Panama City Beach car hire information
| Pick-up location | Panama City Beach |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 6 |
| Airport locations | 2 |
Cheap car hire in Panama City Beach
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car in Panama City Beach
- Nestled along the Florida panhandle, Panama City Beach is a long, narrow strip that stretches over 13 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Having a vehicle during your visit gives you greater access to key areas, autonomy, and reduced commuting time. While the city does operate the Bay Town Trolley, the trolley has either limited or no service on holidays and doesn’t operate on Sundays or late at night. Panama City Beach car rentals ensure that you’re not restricted by public transportation and that you have the flexibility to travel on your schedule.
- If you’ve secured a car rental in Panama City Beach, you can collect it at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (PFN). At the airport, there are several rental car companies present, including Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, to name a few. Desks for the rental companies can be found on the right and left of the terminal as you exit the building. The parking garage is directly outside across the West Bay Parkway.
- When heeding navigation guidance in Panama City Beach from your rental car’s GPS, you’ll want to have a clear sense of the major expressways. Two primary roads run along the coast of Panama City Beach: Old State Route 30, which is also known as Front Beach Road, and US Highway 98, which is also known as the Panama City Beach Parkway and sometimes referred to as State Road 30-A. Both Front Beach Road and the Panama City Beach Parkway run east and west across the island area and both connect Panama City Beach with Panama City. Take care to yield to pedestrians along the Front Beach Road, as it’s an active crossing for beachgoers.
- Since car rentals in Panama City Beach are a great way to access various parts of the beach-side town, rentals tend to be a popular option. There are only two major roadways and the streets can become quite congested, particularly around rush hours, between 6:30 am and 8:30 am, and 4 pm and 6pm. During peak vacation times, like holidays and Spring Break, if you’re visiting spots in Panama City Beach, you may want to aim to get to your destination earlier in the day, before the traffic gets too heavy and parking spots fill up. During off-peak seasons, like mid-autumn, you’ll find less crowding.
- Book your car hire in Panama City Beach at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini car hire in Panama City Beach are around -26% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Panama City Beach
What type of car is recommended for driving in Panama City Beach?
Since Panama City Beach is tailor-designed for outdoor adventure and sun, you may find that SUVs are suitable for your trip, since they tend to offer additional cargo space and legroom. However, if a convertible is an available option, you may want to rent one to soak up some more sun along with your drives.
What’s the speed limit in Panama City Beach?
Across the United States, drivers can expect residential areas to have speed limits anywhere around 25mph to 35mph, and the same is true in Panama City Beach. You can expect Front Beach Road to have an average speed limit of about 40mph and, because Panama City Beach Parkway is a highway, you can expect the speed limit to be between about 55mph and 65mph.
Where are the best places to park in Panama City Beach?
There are several parking lots along Front Beach Road that provide direct access to the beaches. The variant lots offer various levels of accommodations—on the far east of Panama City Beach, you’ll find smaller lots that have free parking, but no restrooms. For more amenities, try close to Shalimar Beach, where you’ll find larger parking lots with well-maintained restrooms, or by public beach access #64, where you’ll find wooden steps and walkways available to improve accessibility. These spots are also free.
How much is the price of fuel in Panama City Beach?
The average price of fuel in Panama City Beach is R77,52 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R930 and R1 240, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Panama City Beach?
Mini (Nissan Quest or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Panama City Beach.
How can I find car hires near me in Panama City Beach?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Panama City Beach?
A Mini car hire in Panama City Beach costs R1 737 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Panama City Beach?
An Economy car hire in Panama City Beach costs R1 196 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Panama City Beach?
A Standard car hire in Panama City Beach costs R1 198 per day, on average.
Panama City Beach car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,4
Good
71 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.2
4 locations in Panama City Beach
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Fast and friendlyCons:
Price8,8 Very Good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful.Cons:
Information on how to drop off2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
Did bot have the car promised 3 times, substitute was not workable due to a seat maintenance problem but they tried to rent it to me anyway6,4 Okay
Jun 2020
Pros:
The staff was great. No issues with pick up and drop box was fairly straight forward.Cons:
The car smelled heavily of smoke when we got it. The power steering was making odd noises (may require additional power steering fluid). The right rear tire gave a lower pressure warning after having the car for a few hours. No issues after filling it up so didn't appear to be a structural issue.8,4 Very Good
Feb 2020
Pros:
Great location and staff. Especially Jessica Scott. She was wonderful helping set up my rental.Cons:
They even offered me a ride after I dropped the car off.... nothing could have been better.9,6 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly, drop off very quickCons:
NothingHertz
5,0
Fair
41 reviewsCleanliness
5.7
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
4.9
2 locations in Panama City Beach
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Reviews
6,0 Okay
Nov 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Car was really nice.Cons:
When I rented I could have sworn it said I was renting from the Panama City Airport but not so. We had to take a cab to the Hertz location somewhere in the middle of town. Airport Hertz said there was no way to change it. It was logistically challenging. Kayak or Hertz should do a better job of clarifying that the rental is not at the airport.8,0 Very Good
May 2021
Cons:
The sales rep came thru when airlines delays prevented pickup at the scheduled time.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
