Panama City Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Panama City

Renting a car in Panama City provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families or those travelling with luggage, as it allows for easy management of your belongings while enjoying a comfortable travel experience. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Avenida Balboa and Amador Causeway, both ideal for city and cultural experiences. You can also explore Cinta Costera, a lovely urban park perfect for family outings and outdoor activities.

In addition to these attractions, a car enables you to discover popular neighbourhoods like Casco Viejo, which features the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and Independence Square, or Bella Vista, known for its vibrant atmosphere along Via Espana. El Cangrejo is another area worth visiting, offering a mix of dining and shopping experiences. With a rental car, you can create flexible travel plans without relying on public transport, making it easier to enjoy all that Panama City has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Panama City

• Fullsize SUV: The Fullsize SUV is a top choice for families and groups, accommodating up to 6 travellers along with ample luggage space for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who need extra room for both passengers and belongings, making it ideal for a comfortable and spacious travel experience around Panama City.
• Economy: The Economy car is a practical option, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This type is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or small families looking for an efficient vehicle to explore Panama City. It provides a balance of comfort and affordability, allowing you to navigate the city with ease.
• Compact: The Compact car offers a convenient choice for up to 5 travellers, with the capacity to carry 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers and couples seeking a smaller, more manageable vehicle for city driving. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate and park in urban settings while still providing sufficient space for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Panama City

• Budget: With a rental location in the heart of Panama City, Budget provides a convenient option for travellers seeking flexibility. Ideal for navigating the city, their most popular vehicles include Compact and Midsize SUVs, perfect for families or groups needing extra space. Known for offering great value, Budget allows you to manage your luggage easily and explore the attractions at your own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt also boasts a rental location in Panama City, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient service. Their most booked vehicle is the Midsize car, which offers a balance of comfort and performance, ideal for city driving as well as longer trips. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Sixt ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to make the most of your time in Panama.

Where to stay in Panama City

• Casco Viejo: This historic neighbourhood offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. It features key attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and the Interoceanic Canal Museum, both within a short distance. With a vibrant shopping area and appealing local bars and cafes, Casco Viejo ensures a lively atmosphere for visitors. A leisurely stroll can also lead you to the scenic Independence Square, perfect for soaking in the local culture and history.
• Bella Vista: Known for its vibrant city life, Bella Vista is a great choice for families and business travellers alike. With proximity to popular shopping centres and malls, it caters to those who enjoy retail therapy. Key points of interest include Via Espana and Avenida Balboa, both offering a taste of the city's lively street life. The Cinta Costera urban park provides a refreshing escape with its beautiful outdoor spaces, ideal for relaxation or recreation.
• Calidonia: This dynamic neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a blend of family activities and urban exploration. Calidonia features convenient shopping areas and centres, making it a practical choice for visitors. Important attractions include Avenida Balboa and Via Espana, both showcasing the vibrant local culture. The nearby Cinta Costera urban park serves as a delightful outdoor venue for families, further enhancing the appeal of this lively area.

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 specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance is likely to yield lower prices and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to hire and easier to park 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most beneficial option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 provides peace of mind should the unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long 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 licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Panama City

The best value period for renting a car in and around Panama City is August, when prices are moderately low and demand is also low. July and May can also be good options, featuring similar low demand and prices. In contrast, December tends to be the most expensive month with high demand, alongside January and February, which are also notably busy and pricier. March follows closely with moderately high prices and consistent demand, making it a less ideal choice for budget-conscious renters.

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	Moderately 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	Moderately Low
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	Moderately Low
August	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
September	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
October	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
November	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High