Panama car hire

Compact (Hyundai Venue or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Panama.

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Panama is Thrifty (6,0, 60 reviews).

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Before you hit the road in one of the Panama car rentals, here are some rules you should know. Driving is on the right, similar to the US, and you should stick to the right except when overtaking. Drivers must have their license, insurance paperwork, and car rental documentation when driving in Panama. Drunk driving is a serious offense, and you should avoid getting behind the wheel with a BAC higher than 24 micrograms. Always yield to pedestrians even when crossing at undesignated areas, and emergency vehicles with flashing lights have the right of way at all times.

In Panama, the minimum age for driving is 18. You will find a few local car rental providers allowing drivers as young as 19 to rent with them, but most car rental providers will require you to be at least 23 to get a rental car. The maximum age for renting a car is 70, and drivers below 25 are considered young drivers, and there is a daily surcharge on their rentals. Moreover, these drivers will be restricted to renting only certain vehicle classes. To rent a car in Panama, you will need your driver’s license and a credit card with your name for payment.

You should not have any trouble getting gas in Panama, as the country has many gas stations. Major cities, like Panama City, have many gas stations, and even on major roads and highways, you'll still find plenty. Get a full tank when heading out on rural roads, as gas stations are fewer there. The price of gas per liter is around $1.1 and per gallon it is about $4.3, and most gas stations accept credit cards, since panama also uses the USD.

Speed limits in Panama are in place to ensure safe usage of the road. As such, ensure that you are driving within the stipulated speed limits. Driving around the capital and urban areas, you should maintain a speed of 30 km/h (20 mph) and below. Driving on the city's outskirts, you can go as fast as 50 km/h (30 mph), and on the highways, the maximum speed limit is 96 km/h (60 mph). The speed limits are posted on major roads, but most rural roads don’t have the speed limits posted, so pace yourself accordingly on these roads.