Car Rentals in Panama City, PAN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Panama City

Renting a car in Panama City offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city's many attractions 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, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience.

With your own car, you can visit key sites such as Avenida Balboa, perfect for enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere, and Amador Causeway, which provides cultural insights. The urban park, Cinta Costera, is ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. Additionally, exploring neighbourhoods like Casco Viejo, known for its Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and Independence Square, or Bella Vista with its popular Via Espana, becomes much simpler with a vehicle at your disposal. El Cangrejo, featuring Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera, is another must-see area that is easy to reach. Overall, a rental car allows you to navigate Panama City with ease, making it a convenient choice for your trip.

Most popular car hires in Panama City

• Economy: The Economy car option is a popular choice for travellers in Panama City, comfortably accommodating up to 5 individuals along with 2 medium suitcases. This type is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for an efficient way to explore the city. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating urban areas, while still providing the necessary space for luggage, giving you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
• Fullsize SUV: The Fullsize SUV is an excellent option for larger groups or families, as it can fit up to 6 travellers and carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle type offers ample space and comfort, making it suitable for those planning to explore various attractions in and around Panama City. With a Fullsize SUV, you can enjoy the journey with your companions while having enough room for all your belongings, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV option is ideal for small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it a great choice for couples or families. It provides a bit more space than an Economy car while remaining easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. With the Compact SUV, you can enjoy the freedom to explore Panama City comfortably and efficiently.

Top rated car suppliers in Panama City

• Sixt: Sixt operates from 1 rental location in Panama City, providing a reliable option for travellers seeking flexibility. They are particularly popular for their Standard and Midsize SUVs, which are perfect for exploring the city and surrounding areas. The friendly service and efficient process make Sixt a great choice for those looking to hire a car effortlessly.
• Budget: With 2 rental locations in the heart of Panama City, Budget is an excellent choice for travellers seeking value and convenience. Known for their Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, Budget ensures that you have ample space for your luggage while enjoying the sights. Their competitive pricing and accessibility make them a favourite among visitors.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car stands out with 3 rental locations in Panama City, catering to the needs of various travellers. Their Mini and Compact SUVs are popular choices, offering the ideal blend of comfort and efficiency for city driving. Alamo's commitment to customer service ensures a pleasant experience as you navigate through Panama City.

Where to stay in Panama City

• Casco Viejo: Casco Viejo is a charming neighbourhood known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. It is ideal for families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience. Nearby attractions include the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama, the Interoceanic Canal Museum, and Independence Square, all providing a glimpse into Panama's history. The area boasts a variety of shopping venues and local eateries, with bars and cafes offering delightful refreshments within easy reach.
• Bella Vista: Bella Vista is a lively neighbourhood that caters to families and business visitors alike. This area is celebrated for its shopping centres and proximity to key attractions like Via Espana and Avenida Balboa, both ideal for city exploration. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful Cinta Costera urban park, perfect for leisurely strolls. Bella Vista's dining options are diverse, featuring cafes and bars that enhance the neighbourhood's vibrant culinary scene.
• Calidonia: Calidonia offers a blend of urban convenience and accessibility, making it suitable for families and business travellers. Popular shopping areas and centres can be found here, alongside notable streets such as Avenida Balboa and Via Espana, which are well-suited for city exploration. The picturesque Cinta Costera urban park is also nearby, providing a perfect setting for outdoor activities. The neighbourhood features various cafes and beer options, ensuring visitors can unwind after a day of exploring.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals enforce a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most straightforward option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which can also be suitable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports; however, the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Panama City

The best time to rent a car in and around Panama City is September, when prices are at their lowest and demand is minimal. August also offers slightly lower prices with average demand, making it a good option for budget-conscious travellers. April and May can be decent choices as well, with average prices and low demand in May. However, December tends to be the most expensive month, often accompanied by high demand, while January and February also see significant rental activity and pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	78.8°F (26.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
February	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	79.7°F (26.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
June	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
September	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
October	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
November	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High