Car hire in Panama

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Panama car hire at a glance

Most popular providerAutomarket Rent a Car
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, 4-5 doors
Pick-up points
Cheapest price found
Cheapest month to rentJune
Best time to book1 week before
To give you an idea of how much renting a car in Panama could cost, we've pulled prices from Panama City.

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Cities in Panama

Take a look at the different cities in Panama you can set off from. You could find a great price somewhere less travelled.

Find the cheapest time to hire a car in Panama

The cheapest month to rent a car in Panama is June, when the average cost per day is ₹ 2,125. If that doesn’t work for you, the second cheapest month is October, when the average cost per day is ₹ 2,583. Keep in mind when you’re looking to book, that the most expensive month to rent a car in Panama is February.
To give you an idea of how much renting a car in Panama could cost, we've pulled prices from Panama City.

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Getting the cheapest car rental in Panama

Here are some tips to help you bag the best prices, and hit the road for less.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Panama

Finding an affordable car hire deal in Panama becomes easy with us. We have the same technology that powers our flight search to help you explore cheap rental options. Compare a range of rentals based on price, pickup ease, fuel policy and more. Planning to visit Panama City, Colón, or David? You’re covered with 11 convenient pickup points, with Panama City as the top choice. Enjoy the flexibility of deals that can be amended or cancelled if your plans change.

Panama's most popular car hire companies

When considering car hire options in Panama, you have a solid selection of providers to choose from. Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Thrifty, and National are available for your car rental needs. These providers offer a variety of car types, ensuring suitability for different travel purposes. Small cars can be a cost-effective choice for city driving, while larger vehicles offer additional space and flexibility for different road conditions.

What are the speed limits in Panama?

In Panama, speed limits vary depending on your location. When on the highway, expect to drive between 60 to 100 km/h. However, within bustling cities, the speed drops to a cautious 25 to 30 km/h. Always watch for posted signs, as they guide you through changing speed zones.

Popular driving trips in Panama

Explore Panama's renowned driving routes that offer rich experiences for travellers. Start from Panama City and head to Boquete along the Pan-American Highway, visiting Casco Viejo and the iconic Panama Canal. Enjoy stops at Pacific beaches before reaching Boquete to explore coffee plantations and activities like hiking and zip-lining.

For a different adventure, drive west from Panama City towards Almirante, then take a water taxi to Bocas del Toro. This journey includes Bocas del Toro's beaches and rainforests, with island-hopping and water sports.

Consider the Panama City to San Blas Islands route by driving east along the Caribbean coast. Experience the coastline's beauty, ending with a boat transfer to the San Blas Islands for snorkeling and diving opportunities.

What you'll need to hire a car in Panama

To hire a car in Panama, ensure you're at least 21 years old. This is crucial, as the legal driving age is 18, but rental companies set a minimum age requirement. Remember to bring a valid driving licence, preferably an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't in Spanish. You’ll drive on the right side here, so adjusting to local traffic norms is essential. Confirm with your provider if additional documentation or fees for young drivers apply.


Car hire in Panama: FAQs

You will need insurance to rent a car in Panama, but you wont necessarily need ‘extra’ insurance. Different car hire companies offer different insurance policies, so make sure you look at the details when you pick a deal.
To rent a car with most companies in Panama you need to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have extra fees to pay if you are under 25 years old, so make sure you check before you book.
Our travellers best rated car hire company in Panama is Sixt. You can rent a car with them for ₹ 6,467 on average per day.

If you want to learn more about Sixt, you can dig deeper here.
The types of documents you’ll need to rent a car in Panama depend on the car rental company you go with. But in general, you will need a valid drivers license, ID and passport. Once you’ve booked car hire in Panama, you can easily get in touch with your chosen provider to find out.
It’s easy to hire a car in Panama. First, you need to decide where in Panama you want to pick up your car from.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, simply enter your dates and search for the best deal for you. Once you’ve found your deal, you’ll be redirected to the provider to book with no extra fees.
You can rent a car for as long as you like, depending on availability. If you know what dates you’re needing wheels for, start searching with Skyscanner today.
You may need a credit card to rent a car in Panama. It all depends on which car hire company you choose.
It depends where in Panama you want to visit. The most popular place to go is Panama City. On average, it costs ₹ 2,449 per day to rent a car there. The cheapest price we could find is ₹ 658 per day.