Panama City car rentals
Compare hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Panama City, Florida
Save up to 34%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Panama City car rental information
| Pick-up location | Panama City |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 12 |
| Airport locations | 7 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Budget, Alamo |
Cheap car rentals in Panama City
| Economy | $40/day |
| Compact | $40/day |
| Intermediate | $38/day |
| Standard | $34/day |
| Full-size | $45/day |
| Minivan | $44/day |
| Full-size SUV | $58/day |
| Luxury | $37/day |
| Supplier choice | $34/day |
| Standard SUV | $40/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $41/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Panama City
- With the cheap car rentals in Panama City, you have a range of destinations to choose from. Some of the top locations that you can visit using the Panama City car rentals include San Jose, Boquete, and Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is the most popular city, about 429 mi and 5h 59min from Panama City. If you choose to travel to Boquete, you should be prepared to cover a distance of around 298 miles, which is on average a 7h drive. Also, a direct drive from San Jose to Panama City is on average 534 miles and should take 10 to 11 hours in normal traffic.
- The two main toll roads in Panama City are the Sur Corridor and Norte Corridor, which you will use to get to the airport and the other top cities. Each section of the route has varying charges ranging from $0.35-$2.50, and on passing each toll station you will see a display showing the amount of credit left on your Panapass. If your Panapass is not linked to a credit card, there are a number of kiosks throughout Panama City where you can load the card with sufficient funds to take you throughout your trip. Some of these vendors are in the Coronado area and include Metro Rx, and Super 99, in addition to most grocery stores.
- During November, you are likely to find difficulty moving around the city with your rental car as this is the time when Emerald Coast Cruizin', Panama City Beach's hot rod show and classic car event is held. While you will be thrilled by the massive outdoor showroom for hundreds of speedsters and classic cars, you will not easily cruise around with the Panama City car rentals. Also, the October Oktoberfest is held at Aaron Bessant Park and we advise you to consider using alternative routes to leverage your cheap car rentals in Panama City.
- Car rentals in Panama City will allow greater access to several shorelines, including Bunkers Cove and West Beach Drive along Saint Andrews Bay. Neither of these attractions has many stops from the Bay Town Trolley, the public transit service, and are easier to access with a personal vehicle. Considering you will be surrounded by sunny coastline, your beach trips will be simpler and more convenient with the benefit of a Panama City car rental, instead of trying to carry everything onto a trolley or bus. There are nearly 100 public access points along Panama City Beach that you can reach with a personal vehicle, conveniently located within walking distance of the sand.
- Panama City is primarily serviced by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which offers rental cars on-site at the rental car counters located on the main floor of the terminal. As the midpoint between Pensacola and Tallahassee, travelers staying in Panama City might also be flying into Pensacola International Airport (PNS) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), both of which offer rental cars at the counters on the main floor of their terminals.
- Expect plenty of pedestrians as you drive through the city, particularly along beaches. With long, humid summers that make for easy walking weather, watch for jaywalking or careless pedestrians along the shores of Panama City Beach. On weekends and holidays, these areas can become particularly crowded with beachgoers wanting to enjoy the party atmosphere.
- The heaviest traffic you will encounter in Panama City will generally be on sunny days, especially weekends, as you make your way across the Hathaway Bridge and along Panama City Beach. If you are visiting during hurricane season, from June until November, monitor weather forecasts and use caution if forced to drive during heavy rain or strong winds. When traveling during rainy weather, drive slowly, turn gradually, and give yourself extra space to stop.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Panama City for $48 or less
- Book your rental car in Panama City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Panama City are around 15% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Economy rental cars in Panama City are around 21% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Panama City
What type of car is recommended for driving in Panama City?
The recommended car rentals in Panama City are standard or full-size cars. Since you will not be driving through narrow streets, but could still encounter a busy environment along the shores of Panama City Beach, these models will provide a blend of maneuverability and comfort. It will also allow you the storage room to pack materials for a full day of beach enjoyment.
