Panama City travel guide

Panama City Tourism | Panama City Guide

You're Going to Love Panama City

With a population of 36,484, Panama City is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Panama City has to offer.

Where to Eat in Panama City

If you’re looking for affordable options, G. Foley's (3212 W 23rd Street) and Dreamers Restaurant & Bar (1136 Thomas Dr) are great picks.

When to visit Panama City

Panama City in January
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel
Panama City in January
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Panama City in July, when the average temperature is 80.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 44.6 °F, with an average temperature of 53.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 7.9″. In contrast, May is usually the driest month of the year in Panama City, with an average rainfall of 2.8″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Panama City

Plane

When flying to Panama City, you’ll arrive at Panama City NW Florida Beaches (ECP), which is located 16 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Panama City include American Airlines, Southwest and Air France. The shortest domestic flight to Panama City departs from Minneapolis and takes around 4h 30m.

Car

Another option to get to Panama City is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 95 miles from Panama City. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Pensacola.

Bus

Panama City’s bus station is located 1.8 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Panama City, you’ll arrive at Panama City NW Florida Beaches (ECP), which is located 16 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Panama City include American Airlines, Southwest and Air France. The shortest domestic flight to Panama City departs from Minneapolis and takes around 4h 30m.

Car

Another option to get to Panama City is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 95 miles from Panama City. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Pensacola.

Bus

Panama City’s bus station is located 1.8 miles from the city center.

Airlines serving Panama City

Lufthansa
Good (7,206 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,360 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,841 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,891 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,680 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,549 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,295 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,550 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,922 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,991 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,321 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,413 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,304 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (8,202 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,557 reviews)
Frontier
Good (3,618 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (828 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,045 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,451 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,994 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Panama City

Average rates range from around $248 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $427 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Quality Inn & Suites and Econo Lodge Panama City.

Where to stay in popular areas of Panama City

Most booked hotels in Panama City

Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Airport
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 351 reviews)
$116+
Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront
3 stars
Excellent (9, 2465 reviews)
$140+
Holiday Inn Panama City
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 268 reviews)
$114+
Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1127 reviews)
$114+
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 813 reviews)
$77+
Hilton Garden Inn Panama City
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 159 reviews)
$99+

Renting a car in Panama City

Renting a car in Panama City costs $60 per day, on average, or $179 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Alamo, Avis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Panama City is the Hertz branch at 6401 West Bay Parkway, which is 16 miles from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Panama City NW Florida Beaches.

Expect to pay $3.52 per gallon in Panama City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $42.25 and $56.33. Compact (Buick Encore or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Panama City, while also 51% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Panama City costs $60 per day, on average, or $179 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Alamo, Avis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Panama City is the Hertz branch at 6401 West Bay Parkway, which is 16 miles from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Panama City NW Florida Beaches.

Expect to pay $3.52 per gallon in Panama City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $42.25 and $56.33. Compact (Buick Encore or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Panama City, while also 51% cheaper than other types, on average.