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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Panama City
Panama City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Panama City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Panama City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Panama City
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Panama City?
Panama City offers a unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historic districts, and lush rainforests. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. Many of Panama's attractions, such as the Panama Canal and nearby beaches, are more accessible with a car.
Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car allows you to customize your itinerary and visit multiple destinations in a single day without relying on bus schedules or taxi availability.
Comfort for Families and Groups. Traveling with family or a group is much easier with a rental car, offering ample space for luggage and passengers.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Panama City
Before renting a car in Panama City, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. These include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important factors.
Area
Approximately 275 square kilometers (106 square miles)
Population
Approximately 880,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Panama City require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish or English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to understand the requirements for returning the car with the correct fuel level.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Panama City – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Panama City?
Booking a car in Panama City involves comparing prices, choosing the right vehicle, and understanding rental terms. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental office when picking up your vehicle.
General Information About Panama City
Panama City is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. Driving in the city requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, offering a unique blend of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks. As a major hub for commerce and tourism, the city provides a wide range of attractions, from the Panama Canal to the charming Casco Viejo district. While Panama City has a public transportation system, renting a car can be beneficial for exploring the surrounding areas and enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace. However, it's important to be aware of traffic conditions and parking availability in the city center. Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and plan your routes accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Panama Canal
Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Casco Viejo
Explore the historic district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture and charming streets.
Biomuseo
Visit the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, to learn about Panama's biodiversity and natural history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize public parking garages in the city center for secure and convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking regulations and time limits when using on-street parking bays.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities outside the city center and taking public transportation into downtown.
Gas Stations in Panama City
Availability in the City
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Panama City, particularly along major roads and highways.
Major Brands
Look for well-known fuel brands such as Texaco, Chevron, and Puma.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Panama City
Use Contactless Payment
Take advantage of contactless payment options for transportation and other purchases.
Be Aware of Traffic
Plan extra time for travel during rush hours and be mindful of traffic congestion in the city center.
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Key Transportation Hubs in Panama City
Major Bus Stations
Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte
Serves as the main bus terminal for long-distance travel within Panama.
Railway Stations
Panama Canal Railway
Offers scenic train rides along the Panama Canal.
Airports
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The main international airport serving Panama City, located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center.
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC)
A smaller airport primarily serving domestic flights and regional destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Panama City?
Renting a car in Panama City requires a few essential documents and qualifications. Here's what you'll need
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish or English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Panama City as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Panama City was amazing! A last-minute weekend trip, made so easy by having a car. Definitely recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Catching up with friends in Panama City was effortless. Having a car made exploring so much easier!
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 22.01.2025
Family vacation in Panama City was fantastic! Having a car made sightseeing so convenient.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Heard so much about Panama City, and it lived up to the hype! Having a car made exploring incredibly easy.
David Lee
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
Panama City was efficient for my business trip. Having a car made everything so easy.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 03.10.2024
Panama City exceeded expectations! My business trip was surprisingly smooth, thanks to having a car; exploring the city was a breeze.
Amelia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.07.2025
Pretty good, actually
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Panama City was a highlight of our road trip! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 05.04.2025
Pretty chill, yeah
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 03.06.2025