What’s the speed limit in Panama City?
The typical speed limit in Panama City for a residential neighborhood or business district is 25mph. Major roads, such as Highway 98 that connects Panama City and Panama City Beach, have limits of around 45mph. Stay under the limit when you pass Panama City Beach, as the police presence in the area is concentrated to ensure a safe environment for beachgoers.
Where are the best places to park in Panama City?
With nearly 100 public beach access points along the shores of Panama City Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from when looking for a parking spot. The majority of these access points have free public parking, though you should check the beach flag warning system before parking and walking to the beach. These flags indicate the safety of the water at each access point, and the presence of the double-red flag means that you should find another spot on the beach since that access point is closed to the public. In downtown Panama City, you can find over 4,000 spots along the streets and in designated lots. These spots can vary in cost depending on their proximity to the downtown area but typically cost around $1 for an hour. They also have a variety of time limits, with certain spots in the heart of downtown only allowing a maximum of 2h.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs $59 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Panama City found in the last 2 weeks is $45.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Panama City?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($34/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($40/day) and Alamo ($41/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 2106 W 15th Street 32401 (2 miles from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Panama City?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Panama City is Alamo (8.3, 62 reviews).
How much is gas price in Panama City?
The average gas price in Panama City is $4.16 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $50 and $67, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Panama City?
Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Panama City.
How can I find car rentals near me in Panama City?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Panama City?
An Economy car rental in Panama City costs $58 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Panama City?
A Special car rental in Panama City costs $60 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Panama City?
A Mini car rental in Panama City costs $112 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs $413 per week ($59 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs $1,772 per month ($59 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Panama City?
Most car rental providers in Panama City offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Panama City, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Panama City?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 7 car rental agencies in Panama City.
Which car rental companies in Panama City have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Panama City which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Dollar, Hertz and Budget
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Panama City?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Panama City?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Panama City so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Can I go to go to Costa Rica with the Panama City car rentals?
If you are a non-resident, you are not allowed to go to Costa Rica by car through the regular frontier. However, you can bypass this by going through the necessary paperwork which you will need to complete while still at the rental office.
Where do I pay for a traffic ticket in Panama City?
You can pay for a traffic ticket at any Sertracen or ATTT offices within the city. Mostly, you will find the offices within the same locations.
Panama City car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
8.3
Very good
123 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.3
Value for money
8.1
One location in Panama City
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Reserved a car through Priceline for Panama Beach to be picked up at the airport. Our original flight was cancelled and we arrived 3 hours later than originally planned. The rental company counters were all extremely busy, and I could overhear a lot of people trying to rent cars who had not made reservations, so I was worried they might not have held our reservation for us but they still had our reservation, and the type of vehicle we requested.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
This was the first time we used Alamo car rental. The customer service was phenomenal.4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Cons:
Mini van was filthy. Food caked to back seat . Really bad odor to vehicle. Alamo did compensate part of the rental back2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
They overbooked cars and didn’t have a car for me, leaving me stranded with my kids after an entire day of flying.10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Loved the car! Low mileage and super clean.Cons:
Nothing at all. And the staff at Panama City Beach (ECP) was very kind and helpful and efficient.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.6
Good
67 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.4
3 locations in Panama City
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Fast and friendlyCons:
Price8.8 Very good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful.Cons:
Information on how to drop off2.0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
