Panama City’s main bus terminal was already bustling with activity by 6 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of residents began their journeys to reunite with family for the Christmas holiday. The Albrook National Transportation Terminal witnessed long lines forming for popular routes, with a significant early morning crowd heading to provinces across the country. This mass exodus from the capital marks the start of one of Panama’s most deeply rooted annual traditions.
Travelers of all ages, many with suitcases in hand, filled the concourse. Some passengers, having secured their tickets in advance, used their waiting time to grab a coffee before boarding. The route to the city of David, Chiriquí, was reported as one of the busiest. Transport authorities and terminal operators confirmed that hundreds of people had already moved through the facility in the early hours alone.
Annual Tradition Drives Major Passenger Movement
For countless Panamanians, this holiday travel period represents the only chance all year to spend extended time with relatives. Many workers request additional vacation days to prolong their stay through the end of the year, turning a short holiday into a longer family reunion. The terminal’s activity provides a visible snapshot of the nationwide migration tied to Christmas traditions.
Officials anticipate the flow of passengers will continue to increase throughout the day and into Wednesday. The surge aligns with the start of the extended holiday break for many businesses and institutions. Transport companies have added extra buses to their schedules to accommodate the heightened demand on key domestic routes.
“More than a hundred people have already traveled since the early hours, and the flow of travelers is expected to continue increasing throughout the day and tomorrow, taking advantage of the days off,” a terminal official stated. [Translated from Spanish]
The scene at Albrook is expected to repeat in the coming hours as more people finish work and begin their holiday journeys. This annual migration underscores the central role of family gatherings during the Panamanian festive season, with the transportation network serving as the critical link connecting the capital with the nation’s interior.