How to find a cheap car hire deal in Balboa (BLB)
Just got off the plane? Grab a cheap Balboa rental car and start your adventure for around R 1,728 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
The cheapest daily rental price at Balboa is R 94.
Planning a longer trip to Panama City and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 652 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To get the cheapest price, book your BLB car hire around one week in advance.
Find your perfect ride with Sixt, Dollar or Thrifty, some of the most trusted providers at Balboa.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Balboa car hire policy, whether you go with Sixt or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in BLB. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can lock in some great one-way prices.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Balboa with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 498 a day.
Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 729.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 908 a day.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Large rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car at BLB.
Compare car hire types from Balboa (BLB)
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Balboa rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this BLB car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Balboa takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different BLB car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Balboa by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Panama.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a child car seat to your BLB car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Panama.
Local speed limits are usually about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In Panama, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've collected the keys to your BLB car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central Panama City, it'll take you around 10 minutes to cover the 6 kilometres or so northeast.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Balboa to the centre to take up to 25 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You can also pick up a car hire in Panama City. If you don't need a ride as soon as you land, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
For even more variety, explore the car hire options at Panama City Tocumen International. This airport also serves Panama City.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Balboa (BLB)
Before leaving town, get in some sightseeing around Panama City first. Top attractions like Casco Viejo and Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan) are a great opening act for your trip.
Around 56 kilometres northwest of BLB, Colon deserves a place on your itinerary. Tick off must-see sights like Agua Clara Locks and Catedral Inmaculada Concepcion.
Alternatively, drive over to La Chorrera in your Balboa car hire. It's about 21 kilometres west of the airport and packs in attractions like La Esquina Real Hortencio De Icaza.
Looking to cover more ground? Pocrí is a popular road trip destination that's around 129 kilometres southwest of BLB. Stella Sierra Regional Museum and Parador Fotográfico | Aguadulce are ideal pit stops.