Did bot have the car promised 3 times, substitute was not workable due to a seat maintenance problem but they tried to rent it to me anyway6.4 Okay
Jun 2020
Pros:
The staff was great. No issues with pick up and drop box was fairly straight forward.Cons:
The car smelled heavily of smoke when we got it. The power steering was making odd noises (may require additional power steering fluid). The right rear tire gave a lower pressure warning after having the car for a few hours. No issues after filling it up so didn't appear to be a structural issue.8.4 Very good
Feb 2020
Pros:
Great location and staff. Especially Jessica Scott. She was wonderful helping set up my rental.Cons:
They even offered me a ride after I dropped the car off.... nothing could have been better.9.6 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly, drop off very quickCons:
NothingAvis
7.4
Good
49 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.6
2 locations in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
Nice leather good price. Good gas mileage.Cons:
One ac vent broke couldn’t adjust, smell terrible like smoke, burns and peeling on plastic pieces in dash and looks like someone spilled milk in the ac vents6.0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
The car was dirty and had registration that was 6 months overdue.8.0 Very good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpful.Cons:
I would have chosen differently had I known that I would have a beetle instead of the Kia. Changing was painless however.4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Pros:
easy processCons:
I was talked into an upgrade and it made it sound like it was of no extra charge. I was then charged for the upgrade making my price way higher than I was comfortable with.8.0 Very good
Mar 2021
Pros:
Nice car,Cons:
The tire pressure gauge did not work properly.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
Nothing! They called me the afternoon prior to my business trip to tell me that they weren’t going to have a car for me.Cons:
Everything! The least they could have sone was provide more than 24 hour notice so that we could come up with a backup plan.Budget
6.7
Okay
93 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
6.6
2 locations in Panama City
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
We rented a car for pick up at 12pm on Saturday. They didn’t tells us they close at noon and don’t open until Monday. Scam10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Cons:
The area where the cars are located were out in the open..not good when weather is bad...and sinage was a bit difficult..hard to find the Budget areas..10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was very friendly. Drop-off was super easy.Cons:
The car wasn't ready when I arrived and I had to wait about 25 minutes before it was & that was frustrating.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff. Easy process.Cons:
N/A4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Pros:
Car was clean and easy to use electronicallyCons:
Unscrupulous practices in upselling I have never heard of before. Will NEVER use Budget again.Hertz
6.1
Okay
83 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Panama City
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Car was really nice.Cons:
When I rented I could have sworn it said I was renting from the Panama City Airport but not so. We had to take a cab to the Hertz location somewhere in the middle of town. Airport Hertz said there was no way to change it. It was logistically challenging. Kayak or Hertz should do a better job of clarifying that the rental is not at the airport.8.0 Very good
May 2021
Cons:
The sales rep came thru when airlines delays prevented pickup at the scheduled time.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
System allowed a 12pm pickup. The facility closed at 12pm. NOBODY CALLED FOR MY STATUS OR BETTER YET STAYED UNIL I ARRIVED. I arrived shortly after 12pm and the facility was closed. This was Saturday and we were STRANDED WITH NO CARS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.National
6.6
Okay
4 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.6
One location in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
After I booked the car the agent from national in Panama City airport called me and told me they were sold out so I was on my way to the airport thinking I had a car but I didn’tCons:
Maybe you could be a little more organized with your inventory8.0 Very good
Dec 2020
Cons:
Truck was dirty but service before and after was greatSunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Panama City
Car rental locations in or near Panama City
When to book a rental car in Panama City
Airports serving Panama City
Popular rental types in Panama City
- Van Rentals in Panama City
- Luxury Car Rentals in Panama City
- Pickup Truck Rentals in Panama City
- SUV Rentals in Panama City
- Convertible Car Rentals in Panama City
- Cargo Van Rentals in Panama City
- 6 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 7 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 8 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 9 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 10 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 12 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
- 15 Passenger Van Rentals in Panama City
Popular car brands to rent in Panama City
- Audi car rentals in Panama City
- BMW car rentals in Panama City
- Jaguar car rentals in Panama City
- Jeep car rentals in Panama City
- Land Rover car rentals in Panama City
- Lexus car rentals in Panama City
- Mercedes-Benz car rentals in Panama City
- Porsche car rentals in Panama City
- Subaru car rentals in Panama City
- Tesla car rentals in Panama City
- Toyota car rentals in Panama City