Panama City car rental information
| Pick-up location | Panama City |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury SUV, Mini, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 84 |
| Airport locations | 33 |
| Popular agencies | Avis, Ace, Thrifty, Europcar, Dollar |
Cheap car rentals in Panama City
| Economy | C$ 7/day |
| Compact | C$ 7/day |
| Intermediate | C$ 7/day |
| Standard | C$ 9/day |
| Full-size | C$ 7/day |
| Minivan | C$ 46/day |
| Full-size SUV | C$ 51/day |
| Mini | C$ 7/day |
| Compact SUV | C$ 10/day |
| Intermediate SUV | C$ 13/day |
| Standard SUV | C$ 19/day |
| Luxury SUV | C$ 62/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Panama City
- Cheap car rentals in Panama City offer enhanced convenience for travelers who want to move from the city center to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is the main airport in the city. You will take you about 30min to connect from the city center to the airport in light traffic, covering a distance of 13.7 miles. You can use Corredor Norte or Corredor Sur if you want to avoid being stuck in traffic. Having the knowledge of the time taken and distance covered to reach the airport from the city center helps in effective planning of one’s schedule.
- Traveling to the nearby cities of Ancon, San Miguelito, and Balboa can be more convenient if you choose to use cheap car rentals in Panama City. It will take about 39min to drive your rental car from Panama City to Ancon, Panama, covering a distance of 17.5 miles. If you are driving your rental car from Panama City to San Miguelito, it will take about 23min to cover the 9.4 miles journey. The distance from Panama City to Balboa is 11.6 miles. In light traffic, it will take 28min to connect the two cities.
- A number of travelers arrive in Panama City by train, with Panama City Mall being the main arrival station. This doubles up as the main train station in the city and is located a walkable distance from the city center. You can be able to rent your preferred car model from Avis, located at the Avis Sears Auto Center at Panama City Mall. Other Panama City car rentals, such as Enterprise, Thrifty, and Budget, have their offices within the city center. You can conveniently walk from the train station, Panama City Mall, to the city center and rent your car.
- One of the main advantages to having a car during your time in Panama City is that it opens up the countryside for easy exploration. There are a number of spectacular spots that are just perfect as day trips from Panama City. Some of these spots include Cajones de Chame, which is 90 km (56 miles) away from the city, and Laguna de San Carlos, which is 110 km (68 miles) away.
- If you’re flying in, you’ll probably want to pick up your rental car from the airport so you can start your vacation right away. If your flight is arriving at Tocumen International Airport, then you will find the rental car offices in the airport’s Arrivals Hall.
- It is worth remembering that cell phone use is strictly forbidden when driving in Panama. This is important to remember because many tourists use their phones to navigate Panama City. So stay on the safe side of the law by having a passenger be the guide during your time in Panama City.
- Rush hour doesn’t last overly long in Panama City, but nonetheless it is definitely worth avoiding. Generally, drivers can expect the morning rush hour to begin shortly after 7:00 a.m. and to last until 9:00 a.m. The afternoon rush hour begins around 4:00 p.m. and winds down at around 6:00 p.m. during the work week. Calle 50 and Via España are two roads worth avoiding during rush hour, as they both can become quite bogged down.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Panama City for C$ 7 or less
- Book your rental car in Panama City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Panama City are around 262% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Mini rental cars in Panama City are around 60% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Panama City
What type of car is recommended for driving in Panama City?
Fortunately for travelers, all sizes of vehicles will be comfortable to drive on the roads of Panama City. SUVs, coupes, compacts, and sedans can all be found on the road here so travelers really have their pick. However, if you plan on exploring the older parts of the city by car, it may be worth renting a smaller vehicle as the streets can become a bit narrow at times.
What’s the speed limit in Panama City?
The speed limit in built-up areas and urban zones in Panama City typically ranges from 30 km/h (19 mph) to 50 km/h (31 mph). In towns and on local roads the speed limit goes up to 60 km/h (37 mph), while on highways the speed limit goes from 100 km/h (62 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Panama City?
