How do you get around Panama City Beach?

Panama City’s pedestrian-friendly downtown is only steps away from the water. Or if you prefer to ride, hop on the affordably priced, fixed schedule, trolley system and explore our neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and sense of place. Rental cars, taxis, and segways are also popular ways to get around Panama City. Whatever means you choose, we’re sure you will enjoy your time in our beautiful city by the bay.

Car Rental

Avis Budget Car Rental
731 Highway 231, Panama City, FL 32405
850-914-3090

Budget Car Rental
6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City, FL 32409
850-763-0108

Enterprise
1104 West 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
850-872-9206

Hertz
2106 West 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32405
850-913-9112

Public Transportation

Bay Town Trolley
919 Massalina Drive, Panama City, FL 32401
850-769-0557
www.baytowntrolley.org

How do you get around Panama City Beach?

The World's Most Beautiful Beaches

You're Going to Love Panama City Beach

Florida's coast is ringed with fantastic beach destinations, but the Florida Panhandle resort of Panama City Beach is easily one of the best of all. This beach paradise has everything beach vacation fans could ever desire.

How do you get around Panama City Beach?

If all that matters to you is finding your own patch of sand to sunbathe and enjoy the Florida climate, Panama City Beach has 27 miles of beautiful beaches to explore. Golfers can test their skills against superb resort courses like Bay Dunes, while watersports lovers can rent everything from surfboards and sailing craft to scuba equipment.

When Spring Break comes around, no city in northern Florida is as lively as Panama City Beach. There's always nightlife to enjoy, but at other times of the year, the resort is as peaceful as they come. Whether you are a party animal, a couple seeking seclusion or a family in need of a sunshine getaway, few destinations can beat Panama City Beach.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Panama City Beach

27 Miles of Pristine Coastline

The primary reason for most visits to Panama City Beach is obvious - the 27 mile long beach backed by cocktail bars, hotels, wild dunes, golf courses and roads that make each square meter accessible by car.

High Quality Golf Courses

Golf is another major draw in Panama City Beach, allowing some family members to hit the beach, while others hit the fairways. With challenging, yet friendly, courses like the Meadows and Bay Point, you can easily spend all week golfing if you desire.

Family Attractions to Keep Everyone Happy

If the beach doesn't keep your family happy, waterparks like Aqualand and Shipwreck Island will. Failing that, the area also has amusement parks like Pier Park and the go-karting tracks at Race City.

The Natural Bounty of the Gulf

Panama City Beach lies on the Gulf of Mexico, which means that it's guaranteed to offer fantastic seafood, and local restaurants don't disappoint. You'll find first-class seafood for bargain prices at Saltwater Grill and Bishop's Buffet.

A Choice Between Resort Hotels and Self-Catering Accommodation

Panama City Beach has accommodation to suit all budgets, travel parties, and tastes. If you want to stay in luxury suites, Shores of Panama will be ideal. But you can also find comfortable self-catering homes and affordable family-friendly resort hotels like Aqua Resort too.

27 Miles of Pristine Coastline

The primary reason for most visits to Panama City Beach is obvious - the 27 mile long beach backed by cocktail bars, hotels, wild dunes, golf courses and roads that make each square meter accessible by car.

High Quality Golf Courses

Golf is another major draw in Panama City Beach, allowing some family members to hit the beach, while others hit the fairways. With challenging, yet friendly, courses like the Meadows and Bay Point, you can easily spend all week golfing if you desire.

Family Attractions to Keep Everyone Happy

If the beach doesn't keep your family happy, waterparks like Aqualand and Shipwreck Island will. Failing that, the area also has amusement parks like Pier Park and the go-karting tracks at Race City.

The Natural Bounty of the Gulf

Panama City Beach lies on the Gulf of Mexico, which means that it's guaranteed to offer fantastic seafood, and local restaurants don't disappoint. You'll find first-class seafood for bargain prices at Saltwater Grill and Bishop's Buffet.

