When you’re heading out of town on vacation, transportation is always an important consideration. Different cities always have a mixed variety of transportation, from public to private, and it doesn’t always run at convenient times for your trip schedule. Sometimes it may not even run out to the area you’re planning on visiting. So, whether you’re planning on renting your own car, driving all the way out, or want to know about the variety of options available to you while getting around Panama City, this list can help you stay informed and plan out your visit accordingly.
Car Rentals from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Much like many other airports around the world, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (or ECP for short) is home to a number of rental car services, all with a wide variety of different vehicle sizes to fit groups of all sizes. Companies like Hertz, Alamo, AAA, and more all offer their services to travelers, but if you aren’t looking to rent a car during your stay, the airport also offers several taxi and limousine services to get you to your post flight destination.
The Bay Town Trolley
Serving as the local public transit system, The Bay Town Trolley runs on eight different routes that services a large portion of Panama City, including the beach, and offers a variety of different rates and payment options. Routes all run on a strict schedule, many of which have several stops along the way, so if the Trolley is your primary means of transportation while you’re in town, be sure to plan your day accordingly.
A standard, one-way fare will run you $1.50, but if you plan on taking more than two rides in a single day it’s recommended that you pick up a day pass for $4.00. If you’re planning on staying in the area for a long time, you can also pick up a 31-day pass for $35.00. There are also a multitude of discounted fare rates for students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and more. Children under 5 also ride for free, so don’t worry about that fare if you’re bringing the kids along.
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft
Panama City also has plenty of different taxi services available at your convenience, many of which run on fairly inexpensive rates. If you’re planning on making short trips around downtown, you can expect to not have to pay too much, though, as with all cab rides, extended trips can add up fare pretty quickly. Of course, Uber and Lyft are also commonly used, safe options that function all day and night. Depending on the time of night, however, you might have trouble finding a nearby driver, and be sure to watch for the inflated rates during peak hours.
Getting Around Panama City
If you’re able to bring your own vehicle or secure a rental, Panama City is a perfectly safe place to drive in. The weather is very rarely hostile enough to be an inconvenience, as it’s temperate and hospitable year-round. At most, you may have to deal with rain, but the above options are always there for you if you don’t feel comfortable in the storm. As always, if you’re planning on driving to busy locations, check in advance for parking conditions and rates.
No matter how you plan on getting around Panama City, you’ll always have a great spot to return to when the day comes to a close. At Vacations Perfected, we have the ideal property for your Panama City Beach getaway. Get your vacation started with us now!
