Get Around

Most people drive to Playa Venao, so transportation options are still somewhat limited. But here are some ways you can get around!

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Taxi Fare Chart
Taxi Fare Chart

Most taxis operate out of Pedasi, but are contactable by phone. If you’re leaving from Venao, cabs frequently charge you extra for pick-up as they are based out of Pedasi.  

Sample rates: 

  • Pedasi-Venao ($15-20)
  • Las Tablas-Venao ($35-45)
  • Las Tablas-Pedasi ($20-30)
  • Venao – Chitre Airport ($50-65)

Taxi Contacts

Santa Catalina Taxi (Pedasi)

995-2275.

But the taxi company sometimes takes forever or doesn’t pick up. The fastest way is to call or chat the drivers direct:

  • Diomedes : 6847-7535
  • Roberto: 6749-9986 / 6519-0273
  • Franklyn: 6739-8408
  • Jonathan:   6506-2724 / 6513-0499 / 6849-4605
  • Samuel Barrios (Van / Truck) :  6662-8775 / 6511-9240 / 6891-1504
  • Anel  6513-0499

And unaffiliated with Santa Catalina taxi is the Venao Tours shuttle (6274-3222) who offers competitive rates and great service

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Bus

Between Venao and Pedasi, local buses run three times daily. Apart from these are privately-operated shuttles with Selina hostels.

Worth noting that the transport system can be very unreliable. Sometimes the bus breaks down, sometimes it leaves early or very late. Better to arrive at the bus stops 10 minutes early to ensure you don’t miss it.

Book the Selina shuttle in advace as it may not depart if it doesn’t have enough passengers, especially in the low season.

Schedule below:

 

Timetable: Las Tablas –> Cañas

Las Tablas Pedasí Venao Cañas Notes Fare
7:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:15 AM * Public bus $2.50
11:00 AM 11:40 AM * Selina Pedasi $5
12:00 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM * Public bus $2.50
1:15 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM * Public bus $2.50
4:00 PM 4:40 PM * Selina Pedasi $5
7:00 PM 7:40 PM * Selina Pedasi $5

Timetable: Cañas –> Las Tablas

Cañas Venao Pedasí Las Tablas Notes Fare
7:00 AM 7:15 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM * Public bus $2.50
9:00 AM 9:40 AM * Selina PV $5
9:30 AM 9:40 AM 10:15 AM * Public bus $2.50
12:00 PM 12:40 PM * Selina PV $5
3:30 PM 3:40 PM 4:15 PM * Public bus $2.50
6:00 PM 6:40 PM * Selina PV $5

 

Fares: 

  • Canas to Venao : $0.65
  • Canas to El Ciruelo : $1.00
  • Canas/Venao to Pedasi : $2.50
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Pedasi Bus Stop

Piquera de Buses

Located behind Supermercado El Pueblo
(the central supermarket next to the big PEDASI sign, Mayor’s office, post office, Bakery, etc).

Pedasi – Las Tablas:
Buses run every 30-45 minutes. $2.40 fare
* Leaves Pedasi between the hours, 5:30am – 4:30pm.
* Leaves Las Tablas between the hours, 5am – 6pm.
* Note: Arrive 15-30 mins early for the first bus as it gets packed!

Pedasi – Venao:
Buses run 3x daily. $2.50 fare
* Leaves Pedasi at 7am, 12pm, 2pm.
* Leaves Venao at 7:15am, 9:40am, 3:40pm.

Selina shuttle:

One way $5.00, Round trip $8.00

Book at the reception @ Selina. Reserve in advance. Shuttle departs Selina Pedasi & Selina PV. Subject to availability.

Leaves Pedasi at 11am, 4pm, & 7pm.
Leaves Playa Venao at 9am, 12pm, & 6pm.

Selina Pedasi: 995-2745
Selina PV: 202-5919

Access to other cities:

Get around other cities

Las Tablas, Chitre, and Panama City

Click on to find transportation options from Las Tablas onwards to Chitre and Panama City!

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Car

The drive from Venao – Pedasi is approx 20-25 mins. Still the fastest way to get around is by car.

Since the Pedasi branch closed down recently, the closest place to rent a car would be in Chitre. The easiest place to do it is at the airport especially if you fly in.

 

Hitchhike

Believe it or not, hitchhiking is pretty common and considered safe around these areas! Flag down a car or truck and tell the driver where you’re going, and he/she can either take you part or the entire way.

Be careful what car you flag down as the roads between Pedasi and Venao can be gnarly depending on season! It ranges from slightly bumpy to large-scale potholes. The can be unbearable (and very unsafe) riding on the back of a cattle truck, for example.

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