Panama

Car Rental at Panama City International Airport: The Best Companies

by Scott Dylan  |  Published March 31, 2018

If you’re on your way to Panama City International Airport and you need a rental car, you have thirteen companies to choose from: Ace, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Eurocar, Express, Hertz, Mex, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty.

Panama City Airport (Photo_: InSapphoWeTrust via Flickr)

Officially known as Tocumen International Airport, PTY is the busiest airport in Panama and acts as a regional hub for flights to the Caribbean, North, South and Central America. Most of the major car rental companies are located in the airport’s Car Rental Centre in the main terminal, just before you exit the building into the parking and taxi service area.

To select the best car rental companies at Tocumen International Airport, TravelMag.com compared prices, fleet options and customer feedback and ranked them in three categories:

MOST AFFORDABLE: SIXT

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Sixt is hands-down the best place for cheap car rentals at Panama City Airport, with barebones economy vehicles available for just a few dollars a day. The downside, of course, is that the base rate does not include insurance charges, which can be hefty. If you prefer more upfront pricing, go with Thrifty. Thrifty’s base rates are higher than Sixt’s, but they include collision damage and theft protection.

BEST FOR FAMILIES: THRIFTY

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Thrifty is the best option for families of every size landing in Panama City International Airport looking for an affordable vehicle to rent. Thrifty’s fleet includes the 7-seater Kia Carnival minivan for large families as well as full-sized Toyota and Hyundai sedans with enough space for average-sized families. Car seats for toddlers and infants are available for $4.99 USD per day.

BEST LUXURY OPTION: ALAMO

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If you’re looking for luxury car rentals at Tocumen International Airport, head to Alamo. Alamo is the highest-ranked car rental company at PTY and offers a great selection of luxury SUVs and sedans, including the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner and the Camry LX. Renter approved of the condition and cleanliness of Alamo’s vehicles and most said they would hire Alamo again. Alamo’s prices aren’t the lowest, but the base rate includes collision damage and theft protection as well as free 48-hour cancellation.