A Choice Between Resort Hotels and Self-Catering Accommodation

Panama City Beach has accommodation to suit all budgets, travel parties, and tastes. If you want to stay in luxury suites, Shores of Panama will be ideal. But you can also find comfortable self-catering homes and affordable family-friendly resort hotels like Aqua Resort too.

Top activities & attractions in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, and delivers exactly the kind of high-quality seafood and Cajun cooking you'd expect from one of the region's leading resorts. Dee's Hang Out is the place to go for Cajun BBQ; Saltwater Grill is the best fish restaurant in town, Bishop's Buffet offer all-you-can-eat seafood lunches that blend value and quality, while Capt. Anderson's Restaurant and Market has won awards for its fish and shellfish. Expect to pay $13-15 for a meal at most local eateries.

There aren't many bad times to visit Panama City Beach, but there are particular times many visitors may prefer. For example, Spring Break in March is great for younger party fans but won't suit families as much. The middle of summer in July and August is ideal for people who don't mind large crowds, but the best times to go are the start and the end of the season. So, try a vacation in April and May or October for great weather, smaller crowds and plenty of attractions.

Plane

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the nearest place to fly into, and is served by airlines like Delta and Southwest. From there, the best way to get to Panama City Beach is via airport shuttle companies like American Eagle or Ride on Shuttles, but there are also limousine services and taxis. Another option is to rent a vehicle from outlets at the airport, including Avis, Enterprise, and Alamo. Expect to pay around $30 for a taxi to the resort.

Train

The closest Amtrak station is probably Mobile, which is on the Sunset Limited route, providing a connection with New Orleans and Los Angeles. From Mobile, you can catch daily Greyhound connections, which take a couple of hours.

Car

If you are driving from the west, take I-10, then change onto regional highway 98 at Pensacola, which runs straight into Panama City Beach. Those driving from the north can take I-65, then switch to I-10 at Mobile or I-75, and then change at Lake City.

Bus

If you want to take the bus, the nearest bus stop is in Panama City, a few miles away from Panama City Beach. Panama City is on the regional Greyhound network, so plenty of connections are available.

Plane

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the nearest place to fly into, and is served by airlines like Delta and Southwest. From there, the best way to get to Panama City Beach is via airport shuttle companies like American Eagle or Ride on Shuttles, but there are also limousine services and taxis. Another option is to rent a vehicle from outlets at the airport, including Avis, Enterprise, and Alamo. Expect to pay around $30 for a taxi to the resort.

Train

The closest Amtrak station is probably Mobile, which is on the Sunset Limited route, providing a connection with New Orleans and Los Angeles. From Mobile, you can catch daily Greyhound connections, which take a couple of hours.

Car

If you are driving from the west, take I-10, then change onto regional highway 98 at Pensacola, which runs straight into Panama City Beach. Those driving from the north can take I-65, then switch to I-10 at Mobile or I-75, and then change at Lake City.

Bus

If you want to take the bus, the nearest bus stop is in Panama City, a few miles away from Panama City Beach. Panama City is on the regional Greyhound network, so plenty of connections are available.

Airports near Panama City Beach

Airlines serving Panama City Beach

Delta

Excellent (2,877 reviews)

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Downtown Panama City Beach – Located along Front Beach Road, the seafront is the heart of Panama City Beach, and it's home to many of the major hotels including Shores of Panama Resort and the Sunbird Beach Resort. It's the venue for most of the town's Spring Break events, but most of the year just offers a beautiful stretch of sand that sunbathers and swimmers will adore.

Panama City – Panama City itself is a substantial town located across a bridge from the beach resort. It's close to the beach (particularly if you rent a car) and also provides easy access to family attractions like Gulf World Marine Park and the Miracle Strip Amusement Park.

Lower Grand Lagoon – If you follow the coast southeast from Panama City Beach you'll reach Lower Grand Lagoon. Smaller than Panama City Beach and less heavily developed, you can find more seclusion and quieter hotels in this part of the peninsula, which may be handy for families when party season is in full swing.

