Thread: Driving in Panama? Is it very difficult to do?

I am wanting to drive to my Hotel in Panama City from the airport and then drive to the Coronado area, then to Las Tablas and Pedasi. Also is it hard to drive to David or Boquete from there? Thank you for any info.

the country is easy to get around , driving is simple if you are easy going , if you are a nervous driver , it will not be fun . once you get out of the city, things are good , in town it is like being on a gocart track , nobody signals , everyone speeds and they change lanes for no apparent reason , if you get to town at night and do not know the city finding your hotel might be a task , there are no road signs to speak of ,

Personally I would rent a car as you are about to leave Panama City. City driving can be quite the adventure. I consider driving in Panama like a big parking lot, you never know who or what will jump out, back out, pull in, etc. Tailgate driving is also pretty common (and annoying, dangerous, stupid, etc.)

Thank you for all the info. MRWOOHOO I was actually thinking of possibly doing that. Take the hotel shuttle to the hotel and then rent a car for driving outward.......One thing, can you drive to David or Boquete from Las Tablas area??

Thanks again for everything!!!

Yes you can and my pleasure.

Rent a car with a GPS. And welcome to the forum!!

Originally Posted by DKM

I am wanting to drive to my Hotel in Panama City from the airport and then drive to the Coronado area, then to Las Tablas and Pedasi. Also is it hard to drive to David or Boquete from there? Thank you for any info.

I did this in January - once you get out of Panama City - it's a breeze. Trying to find my hotel in the city at 10:00 pm - pretty tough. There are not many street signs with names. Be prepared for everyone driving like there are no lane markers, just have fun with it and don't lose your patience.

Originally Posted by ebs964

I did this in January - once you get out of Panama City - it's a breeze. Trying to find my hotel in the city at 10:00 pm - pretty tough. There are not many street signs with names. Be prepared for everyone driving like there are no lane markers, just have fun with it and don't lose your patience.

If there are any street signs, they often don't match what the maps say anyway!

Thank you Becky for the welcome. This Forum has the most help. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts. We are heading down at the end of May.

You should also expect road construction en route to Las Tablas. But it is all doable. The city will give you the most challenge and remember it is hard to ask for directions if you do not speak Spanish. You can also fly from Panama City to David, rent a car there, drive to Boquette and Bocas, then down to Las Tablas and Pedasi, return the car and fly back to the city grab a cab to the airport or hotel.

If you have GPS it is ok as long as you have driven in a big city before. Without a GPS it is crazy. Most of the rental car places rent then..my rule when new here..no GPS no driving! It helps alot if you are familiar with the city.
Try to use the Corridor Norte it is the best and fastest route for anything.
You really don't want to be driving thru the city at night if yiu don't have a clue where you are going...I did the first time here and it sucked!!
Let me know if I can help you.

Thank you all for your assistance!!!!