Panama City Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Panama City

Renting a car in Panama City offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore both the city and its stunning surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. This option is particularly appealing for families, beach lovers, and those seeking outdoor adventures. You can visit key attractions such as the Panama City Marina, perfect for outdoor and beach experiences, or head to St. Andrews State Park, located just 8 km away, which is ideal for enjoying beautiful scenery and adventure activities. Additionally, Oakland Terrace Park is conveniently located in Panama City, providing a wonderful space for family outings. A rental car also allows you to explore popular nearby destinations like Lower Grand Lagoon, 9 km away, featuring Panama City Beaches and Ripley's Believe It or Not, or Upper Grand Lagoon, only 8 km away, known for Capt. Anderson's Marina. With a rental car, you can easily experience all that Panama City and its surroundings have to offer, making your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in Panama City

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for those visiting Panama City, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the combination of comfort and capacity. They offer the freedom to explore various attractions at your own pace while providing ample room for your luggage.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, standard SUVs can comfortably fit 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for those looking for a balance between size and flexibility, allowing you to navigate the roads of Panama City with ease while ensuring you have enough room for your belongings during your journey.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is well-suited for families and groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. If you need extra space for your luggage or prefer a more spacious ride, a fullsize car is an excellent choice. It delivers the comfort and capacity required for a memorable trip around Panama City, making it easy to manage your travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Panama City

• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car has established itself as a popular choice in Panama City with 2 convenient rental locations. Travellers frequently opt for their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV models, making them ideal for exploring the area's attractions. Customers appreciate the flexibility that comes with renting from Dollar, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in and around Panama City.
• Budget: Budget operates with 1 rental location in Panama City, offering travellers a solid selection of vehicles. Their Midsize and Standard SUVs are among the most booked options, providing a great balance of space and comfort for families or groups. Budget is known for its straightforward rental process, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings.
• Hertz: Hertz is another top contender in Panama City with 1 rental location, catering to those seeking quality vehicles. The most popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, which are well-suited for both leisure and business needs. Hertz's reputation for customer service and well-maintained vehicles makes it a trusted option for travellers wanting to navigate the area with ease.

Where to stay in and around Panama City

• Lower Grand Lagoon: Located 9 km from Panama City, Lower Grand Lagoon is an ideal neighbourhood for travellers seeking a city-themed, beach, and family experience. Enjoy popular activities including visiting the nearby Panama City Beaches for a relaxing beach holiday. For those who love outdoor adventures, St. Andrews State Park offers stunning scenery and recreational options. Culture enthusiasts can explore Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. Additionally, the area features shopping centres and a variety of local dining options, including wineries and breweries.
• Upper Grand Lagoon: Situated 8 km from Panama City, Upper Grand Lagoon is a village perfect for those who enjoy city-themed, outdoor, and beach experiences. Key attractions in the area include Capt. Anderson's Marina, ideal for adventure seekers, and St. Andrews State Park, known for its outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Visitors can also stroll along Thomas Drive, a vibrant street lined with shops and eateries. The village provides access to recreational areas and shopping centres, along with local food and drink options, including wineries and breweries.
• Bay VIew Addition: Located around Panama City, Bay View Addition is popular for outdoor, beach, and scenery experiences. This neighbourhood offers a blend of recreational areas and shopping centres, making it a convenient place to stay. Visitors can explore St. Andrews State Park for outdoor adventures and picturesque views, while the nearby Panama City Marina is perfect for those looking to engage in water activities. Thomas Drive also runs through the area, providing access to various local attractions, ensuring a fulfilling stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Panama City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy locations. Mid-size vehicles offer a balanced option of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Renting a car from the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offer peace of mind in case the unexpected occurs during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Panama City

The best time to rent a car in and around Panama City is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately high. February also offers similar value, with slightly low prices and busy demand. Following that, March presents average prices alongside moderately high demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month for rentals, even though demand is moderately low. June through August also see slightly high prices, making it a busier period overall.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
February	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
March	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
April	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	75.0°F (23.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	81.1°F (27.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
July	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
August	82.8°F (28.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
October	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low