Taxis, Uber and Lyft If you're planning on taking short trips around the city center, you can expect not to have to pay too much, although, as with all taxi rides, extended trips can add up to rates fairly quickly. Of course, Uber and Lyft are also safe and commonly used options that work around the clock and all night. For the Metro bus that sails through Panama City, they looked quite comfortable with air conditioning. If you're in the mood for a unique adventure in Panama City, you might want to consider riding a bike, but you'll want to do it only on Sundays.
Bounded by the Panama Canal to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and a large amount of protected rainforests to the north, Panama City has evolved on an eastward and upward trajectory, growing along the coast in an expanse of serrated glass skyscrapers. With that said, you won't need a rental in Panama City, Uber and public transportation will work well. Some 1400 metrobuses run through the city on more than 140 routes, making them the most complete transportation option in Panama City. However, if you plan to venture into more remote areas or prefer the flexibility of having your own transportation, renting a car in Panama can be a convenient option.
Nowhere is life in Panama City more viscerally felt than in the gritty working-class districts of Santa Ana and Calidonia, the true city of Panama, full of chaos and street life. Without a doubt, it's an easy, affordable and, for the most part, reliable way to get around Panama City. Overall, Uber is great and affordable, but there are other reasons to use Uber while you're in Panama. Make sure to always read the fine print, as many car rental companies in Panama like to add additional costs in the end, such as insurance. Of course, it's best to use public transportation to move between outlying districts; walking long distances in Panama City can be hot and baffling.
