Car rental Panama City

At a glance

Locations: Learn where you can pick up your car rental in Panama City, FL, including Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Fleet: Discover available options for car rental in Panama City Beach to make your trip suit exactly your needs.

Things to do: Explore more of Florida with your Panama City car rental, such as Tallahassee, Destin or the Emerald Coast’s expansive beaches.

FAQs: Read important info ahead of car rental in Panama City with our FAQs, such as Florida driving guidelines and local parking information.

Renting a car at Panama City

Rent a car in Panama City, Florida, to enjoy the famous Floridian hospitality, alongside a great choice of museums, restaurants and much more. A short drive from the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, with a bevy of beaches along the shoreline, Panama City is close to forests, creeks and more scenic highlights.

Car rental is ready for you as soon as you land at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Downtown Panama City is around a 35-minute drive away from the airport, while the surrounding beaches can be reached in as little as 20 minutes.

With a huge variety of activities to explore surrounding the city, car rental in Panama City brings Florida’s northwestern highlights within easy reach. It sits on the coast halfway between Tallahassee and Pensacola in northern Florida, making it a great starting location or checkpoint for your Floridian road trip.

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Panama City rental locations

Panama City rental car options

Popular vehicles to rent in Panama City

Things to do in Panama City

white sand beach
St. Andrew’s State Park

4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408

Nature trails, white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife are just some of the many reasons to take your Panama City car rental to this beauty spot. While you’re only a 25-minute drive away from Downtown Panama City, this natural oasis will immediately immerse you in the local landscapes and wildlife. Stroll along the expansive mile-and-a-half beach or explore the park’s trails and see how many bird and butterfly species you can discover. Swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing offer opportunities to escape and relax while taking in Panama City’s charm. 

oyster
Hunt's Oyster Bar and Seafood

1150 Beck Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

This restaurant makes the most of its coastal location by offering the freshest catch of the day. Each day, ice-cold oysters are sourced from the nearby Tarpon Dock Seafood Market and shucked-to-order for you to enjoy in this casual dining location. Alongside the huge variety of oysters, you’ll find specially prepared seafood dishes showcasing the region’s best catch. Tuck into fresh grouper, crunchy buffalo shrimp or pan-seared yellowfin tuna to sample just a fraction of the menu. Hunt's Oyster Bar is built on 50 years of experience and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

pool resort view
Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point

4000 Marriott Drive Box 27819, Panama City, FL 32408

Experience the best of Florida’s landscapes overlooking Saint Andrew’s Bay in one of the Edge at Bay Point holiday villas. The resort is surrounded by a lush golf course and beautiful lagoon views, making it the perfect backdrop for a family or couples’ vacation. You’ll be conveniently located between Panama City’s downtown, a 20-minute drive away, and St. Andrews State Park and beaches, a 10-minute drive away.  Each villa is kitted out with a kitchen, two spacious bedrooms, sofa beds and luxurious balconies, with accessible rooms available on request. Guests additionally have access to the resort’s fitness center, pool and convenience store. 

Long term car rental

Both business and leisure users can benefit from long term Panama City car hire. Hertz offers special rates for flexible long term rentals without needing to worry about mileage restrictions, maintenance costs or upfront fees. Simply pick your car from our huge fleet and take to the road.

driving-hertz

One-way car rental

One-way Panama City car rental is an ideal choice for those looking to start their road trip in Florida and finish in neighboring states such as Alabama or Georgia. Simply arrange to pick up your Hertz rental car from Panama City and drop it off at another Hertz location. 

Business rental 

Meet clients and colleagues on time and in comfort with business car rental in Panama City. With business centers in and surrounding Panama City, mobility is highly important. With Hertz Gold+ you can accumulate rewards such as skip-the-counter, exclusive rates and free rental days, making it a great option for frequent business rentals.

Popular road trips from Panama City

destin
Panama City to Destin

56 miles & one hour 15 minutes

See the Emerald Coast from its most scenic side. Head along US-98 West to pass seemingly endless beaches before turning slightly inland through Deer Lake State Park. You’ll pass through upscale Miramar Beach and arrive in Destin, where you can try your hand in the ‘world’s luckiest fishing village’.

tallahassee state capitol
Panama City to Tallahassee

97 miles & one hour 50 minutes

US-231 North out of Panama City will bring you inland. Turning east onto US-20 takes you over the Apalachicola River and past the scenic Lake Talquin, which is a relaxing stop-off among the gentle rolling hills. Continuing along US-20 will bring you into Tallahassee’s vibrant downtown. 

mobile - alabama
Panama City to Mobile, AL

186 miles & three hours

This route leaves Panama City on US-77 North before turning onto US-20 East. You’ll head further inland along US-231 North before joining I-10 West, crossing Escambia Bay and passing Pensacola to the south. Cross into Alabama, and soon you’ll arrive in historic Mobile.

FAQs when renting a car in Panama City

The overall cost of your Panama City car hire will depend on the dates of your rental period, vehicle type and any optional extras. Hertz offers a wide range of options for various budgets. Begin your booking to see exact prices for your trip. 


Yes. Car rental in Panama City, Florida, is highly recommended to reach many of the beautiful spots found on the coast of the Sunshine State.


While it is possible to stay in and around Panama City Beach without a car, it may be more difficult to see other nearby attractions such as state forests, conservation areas or nearby cities like Tallahassee and Pensacola. 


Florida’s weather can change quickly. If you need to use your wipers due to rain or fog, you must switch on your headlights. Plan your route ahead, as Florida also contains toll roads, mostly limited to Interstate routes. You don’t need an international driving permit to drive in Florida.


Yes, there is some free parking in Panama City Beach. Pier Park offers numerous spaces for free parking to the west. Rick Seltzer Park also offers free parking for visitors, making it ideal for your car rental in Panama City Beach.


Yes. Always observe street signage, which may prohibit parking in some areas. Otherwise, you may park on the street in Florida, ensuring that your vehicle is clear of traffic and cannot move once you have left it. 


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