Panama City – Panama City itself is a substantial town located across a bridge from the beach resort. It's close to the beach (particularly if you rent a car) and also provides easy access to family attractions like Gulf World Marine Park and the Miracle Strip Amusement Park.

Lower Grand Lagoon – If you follow the coast southeast from Panama City Beach you'll reach Lower Grand Lagoon. Smaller than Panama City Beach and less heavily developed, you can find more seclusion and quieter hotels in this part of the peninsula, which may be handy for families when party season is in full swing.

Most booked hotels in Panama City Beach

Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point

Excellent (9.4, 103 reviews)

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Panama City-Tyndall, An IHG Hotel

Excellent (8.9, 25 reviews)

Days Inn by Wyndham Panama City Beach/Ocean Front

Summit Beach Resort by Resort Collection

Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point

Excellent (9.4, 103 reviews)

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Panama City-Tyndall, An IHG Hotel

Excellent (8.9, 25 reviews)

Days Inn by Wyndham Panama City Beach/Ocean Front

Summit Beach Resort by Resort Collection

Public Transportation

The only public transportation option in Panama City Beach is the Bay Town Trolley, which runs to West, Middle, and East beaches and costs $1.50 per journey. Day passes cost $4, while one-month passes are $35.

Taxis

Many people rely on taxis to get around Panama City Beach, and they are a handy option for late night returns to hotels or hops between beaches. Typical rates will be around $2.50 as the basic meter drop, then $2.50 every mile after that. Uber does not currently operate in the resort.

Car

Panama City Beach is the ideal place to rent a vehicle and cruise up and down the coast of the Florida Panhandle. With your own wheels, you can get into Panama City to shop or visit family attractions, transport bikes or surfboards and set your own schedule. Getting around is simple. You can reach most seafront hotels or beaches via Front Beach Road, and there's ample parking in the town center.

Public Transportation

The only public transportation option in Panama City Beach is the Bay Town Trolley, which runs to West, Middle, and East beaches and costs $1.50 per journey. Day passes cost $4, while one-month passes are $35.

Taxis

Many people rely on taxis to get around Panama City Beach, and they are a handy option for late night returns to hotels or hops between beaches. Typical rates will be around $2.50 as the basic meter drop, then $2.50 every mile after that. Uber does not currently operate in the resort.

Car

Panama City Beach is the ideal place to rent a vehicle and cruise up and down the coast of the Florida Panhandle. With your own wheels, you can get into Panama City to shop or visit family attractions, transport bikes or surfboards and set your own schedule. Getting around is simple. You can reach most seafront hotels or beaches via Front Beach Road, and there's ample parking in the town center.

Shopping Streets

Panama City Beach seafront is packed with stores and boutiques, and it's definitely worth walking the length of the promenade if you love window shopping. There are beach apparel stores like Alvin's Island, souvenir vendors like Heron Fine Gifts and a range of surf stalls at the Beach House Market. For malls and major stores, head to nearby Panama City, where locations like the Panama City Mall feature chains like American Eagle Outfitters and J.C. Penney.

Groceries and Other

If you are staying in self-catering condos or beach bungalows, shopping for groceries isn't a problem, with local supermarkets including Publix and Walmart. Food costs shouldn't be too high. Expect to pay around $1.55 for a pound of apples and $10-12 for a bottle of wine.

Single public transport ticket

$1.50

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Can you get around Panama City Beach without a car?

The only public transportation option in Panama City Beach is the Bay Town Trolley, which runs to West, Middle, and East beaches and costs $1.50 per journey.

Are there Ubers in Panama City Beach?

Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Panama City, FL Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Panama City, FL. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.

How do people get around in Panama City Panama?

First of all, public transport in Panama mainly relies on buses and taxis. There is just one train line, which goes from Panama City to Colón, which is supposed to be pretty cool as it's going along the Panama Canal. However, Colón has the reputation of being rather unsafe and tourists are advised not to go there.

Is Panama City Beach walkable?

Over 24 miles of trails make the Panama City Beach Conservation Park an idyllic environment for anyone who prefers to explore on foot.