Panama City car hire
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Cheap car rentals in Panama City
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car 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.
- Book your rental car in Panama City at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Luxury rental cars in Panama City are around 43% cheaper than other car types, on average
Panama City car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
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 is the price of fuel in Panama City?
The average price of fuel in Panama City is RM 15.13 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between RM 181 and RM 242, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Panama City?
Luxury (Tesla Model 3 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Panama City.
How can I find car hires near me in Panama City?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Panama City?
A Luxury car hire in Panama City costs RM 182 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Panama City?
An Economy car rental in Panama City costs RM 186 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Panama City?
A Full Size car rental in Panama City costs RM 187 per day, on average.
Panama City car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Alamo
8.7
Very Good
Read 26 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.2
One location in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
6300 West Bay Pkwy
+1 844 370 3972
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Standard
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
This was the first time we used Alamo car rental. The customer service was phenomenal.4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Cons:
Mini van was filthy. Food caked to back seat . Really bad odor to vehicle. Alamo did compensate part of the rental backAvis
7.4
Good
Read 22 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.3
2 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
6300 West Bay Parkway
+1 850 769 1411
731 North Highway 231
+1 850 914 3090
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
The car was dirty and had registration that was 6 months overdue.8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Nice car,Cons:
The tire pressure gauge did not work properly.Budget
7.1
Good
Read 25 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.9
2 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
6300 West Bay Parkway
+1 850 763 0108
731 North Highway 231
+1 850 769 2449
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Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
8.0 Very Good
Rick, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard SUV
10.0 Wonderful
John, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Terri, Oct 2023
Full-size
2.0 Poor
William, Oct 2022
2 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
2106 W 15th Street
+1 850 913 9112
6401 West Bay Parkway
+1 850 235 2201
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
People carrier
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Lloyd, Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, 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.3 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
1104 W 15th St
+1 850 872 9206
2024 W 23rd St
+1 850 747 1110
6300 West Bay Pkwy
+1 833 740 1725
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Courtney, Sept 2024
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard SUV
6.0 Okay
Jimmy, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
People carrier
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Fast and friendlyCons:
PriceOne location in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
6300 West Bay Pkwy
+1 844 370 3973
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
gail, 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
Anonymous, Dec 2019
Cons:
Truck was dirty but service before and after was greatOne location in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
Filters
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Car hire locations in or near Panama City
Good to know
Most popular car type | Luxury |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Panama City
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Panama City
Car rental at airports serving Panama City
Panama City car hire information
| Pick-up location | Panama City |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 12 |
| Airport locations | 7 |