When you don't speak very good Spanish, taking the bus feels pretty intimidating. But, it's very worth the effort to get over your apprehension! 

A private driver from the Azuero Peninsula to the city will generally cost you anywhere from $175-$250 for 1-2 people. The local shuttle is $70/person. Ken and I pay $10 and $7.50, respectively (I get the jubilada discount!), for the bus from Las Tablas to the Albrook bus station. 

It's no different than the shuttle. From Las Tablas, it's a full-sized bus with comfortable seats. I've heard reports of blasting ACs making for an ice cold ride, but that hasn't been the case on any of our trips on the Las Tablas > PTY route. My only complaint is the constant flow of misogynistic music videos 😆. It's tough, but I try to nap or read to block them out. There is no bathroom on the bus; you'll have to hold it until they make their single midway snack and bathroom stop.

We have yet to brave a route that requires a transfer 😆...baby steps.

Here's the online schedule for the bus: