Car Rental in Panama

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1000+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest car rental rates

Downtown
Economy
Kia Rio or similar
Kia Rio
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Ace Rent a car
PLN 49.08 per day
Panama Pacifico International Airport
Compact
Hyundai Solaris or similar
Hyundai Solaris
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Automarket Rent a Car
PLN 53.15 per day
Enrique Malek Airport
Intermediate
Toyota Yaris Sedan or similar
Toyota Yaris Sedan
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Firefly
PLN 70.59 per day

Most popular car rental deals

Hotel Continental
Standard
Hyundai Accent or similar
Hyundai Accent
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
PLN 84.59 per day
Downtown
Full-size
Hyundai Elantra or similar
Hyundai Elantra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
PLN 136.64 per day
Downtown
Premium
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
PLN 169.05 per day
Downtown
Luxury
Kia Optima or similar
Kia Optima
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
PLN 192.00 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:59 AM on 7/3/25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel information

Languages
Spanish, English
Currency
PAB
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+507
Average car rental price
PLN 101 per day
Average car rental length
9 days
Speed limit within town
40 - 60 km/h or 25 - 37 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 km/h or 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.3 / 10
Average gas price
PLN 3.31 per liter or PLN 12.55 per gallon
Lowest gas price
PLN 3.13 per liter or PLN 11.87 per gallon
Highest gas price
PLN 4.22 per liter or PLN 15.96 per gallon

Why rent a car in Panama?

Panama, conecting Central and Sotuh America between Costa Rica and Colombia, is a great destination, particlarly if you have a car to get around. The country has coastline on both the Carribean Sea and the Pacific Ocean that offers fun and relaxation and mountains and jubgles in its interior. For more information on traveling in Panama and beyond, check out As We Saw It.

 

Before you set off on a trip around the gorgouse country, here are some important things you need to know about driving in Panama:

  • The speed limit in residential areas is 30 km/h (18 mph) and on highways, it can range from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph). Pay attention on the highways, because the speed limit can change quickly.

  • Panama has four main expressways, and all of them are toll roads. To use these toll roads, you will need to have a prepaid Panapass, so make sure to have a toll pass with you if you plan on driving on these roads. Cash is not accepted.

  • Traffic can be congested in some areas, especially during rush hour. It is best to avoid driving during these times if possible.

  • Panama has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will face serious consequences.

  • Parking can be a challenge in some areas, especially in Panama City. Look for designated parking spots or parking garages to avoid getting towed or fined.

  • Some streets in Panama City are designated as "no parking" zones during certain times of the day. Make sure to check the signs before parking your vehicle.

  • In some areas, it is common for people to double park, but this is not recommended as it can block traffic and you may receive a fine.

  • Find more details about what you need to know about driving in Panama here.

 

Top cities and places to visit

Panama is a beautiful country with many different things to see and do, such as tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and busy cities. Here are some of the top places to visit in Panama:

  • Panama City. The vibrant capital city offers both modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks like Panama Viejo. Watch ships pass through the nearby Panama Canal, stroll through Casco Viejo, or drive to the Amador Causeway for fantastic views of the city skyline.
  • Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is a feat of engineering that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is one of the most famous places in Panama.
  • Soberania National Park. A vast tropical rainforest located just outside of Panama City, Soberania National Park is a great place to go birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • Fort San Lorenzo. Overlooking the Caribbean, this historic fortress was a key defense post during colonial times. Explore the ruins, learn about the history of the fort, and take in the beautiful views. There’s also a nearby beach.
  • El Valle de Anton. El Valle de Anton is a lovely mountain town that is two hours west of Panama City and encircled by lush forests and waterfalls. Take a dip in the natural hot springs or hike to the top of the nearby Cerro Gaital for panoramic views.
  • Boquete. Located in Panama’s western highlands, Boquete is a popular expat community and a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Go hiking in the lush cloud forests, visit the coffee plantations, or soak in the hot springs.
  • Bocas del Toro. This group of islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. Keep in mind that you can only drive as far as Almirante, and then you'll need to take a boat to the islands. Go snorkeling, surfing, or simply relax on the beach.

Crossing borders

It is impossible to drive to Colombia from Panama, as there are no roads through the Darien Gap’s dense jungle. Though you could drive to Costa Rica, no rental company allows their vehicles to be taken there from Panama. 

Toll roads

Panama has four main expressways, and all of them are toll roads. To use these toll roads, you will need to have a prepaid Panapass, so make sure to have a toll pass with you if you plan on driving on these roads. Cash is not accepted.

Rental companies may offer you this toll pass, though expect to be charged an additional fee on top of the costs of the tolls.

Car rental prices

  • Large cars - from PLN 55 per day
  • Medium cars - from PLN 53 per day
  • Vans - from PLN 184 per day
  • Premium cars - from PLN 91 per day
  • Small cars - from PLN 49 per day
  • SUVs - from PLN 79 per day
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.
Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Linda from As We Saw It
This article was reviewed and updated by Linda, a seasoned traveler. She is the founder of As We Saw It, a travel blog full of itineraries, travel tips, and cultural experiences to enjoy all over the world. With over 50 countries under her belt, Linda has lived in Panama and has first-hand experience driving around the country.

Map of car rental locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Panama?

The cost of renting a car in Panama varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day in Panama
PLN 118.40
January
PLN 121.84
February
PLN 99.99
March
PLN 94.01
April
PLN 80.98
May
PLN 73.81
June
PLN 95.36
July
PLN 110.47
August
PLN 93.75
September
PLN 103.13
October
PLN 89.76
November
PLN 128.62
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Panama is June — when rental costs average PLN 73.81 per day. This is 27% cheaper than the yearly average and 43% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average PLN 128.62 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the average rental length in Panama?