Private parking garages and lots are reliable options for drivers who are sticking to the busier parts of town. In calmer areas such as residential districts, streetside parking is a more popular option. Drivers should note, though, that many businesses will have private parking lots and garages for their customers to use.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs C$ 12 per day.
Can I rent an automatic car in Panama City?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Panama City. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
How much is gas price in Panama City?
The average gas price in Panama City is C$ 5.92 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 71 and C$ 95, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Panama City?
Mini (Kia Picanto or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Panama City.
How can I find car rentals near me in Panama City?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Panama City?
A Mini car rental in Panama City costs C$ 8 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Panama City?
An Economy car rental in Panama City costs C$ 9 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Panama City?
A Standard car rental in Panama City costs C$ 10 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Panama City?
In Panama City, cars are most frequently rented at Firefly Tocumen Intl Airport (17 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs C$ 82 per week (C$ 12 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs C$ 352 per month (C$ 12 per day).
Which car rental companies in Panama City have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Panama City which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Avis, National and Europcar
Where can I rent a car in Panama City?
Major rental car companies like Budget, Enterprise, and Avis have offices in several locations within Panama City where you can rent your car of choice. Car rental offices located at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) are highly rated compared to those in any other location. Among travelers looking for cheap car rentals in Panama City, PTY is an ideal place for them to rent their preferred car.
Which events will disrupt your use of Panama City car rentals?
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival, which happens annually in March, causes notable disruptions to the city’s traffic. Unless it is necessary to come to the city and rent your car during this period, you can consider utilizing the cheap car rental in Panama before or after this festival.
Panama City car rental reviews and directory
Thrifty
5.5
Fair
49 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
5.1
7 locations in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jan. 2020
Pros:
Easy drop-offCons:
The insurance cost was outrageous (125% of the rental cost) and was not listed at the time of booking.2.0 Poor
Dec. 2019
Pros:
The insurance is a gimmick4.4 Mediocre
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Not frendly Was Trying to bill me a lot moreCons:
They don't accept American car insurance companys. That what i was told at the counter. By a ver rude woman. Wich wanted to charge me more 4 times the reservation price. Be careful with the tricks they use.5.6 Fair
Aug. 2019
Pros:
The clerk at check out was very friendly and helpful. The return process was very easy.Cons:
My only complaint is that the price I was originally quoted was $264.00 but the final cost ended up being $927.00. That is quite a difference!!5.2 Fair
May 2019
Pros:
Not really.Cons:
You offer me a price of 38 usd and I end up paying 262 usd for the same amount of days. Horrible.4.4 Mediocre
Mar. 2019
Pros:
Nothing in particular. They didn’t have a car ready so we waited almost an hour. Then we got the BS bait and switch with insurance. Quote on line did not indicate need for insurance, then agent would not release car unless we purchased insurance. Standard foreigner upcharge.Cons:
Have car available on time. Not engage in shady insurance push.Dollar
8.3
Very good
16 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
7.5
7 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2020
Cons:
Navigation options6.8 Okay
Mar. 2017
Cons:
I secured rental cost but upon my pickup agent stated in Panama I must purchase their insurance coverage to get the vehicle. Very disappointing not reading or finding the fine print anywhere to sign on to their high cost when my insurance has always covered my car rentals in the US.4.4 Mediocre
Mar. 2017
Pros:
Car was nice.Cons:
The rental price quadrupled when I went to pick the car up. A bunch of feed not listed on Kayak were added that quadrupled the rate I was quoted.2.0 Poor
Jan. 2017
Pros:
the initial transition was very pleasantCons:
While, having mechanical issues with the car, we still had to pay for it. I don't think. I'd use them again.3.6 Poor
Jan. 2017
