Panama City Beach car hire
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Cheap car hire in Panama City Beach
KAYAK’s 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 3 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about car hire 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 £2.86 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £34 and £46, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Panama City Beach?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica 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 £46 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Panama City Beach?
An Intermediate car hire in Panama City Beach costs £32 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 £47 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Panama City Beach?
Most car hire providers in Panama City Beach offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Panama City Beach, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
Panama City Beach car hire reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Thrifty
10.0
Wonderful
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
6300 West Bay Parkway
+1 877 283 0898
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2020
Pros:
Yes and YesDollar
8.3
Very Good
Read 7 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.2
One location in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
6300 West Bay Parkway
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
They charged me for smoking in the car when I did not. Charge was $400. Very unhappy.8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
Returned a day earlier and no refund for that day.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Cons:
They could not fulfill your booking.8.8 Very Good
Alan, Feb 2020
Pros:
Easy access to counter. staff was very helpful.Cons:
Seats in the Buick Encore were uncomfortable. Adjustments were not adequate.8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2021
Budget
6.2
Okay
Read 5 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.5
2 locations in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
731 North Highway 231
+1 850 769 2449
8027 Front Beach Road
+1 850 234 3551
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
susan, Jan 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, 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
Katie, 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
Anonymous, May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Nancy, Nov 2021
Avis
5.6
Fair
Read 5 reviewsCleanliness
5.7
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
5.5
2 locations in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
731 North Highway 231
+1 850 914 3090
8027 Front Beach Road
+1 850 235 6945
Filters
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Reviews
9.2 Wonderful
Edna, 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
Peter, Sept 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 options1.9 Poor
Melinda, Sept 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Alyssa, Jul 2021
6.0 Okay
sue, Jul 2021
Pros:
Car was clean, drop off was very quick.Cons:
Pick up was terrible. Waited in line for over an hour and with only one customer service rep. Easily took 10 minutes on average with each customer.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2.0
Poor
Read 18 reviewsCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
4 locations in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
1104 W 15th St
+1 850 872 9206
2024 W 23rd St
+1 850 747 1110
557 Richard Jackson Blvd
+1 850 234 5796
6300 West Bay Pkwy
+1 833 740 1725
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Courtney, Sept 2024
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard SUV
6.0 Okay
Jimmy, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
People carrier
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Fast and friendlyCons:
PriceHertz
No score available yet
2 locations in Panama City Beach
Locations in Panama City Beach
2106 W 15th Street
+1 850 913 9112
9998 Hutchison Blvd
+1 850 235 0833
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
People carrier
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
The sales rep came thru when airlines delays prevented pickup at the scheduled time.Car hire locations in or near Panama City Beach
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Panama City Beach
Car hire insurance in Panama City Beach
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Panama City Beach car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Panama City Beach.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Panama City Beach car hire.
Everything you need to know for your car hire in Panama City Beach
Car rental at airports serving Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach car hire information
| Pick-up location | Panama City Beach |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 6 |
| Airport locations | 2 |