Car rental in Panama

If you're looking for car rental in Panama, look no further. We offer a wide range of vehicles for rent from 4x4s to city run arounds and family estates.

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Panama City Airport Tocumen

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Why Rent a Car in Panama?

 

Panama has a growing public transport network, but it’s often not well-connected to rural or recreational areas. A rental car is your best option if you want to:

Discover less-touristy beaches like Playa Venao, Santa Catalina, or Las Lajas

Visit volcanic highlands like Boquete, Cerro Punta, or El Valle de Antón

Drive scenic mountain routes between David and the Chiriquí Highlands

Take spontaneous stops at roadside restaurants, markets, or jungle lookouts

Explore at your own pace without relying on group tours or bus schedules

With modern highways, bilingual road signs, and a relatively small landmass, Panama is an ideal country for a self-guided road trip.

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Travel Destinations by Car in Panama

 

Panama is a country made for road trips. With its compact geography, scenic diversity, and growing network of highways, you can easily go from urban skyline to rainforest, beachfront to highlands, or Pacific to Caribbean coast — all in just a few hours. Renting a car gives travelers the freedom to explore at their own pace, making even lesser-known destinations accessible and rewarding.

From Panama City, one of the most popular drives is west along the Pan-American Highway to El Valle de Antón. Nestled inside an ancient volcanic crater, El Valle is just over 2 hours away and offers hiking trails, waterfalls, thermal springs, and a vibrant Sunday craft market — perfect for a scenic day trip or weekend getaway.

Further west, about 5 hours from the capital, lies Boquete, a charming mountain town in the Chiriquí Highlands. Famous for its coffee farms, cloud forests, and cool temperatures, Boquete is a favorite for hikers and nature lovers. En route, you can overnight in Santiago or stop in Las Lajas, a quiet beach town ideal for relaxing before heading into the hills.

If beach time is your goal, a drive to Playa Santa Clara, Playa Venao, or Santa Catalina on the Pacific coast is well worth the journey. These areas offer excellent surf, uncrowded sands, and boutique hotels — most within 3 to 5 hours of Panama City. A 4x4 vehicle is especially helpful for the final stretches to these remote beach towns.

On the Caribbean side, the Portobelo and Isla Grande region can be reached in just 2.5 hours. Along the way, enjoy scenic coastal drives, fortress ruins, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine. For those with more time, heading north to Colón and arranging a car ferry or transfer to Bocas del Toro (with rental handover in Almirante) opens access to one of the country’s most stunning island archipelagos.

Shorter trips from Panama City include a drive to Gamboa, home to sloth sanctuaries and canal boat tours, or to Taboga Island, where you can drive to the ferry terminal and enjoy a peaceful island day trip.

With your own vehicle, you can design an itinerary that moves beyond the tourist hubs, uncovering waterfalls, roadside markets, mountain cafés, and protected nature reserves that buses can’t reach. Whether you’re in Panama for a few days or several weeks, driving gives you the key to experience its real, varied, and unforgettable landscapes.

Driving a rental car in Panama – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Panama?

Not if your driver’s license is in the Roman alphabet and you're staying less than 90 days. Just bring your home license and passport.

Is it safe to drive in Panama?

Yes, especially during daylight. Just drive defensively in Panama City and be cautious on mountain or rural roads, especially during the rainy season.

What side of the road do people drive on?

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, like in the U.S. and mainland Europe.

Are there toll roads in Panama?

Yes — mainly the Corredor Norte and Corredor Sur in Panama City. You’ll need a prepaid Panapass tag, which most rental companies provide.

Is night driving safe in Panama?

Avoid it outside cities. Poor lighting, animals on the road, or sudden potholes make night driving risky in rural areas.