How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in February — an average of 12 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in May — an average of 8 days.
Average number of rental days in Panama
11
January
12
February
9
March
10
April
8
May
10
June
11
July
8
August
9
September
8
October
10
November
9
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Panama?

Based on how many customers search for a car in Panama, the most popular month is April, while the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Panama by pick-up date relative to the average
121%
January
115%
February
125%
March
160%
April
69%
May
86%
June
118%
July
92%
August
51%
September
63%
October
83%
November
115%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 27
Airport locations 6
Popular suppliers Automarket Rent a Car, Thrifty, National, Alamo, Hertz
Popular car categories SUVs, Small cars, Large cars, Medium cars
Lowest price PLN 49 per day
Cheapest supplier Ace Rent a car

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Automarket Rent a Car Hyundai Venue 5 2 SUVs
Automarket Rent a Car Hyundai Grand i10 4 2 Small cars
Thrifty Kia Picanto 4 1 Small cars
Automarket Rent a Car Hyundai Solaris 4 2 Small cars
Automarket Rent a Car Toyota RAV4 5 3 SUVs
Thrifty Kia Rio 4 2 Large cars
Alamo Kia Picanto 4 1 Small cars
Automarket Rent a Car Toyota Hilux 4 3 SUVs
Thrifty Kia Carnival 4 3 Vans
Thrifty Hyundai Venue 5 2 SUVs

Our customers' reviews

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.

Slovenia
Nissan Versa
5/7/25
Photo by DAVID T. about renting a Nissan Versa in Panama (5/7/25)
Hungary
Hyundai Venue
1/17/25
Panama is amazing. Wildlife is beyond fantastic - both on land and in the sea. Cuisine is not spectacular. People are nice, but the biggest highlight is clearly nature there.
United States of America (USA)
Kia Carnival
12/30/24
Photo by Digna R. about renting a Kia Carnival in Panama (12/30/24)
United States of America (USA)
Suzuki Jimny
5/15/24
Driving to the beach
Photo by Thomas K. about renting a Suzuki Jimny in Panama (5/15/24)
United States of America (USA)
Suzuki Grand Vitara
2/23/24
It rains a lot.
United States of America (USA)
Toyota RAV4
9/22/23
Nature, restaurants., hotels.
Photo by Miguel M. about renting a Toyota RAV4 in Panama (9/22/23)
United States of America (USA)
Mitsubishi Montero
9/8/23
Playa Venao was awesome ,great restaurants on site near my resort Blue Venao Surfing and food was top notch People of Panama overall very welcoming
Photo 1 by Janette M. about renting a Mitsubishi Montero in Panama (9/8/23) Photo 2 by Janette M. about renting a Mitsubishi Montero in Panama (9/8/23) Photo 3 by Janette M. about renting a Mitsubishi Montero in Panama (9/8/23) Photo 4 by Janette M. about renting a Mitsubishi Montero in Panama (9/8/23)
Switzerland
Kia Carnival
4/25/23
Lots to see in Panama and easy to drive around (save for some road conditions and the omnipresent radar cameras checking for speeders). Takes about 8 hours to drive from Panama City to Boquete. A high clearance vehicle is recommended if going outside the cities on many roads.
Canada
Kia Forte
3/24/23
I’m very happy to visit my relatives
Canada
Kia Rio
1/12/23
Very serene and laid back and enjoyable

Car rental statistics

Highest-rated company
Hertz
8.7 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
SIXT
5.7 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
27
Total rental companies
17
Average daily price
PLN 100.88
Lowest daily price
PLN 49.08
Total cars available
1240

Top 17 suppliers in Panama in 2025

Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.7 / 26 reviews
11 locations
PLN 83 - PLN 225
Automarket Rent a Car
Automarket Rent a Car
Very good 8.4 / 149 reviews
14 locations
PLN 53 - PLN 319
Flexways
Flexways
Very good 8.3 / 24 reviews
2 locations
PLN 53 - PLN 319
Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.2 / 1 review
7 locations
PLN 121 - PLN 830
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8.1 / 124 reviews
11 locations
PLN 73 - PLN 168
FOX
FOX
Very good 8.1 / 0 reviews
3 locations
PLN 73 - PLN 168
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Very good 8 / 1 review
2 locations
PLN 105 - PLN 265
National
National
Average 7.6 / 17 reviews
9 locations
PLN 122 - PLN 813
Budget
Budget
Average 7.2 / 30 reviews
10 locations
PLN 144 - PLN 373
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Below average 6.9 / 8 reviews
1 location
PLN 125 - PLN 233
Firefly
Firefly
Below average 6.7 / 14 reviews
4 locations
PLN 65 - PLN 136
Alamo
Alamo
Below average 6.7 / 29 reviews
10 locations
PLN 119 - PLN 789
Avis
Avis
Below average 6.5 / 35 reviews
8 locations
PLN 79 - PLN 681
Europcar
Europcar
Below average 6.3 / 32 reviews
4 locations
PLN 80 - PLN 344
Ace Rent a car
Ace Rent a car
Below average 6 / 36 reviews
6 locations
PLN 49 - PLN 551
MEX RENT A CAR
MEX RENT A CAR
Below average 6 / 18 reviews
1 location
PLN 140 - PLN 323
SIXT
SIXT
Poor 5.7 / 46 reviews
6 locations
PLN 52 - PLN 1,149
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