small group of favorites who will give you their cell numbers and they are quite reliable. But there are also small buses that run throughout the island as well and they are very reasonably priced but not as flexible as to where they go as the taxis. There are a few buses that go all the way from the park in the center of Bocas Town to Starfish Beach for about $2.50 per person each way. These get quite busy on the weekends and holidays so it is best to start early and find out what time they will return. If you take a cab out that way add LOTS of dollars to the original 30 cent fare I mentioned at the top of this response. All in all, it is very easy to get around town and beyond by using taxis on Isla Colon.

Taxis in Bocas del Toro are by far the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to get around town.

They are easily identifiable, as they are bright yellow, and are almost always pick-up trucks. This is very handy when you are shopping - which we'll come to in a minute.

 

The standard fare to get anywhere in town is 60 cents. However, it's not like the States where you get the taxi for your own exclusive use. The taxi system in Bocas del Toro is a communal...

Taxis in Bocas del Toro are by far the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to get around town.

They are easily identifiable, as they are bright yellow, and are almost always pick-up trucks. This is very handy when you are shopping - which we'll come to in a minute.

 

The standard fare to get anywhere in town is 60 cents. However, it's not like the States where you get the taxi for your own exclusive use. The taxi system in Bocas del Toro is a communal affair, and your taxi will pick up and drop off others on the way to your destination.

 

It's almost like a tiny bus service that will offer door to door service. Flag a taxi down anywhere you like. The usual system is to hold up the number of fingers totaling the number of seats you need. If the driver has enough space he'll stop for you.

 

It's a very social affair, and you'll find yourself chatting with gringos and locals alike - you never know who you'll meet on your taxi journey.

 

For those of us who live a bit further afield and come to town by boat the taxis are invaluable. Once loaded up at the supermarket with more bags than you could ever hope to carry, flag down a taxi, load the bags in the rear tray, and have him drop you off right where your boat is docked.

 

Now that's convenience and value at 60 cents.