Cons:
When we returned the car they noticed a very small chip in the windshield and said I would need to pay for a new windshield. My passenger says he noticed the chip when we drove off. When we picked up the car we watched the inspector go around it. He didn't look at the glass, and the chip is very hard to see from the outside. The visa charge is $600 - $700 above the rental but they have not sent me the detail of charges I requested. They haven't responded to my email. The phone number provided by Dollar corporate is out of service and they didn't pick up at the 800 number on the brochure. Dollar US says it isn't their problem because the Panama agency is independent.2.0 Poor
Dec. 2016
Cons:
The location at Panama City airport did not honor the reservation and I had to pay more than twice the reservation amountAce
8.2
Very good
19 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.0
3 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
8.4 Very good
Jan. 2020
Pros:
Amed, was super helpful, friendly, efficient, professional and went beyond the call of duty.3.6 Poor
Jun. 2018
Pros:
The personnel were nice and somewhat helpfulCons:
1.They didn't have the car I rented 2. They upcharged me for getting the car I rented. 3. The vehicle we rented had in excess of 50kmiles, was in poor mechanical condition, tires way beyond safe4. Looked like it had been in a war zone..5. A friend rented a similar car from Thrifty, with 12k miles, they replaced a tire prior to renting, the insurance was 200$ less for more time. 6. Today when I went to return the car, they said I was a day late and wanted me to pay an additional day.2.8 Poor
May 2018
Pros:
Ease of access, in-terminal pick-up and drop-offliCons:
Limited locations, limited and old fleet. Arrived to the terminal and was “upgraded” to a larger vehicle, but the car was not clean, the AC couldn’t be regulated, not even turned off, windshield wipers did not function, oh did I mention the car was 5 years old and a gas guzzler? Tried to find a location to change the car but there were only 3 locations, one of them I went to twice, the first time the only clerk working had left home early and the second time the clerk didn’t show up to work. In the end I was able to have the car changed but it’s just too much of a struggle to just get a descent vehicle from the start. Will not use this company again.2.0 Poor
Oct. 2017
Pros:
nothingCons:
everything,the attention,the waiting for nothing everything is so bad.9.6 Wonderful
Jul. 2017
Pros:
Francia remembered me from 3 months ago. She is better than frequent member plan. Hassle free no headache, better than the other companies, she provided a car with sufficient room for all my 6 suitcases.Cons:
Nothing2.0 Poor
Jul. 2017
Pros:
NothingCons:
Did not get car with Ace!Budget
8.1
Very good
20 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.8
5 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2020
Pros:
I tried several time to cancel the reservation by website and also by email and I didn't receive any confirmation about that.3.2 Poor
Nov. 2018
Cons:
Very poor customer service. Had car 1 day and it left me stranded. Clutch damage seems to be issue and agency wants to charge me for it. They also want to charge me for full rental and gas (which I was unable to fill because car broke down). Terrible customer service upon return. This was a terrible experience overall!10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2017
Pros:
Todo fue muy rápido. Muy buen servicio. El carro era nuevo con poco kilometraje. El servicio de entrega también fue muy rápido. Estoy complacido con el servicio de budget.4.4 Mediocre
Jan. 2017
Cons:
The road and signs are all in Spanish and the counter personal are not fluent in English. We unfortunateyl got lost and the rental agency tried their best to escort us to our hotel. Driving in Panama however was very dangerous and would not rent a car there ever again.7.6 Good
Jul. 2016
Pros:
The price was amazing at first, $4 per day and $9 for insurance.Cons:
The $9 insurance purchased through kayak was not recognized in Panama by budget and I was forced to buy insurance through Budget as well. The cheapest insurance was $18. It was still a good deal but I felt a little deceived by the price because the obligatory additional insurance was not mentioned as far as I know and the insurance I did by wasn't recognized by budget, so basically a waste of money turning a good deal into an average deal :(10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2023
National
6.1
Okay
7 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
5.6
6 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
7.2 Good
Feb. 2020
Pros:
The pickup/drop off could not have been any closer to the business, it was great.Cons:
Upfront pricing would have been appreciated. The price you get quoted is GREAT...come to find out it is not the case at all. It is actually 3/4 times more expensive (normal price for US rental). The quote is only for the car BUT you have to get insurance, from Panama (no third party insurance companies outside of country are accepted). So, what started off as a $81 total price for 5 days turned into a $240 price tag AND I had to cancel the third party insurance I purchased (still waiting for my reimbursement).2.0 Poor
Jun. 2019
Cons:
I was overcharged on the liability insurance, the disclosures on CarRentals.com the partner stated "PLI wo purchase of CDW- 12.00 USD Per Day" but I was charged 16 per day, I asked to be given the rate I was promised but they kindly refused, contract No 50440144.4 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Cons:
I was deceived by the price of the rental and was assured by national that there were no hidden costs. I enended up paying 300 dollars in hidden costs once I got to my destination.10.0 Wonderful
Feb. 2018
Pros:
It was almost like renting in the USACons:
At Tocumen it took about 20 minutes to drop off the car, a process that takes 2-3 minutes at home (or less)2.0 Poor
Jan. 2022
Alamo
5.6
Fair
26 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
5.0
6 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
7.6 Good
Aug. 2020
Pros:
The staff once in the office were very friendly and efficientCons:
The pick up line was very long. Waited ~60 min outside before seeing an agent The car had sand on the rig like it had just been to a beach.2.0 Poor
Nov. 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly but reservation is not available when booked the same day. I was quoted a different price on Kayak and at the counter was 15x higher. Total BS7.2 Good
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Took the midsized SUV. Toyota. For going up in the mountains. Had a gutless engine, smaller than the sedan. Had to put it in 1st and redline the tac to go up paved roads.2.0 Poor
Aug. 2019
Pros:
They have different rules in Panama then they charge you a whole different amount on the rentalCons:
It would have been better if your website wouldn’t false advertise the rental terms and conditions6.8 Okay
Jun. 2019
Cons:
There was hidden cost not disclosed to us when we reserved the car online. We were only made aware of this hidden cost (mandatory insurance) when we picked up the car at the airport. The price to rent the car more than doubled the price we were quoted at the time we reserved it online.4.4 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Cons:
We returned the car after one day with a barely noticeable chip in in the paint at the bottom of the front bumper - probably from a small rock that kicked up in the road. They charged us $125 for the “damage we caused”.Avis
4.5
Mediocre
17 reviewsCleanliness
5.5
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.3
Value for money
4.6
4 locations in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Pros:
They refused the type of car that we had booked. Then tried to oversell the insurance - told us that the insurance we bought did not meet "mandatory" requirements. And finally proceeded to charge a $10,000.00 deposit on our credit card!Cons:
Honesty would be helpful.4.8 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Pros:
Staff nice.Cons:
Had no idea I would need a 10000 deposit if I used my own insurance coverage- giving a company jn a foreign country 10k wasn’t going to happen so we ended up buying the local insurance which doubled the cost I had planned to use- a huge shocker!!!2.4 Poor
Mar. 2019
Pros:
Staff at the drop of was friendly.Cons:
I made a reservation for a 7 passengers vehicle and they didn't have it, they wanted me to take a 4 passengers instead. Finally they ended giving me an old, dirty and not in the best of shape minivan. They told me that I have to call them if I want to ensure to get the right vehicle.2.0 Poor
Mar. 2019
Cons:
Your cars in panama or un rentable the two insurance fees are very high and they reluctantly wanted to honor the reservation the USA and requested a hold on my AMX card for $10,000.00 just because I have my own insurance coverage you may need to address that problem sometimes people do not Compla4.4 Mediocre
Feb. 2019
Pros:
MediocreCons:
The car you show in the reservation doesn't have in Panama.They give to me smallest car and refuse to honored the real size of rent for upgrade. Is my first and the last time I will rent with AVIS.2.0 Poor
Mar. 2017
Cons:
Went to pick up the rental and was told it was not available, highly disappointed!Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3.3
Poor
3 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.9
Value for money
4.6
4 locations in Panama City
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
Professional Staff. Car was ready on arrival. Easy pick up and drop off. Clean vehicle.Cons:
Mechanical issues with vehicle. For some bizarre reason the outside of the windshield remained fogged up on humid and rainy days. Always had to have the windshield wipers on. Electrical issues with the infotainment center and fuel gage. After fill up gage would show about 85% full, after driving through about a quarter tank of gas the gauge would show full. 25% markup on tolls using the E-pass. Wanted to charge me Collision Insurance, but I declined because I was covered by my credit card, so they applied a different insurance that costs the same.2.0 Poor
Jun. 2023
1.9 Poor
Jul. 2021
Hertz
3.1
Poor
8 reviewsCleanliness
5.2
Comfort
4.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.2
Value for money
2.0
6 locations in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2022
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2019
Pros:
They did not have a single car to honor my reservationCons:
Synchronize the Kayak reservations with the internal system. So that they don’t offer for lease what they don’t have5.6 Fair
Dec. 2019
Cons:
The mendetory insurance was added at the airport and we not listed when we reserved the car. We ended up paying +100%2.0 Poor
Jan. 2017
Pros:
Kayak quoted 130 dollars, when I got to hertz the charge was over 500 dollars. I was in Panama as a volunteer translator for a small ngo, I was going to pick up the rental, buyback once the price hike occurred, I told the ngo that they would have to pay for the rental. They agreed. If the difference was fifty/sixty dollars, no problem, but the difference in price was over 400 dollars. Very upset and disappointed in that2.0 Poor
Apr. 2023
2.0 Poor
Jan. 2023
Europcar
3.1
Poor
5 reviewsCleanliness
3.9
Comfort
3.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.1
Value for money
3.1
One location in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
They dont have cars at the airport and dont pick up at the location. No buses, no transportation. We had take an Uber to get to the site but by the time we came - our car was not even ready. There is no cancellation policy or any service at all. 0 attention to a client.2.0 Poor
Jul. 2023
1.9 Poor
Aug. 2021
Sixt
2.8
Poor
15 reviewsCleanliness
3.0
Comfort
2.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.0
Value for money
3.0
5 locations in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2019
Pros:
It was terrible. I booked and arrived to the location to be told that the car was not available and that they had sent me an email. The email had arrived minutes before the rental time! And the cost of the taxi to the rental location? And the time lost in a vacation? Do not trust the cars the rental agencies indicate are available, same thing happened in Hertz at the Panama Airport, I arrive and they indicated that hopefully a client would return the car at the time I had booked the car, of course it never arrived.2.0 Poor
Dec. 2018
Cons:
No nos advirtieron del costo del seguro "dicen que obligatorio"que era 8 veces mas que lo wue ibamos a pagar por el alquiler6.8 Okay
May 2017
Pros:
El carro es muy nuevo y son excelentes modelosCons:
Al hacer el check in y retirar el vehiculo nos dicen que se tiene que pagar seguros y otros costos que deberian de incluirse en la reserva que se hace en Kayak, es molesto porque nunca tienes un precio real de lo que te costara la renta hasta que llegas a retirar el carro, querian hacerme una reserva de $5000 si no agarraba el seguro que ellos querian y eso es ridiculo que se respalden con ese monto cuando las rentadoras tienen sus propios seguros y no deben cargarle ese tipo de costos al cliente8.4 Very good
Mar. 2017
Pros:
The friendliness of the agent at the rental car desk. She was helpful and didn't try to push unnecessary extras. Our three day rental was $33; with the added taxes and fees, the final price was $129. I only went with the mandatory insurance and waived the $7/day fee for tolls. When we returned the car, we paid for the tolls that were charged during our trip (in Panama, the toll booths are automated like smartpass).Cons:
The wait for pickup was long because there was only one agent working.10.0 Wonderful
Mar. 2017
Pros:
News card and great service. I will rent again at Sixt6.0 Okay
Feb. 2017
Pros:
Older model cAr, but in good shape, plenty of roomCons:
The extra charges, did not wanted to take my coverage from my platinum credit card or from Amex, forced me to take their own Insurrance or would not rent the car, separate Insurrance for collision, Insurrance for tires, Insurrance for windshield, etc. From 12 dollars a day went up to 65 dollars, not what you expectEconomy Rent a Car
2.0
Poor
2 reviewsCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
One location in Panama City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar. 2022
2.0 Poor
Jan. 2022
3 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Panama City
Locations in Panama City
Avenida Balboa
+507 6282 7456
Hotel Riande Aeropuerto, Ave Domingo Diaz
+507 6282 7456