Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

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When to visit Panama City

Panama City in January
Estimated hotel price
$90
1 night at 3-star hotel
Panama City in January
Estimated hotel price
$90
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 26 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Panama City include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Panama City departs from Houston and takes around 1h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Panama City is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 152 km from Panama City. You’ll find branches of Budget and Ace, among others, in Pensacola.

Bus

Panama City’s bus station is located 3.0 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Panama City, you’ll arrive at Panama City NW Florida Beaches (ECP), which is located 26 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Panama City include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Panama City departs from Houston and takes around 1h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Panama City is to pick up a car rental from Pensacola, which is about 152 km from Panama City. You’ll find branches of Budget and Ace, among others, in Pensacola.

Bus

Panama City’s bus station is located 3.0 km from the city center.

Airports near Panama City

ECPPanama City NW Florida Beaches
PNSPensacola
VPSValparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Beach

Airlines serving Panama City

KLM
Good (1,451 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,777 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,724 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,178 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,110 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,266 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,531 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,514 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,679 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,701 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,360 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,871 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,893 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,052 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,701 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,092 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,191 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,919 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (8,437 reviews)
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Where to stay in Panama City

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Quality Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn and Suites Panama City North. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Panama City, with prices from $38 to $865 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Panama City are about 18% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Panama City by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Panama City

Most booked hotels in Panama City

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Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 155 reviews)
$125+
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Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1198 reviews)
$105+
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Holiday Inn Panama City By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 427 reviews)
$93+
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Courtyard by Marriott Panama City
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 183 reviews)
$91+
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Days Inn by Wyndham Panama City Beach/Beachfront Resort
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 3522 reviews)
$83+
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Casa Loma
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 3267 reviews)
$70+
View

Renting a car in Panama City

Renting a car in Panama City costs $64 per day, on average, or $191 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 6300 West Bay Parkway, which is 25 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 15% more expensive than at Panama City NW Florida Beaches.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Panama City, while also 53% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Panama City costs $64 per day, on average, or $191 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 6300 West Bay Parkway, which is 25 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 15% more expensive than at Panama City NW Florida Beaches.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Panama City, while also 53% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Panama City

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$35/day

Supplier choice

Premium SUV

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$68/day

Premium SUV
Find car rentals in Panama City