Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
David
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
David
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
David
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
David
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
David is a vibrant city offering a mix of modern attractions and historical sites. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding regions and hidden gems at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. A rental car allows you to discover the stunning landscapes and nearby towns, such as Boquete and Volcán Barú National Park, which are not easily accessible by public transport.
Convenience and Flexibility. With your own vehicle, you can easily visit local markets, restaurants, and cultural events without being tied to bus schedules or taxi availability.
Comfort for Families and Groups. Renting a car ensures a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for families or groups, especially when carrying luggage or travelling with children.
Before renting a car in David, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms. This includes age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance policies, and deposit procedures.
Area
Approximately 700 square kilometres
Population
Around 145,000 residents
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Ideal for
Longer trips and exploring nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in David require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional surcharges for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in Spanish or English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to April): Increased demand, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often comes with discounts and lower prices
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in David is straightforward. Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms carefully.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
David offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Renting a car allows you to explore beyond the city centre and discover the hidden gems of the region.
As the capital of the Chiriquí Province, David is a dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage and a gateway to the stunning landscapes of western Panama. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, having a car allows you to explore the region at your own pace. While David has local transport options, a car rental is ideal for venturing into the countryside, visiting nearby towns, or exploring the beaches along the Pacific coast. Driving in David is generally easy, but it’s helpful to be aware of local traffic customs, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Park
A central park ideal for relaxing and enjoying the local atmosphere.
San José de David Cathedral
A beautiful cathedral showcasing the city's religious heritage.
Volcán Barú National Park
Home to Panama’s highest point, offering hiking trails and stunning views (accessible by car).
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public garages are available in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but it can be limited.
Shopping Malls
Malls often provide free parking for customers.
Gas Stations in David
Available Across the City
Fuel stations are readily available throughout David.
Major Brands
Look for Texaco, Puma, and Delta stations.
Easy to Locate
Use navigation apps to find nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting David
Carry Small Change
Useful for paying parking meters and local vendors.
Be Aware of Traffic
Drive defensively and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
Use Navigation Apps
Helpful for finding destinations and avoiding traffic.
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing basic Spanish phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.
Major Bus Stations
David Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal connects David to other cities and towns in Panama.
Airports
Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV)
Located near David, offering flights to Panama City and other destinations.
Renting a car in David is generally straightforward, but you need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you’ll need.
You'll need a valid driver's licence. Visitors can typically use their foreign licence for a limited time, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence isn't in Spanish or English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other valid form of identification is usually required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as David as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in David! Having a car was perfect for exploring.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Meh. Kinda hot.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Family fun in David! A bit dusty, though.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
David felt familiar, yet fresh; so much has changed since my last visit!
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Relaxing coastal escape in David! Getting around was a breeze. Highly recommend.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
Quick weekend trip to David! The local bakery was underwhelming, but otherwise, it was a blast.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Pretty chill place
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
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David was a great stop on our road trip! Renting a car made exploring so easy.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 08.05.2025