Car hire in Panama City, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Panama City

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Panama City car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Panama City pick-up location

There are 15 car hire locations in Panama City. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Panama City

Hiring a car in Panama City: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carFullsize, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,133
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Panama City

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Panama City car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Panama City

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Panama City? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,137 a day, we compare the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and drive away happy.

  • Leave high costs in the dust by reserving your ride in December. With average daily rates of R 798, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Panama City.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Panama City. Book around one week before you travel to score the best prices.

  • Rent your wheels from Hertz, Enterprise or Avis. These are some of the most well-known providers offering car hire deals in Panama City.

  • Whether you go with Hertz or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Panama City car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.

  • Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Panama City.

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a car hire in Panama City with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.

  • Consider picking up one of the car rentals in Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport if you're arriving by plane. You can skip public transport or cab lines and start discovering Panama City straight away.

Compare car hire types in Panama City

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Panama City may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Panama City car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Panama City makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Panama City car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Make driving easier when you rent a car in Panama City by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always check the policies before confirming your booking.

  • Add a car seat to your Panama City car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Panama City

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Panama City will set you back around R 1,133 per day or R 3,942 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Panama City is a compact SUV. The most popular is Fullsize, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Panama City is currently December.
On average, around R 3,942. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Panama City is R 3,862.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Panama City for a whole month is R 29,677. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Panama City, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Panama City that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Panama City.
Most places – Panama City included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 695 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,062.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, National and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Dollar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Panama City.