System allowed a 12pm pickup. The facility closed at 12pm. NOBODY CALLED FOR MY STATUS OR BETTER YET STAYED UNIL I ARRIVED. I arrived shortly after 12pm and the facility was closed. This was Saturday and we were STRANDED WITH NO CARS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
Hertz notified me one day in advance that they did NOT have the vehicle I reserved almost one month in advance. They reported that there were none available nearby and there was no upgrade available either! I am still waiting for them to refund my money!Dollar
8,3
Very Good
24 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.2
One location in Panama City Beach
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Reviews
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They charged me for smoking in the car when I did not. Charge was $400. Very unhappy.8,0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Cons:
Returned a day earlier and no refund for that day.2,0 Poor
Jul 2020
Cons:
They could not fulfill your booking.8,8 Very Good
Feb 2020
Pros:
Easy access to counter. staff was very helpful.Cons:
Seats in the Buick Encore were uncomfortable. Adjustments were not adequate.2,0 Poor
Oct 2017
Cons:
Maintained that my reservation had been cancelled, failed to make any effort to provide me with any alternatives for a rental. Consequently I had to rent from another agency at a much highest fee. Attendants unprofessional and unresponsive at this Panama City, Florida location.8,0 Very Good
Sep 2017
Pros:
The car was a nice ride, comfortable and economical.Cons:
The car advertized that it held 5 LARGE pieces of luggage. Well, that was a misnomer, as it was a tight squeeze with 3. Large was subjective.Thrifty
8,3
Very Good
12 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
8.5
One location in Panama City Beach
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Yes and Yes2,0 Poor
May 2019
Cons:
I received a notice that my vehicle was reserved, but after driving to the airport to get it, they had none. No one ever got back to me to say they had no vehicle to prevent me from wasting my time driving to the airport and back.8,4 Very Good
Nov 2018
Cons:
I stood in line at the counter for 40 minutes and only 3 people were ahead of me! The agent was chatting so much and slow.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2018
Pros:
The agent was very courteous, checked the needs of the customer and upgraded me to a better vehicle for no additional cost. Her instructions were clear and the vehicle was very clean.9,6 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
Easy car to get around in. Just the right size for 2 people.Cons:
The car was difficult to see out the back window when backing up.9,6 Wonderful
Jun 2017
Pros:
Very easy pick up and car was nice.Cons:
Car had been smoked in and heavy perfume to try to cover it.Avis
5,5
Fair
19 reviewsCleanliness
5.5
Comfort
5.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.1
Value for money
5.3
2 locations in Panama City Beach
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Reviews
9,2 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff great...drop off easy.Cons:
I forgot to ask for a nonsmokers car .It was a great car.2,0 Poor
Sep 2020
Pros:
TerribleCons:
The office did not accept my interim license despite the website saying such licenses were accepted. I was stranded in a strange city with no where to go. In my hour of need, I was betrayed and staff were not helpful, if not rude. They take a reservation, but they do not hold a reservation. Seinfeld got it right. These rental companies will be shadows of their former selves because they do not understand something so simple as do not betray your customer. Do not lie to your customer. Do not strand your customer in a strange city with no options10,0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
Everything--except somehow I booked a car at an in-town location rather than airport. How did that happen?Cons:
I'll probably use Vroom Vroom next time. They have a very clear cancellation policy. Avis/kayak--you couldn't find their cancellation policy with a forensics expert. Ergo I assume it sucks. Thank you for reading. Take the rest of the day off.6,8 Okay
Mar 2017
Pros:
We did get the car we reserved the next day and they did allow us to drop it off at the airport and waived the $75 feeCons:
Cost $55 to get to the correct Avis. We reserved a convertible And it wasn't available yet.10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2017
Pros:
Agent was very helpful. Outstanding serviceCons:
Agent was very helpful. Outstanding service8,8 Very Good
Sep 2016
Pros:
Didn't have the car requested but received an upgrade.Budget
5,0
Fair
20 reviewsCleanliness
5.6
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.2
Value for money
5.4
2 locations in Panama City Beach
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff are hard to reach, not very knowledgable, and not very professional. They like to argue and leave you feeling like they have no intention of helping you. They need to be re-trained, other rental companies have much better staff. By a long shot.Cons:
Your computer system is horrible for keeping track of reservation information. Your staff needs a huge attitude adjustment, they are rude! Your reservations are too inflexible to allow me to make necessary changes. Your reservations does not keep track of the request to drop off at a different location. Your phone system is inadequately staffed, and the staff in my pick up location never answers their phone. They do not like to work.2,0 Poor
Jul 2020
Cons:
The car we reserved was not available. We were told it would arrive the next day and it didn’t. This delayed our trip and ultimately forced us to make a reservation with a different company at a much higher cost.2,0 Poor
Jul 2019
Cons:
Will never rent from them again. Reserved a car online, pickup on July 4th. Site closed early. Customer service could not find my reservation and was less than helpful. I could barely understand him and he kept insisting that my rental was for a different city on a different date. Use Enterprise !!9,2 Wonderful
Jan 2018
Pros:
The process was quick. No pressure sales or upgrades.Cons:
Cleanliness of the location6,0 Okay
Sep 2017
Cons:
The stand was inside a Sears Auto Care and I had to call a number to get someone to come to the stand. The gentleman didn't specify that I'd be charged for a whole new day if not returning to Tampa exactly at 24 hrs. When I returned, it was explained why it was double what I was expecting but I could've planned differently had I known it wasn't prorated for an hour or two over. Also didn't have cruise control on the car which is a big feature when driving longer distances.6,4 Okay
Apr 2017
Pros:
Good on gasCons:
It had over 20000 miles on it.was expecting a new model carCar hire locations in or near Panama City Beach
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|