How to find a cheap car hire deal in Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Just touched down? Pick up a cheap Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport rental car and get going for around $87 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
$87 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $344 and take the time to discover more of Panama City.
To get the cheapest price, book your ECP car hire around one week in advance.
Check out the offers from Dollar, Budget and Hertz. They're the most popular providers at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
Whether you go with Dollar or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in ECP by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Explore without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $142 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $112, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly $169 a day with this supplier.
If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car at ECP.
Compare car hire types from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a quick trip, this cheap Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this ECP car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your ECP car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your ECP car hire reservation.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in the United States may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ECP car hire, you're in control when it comes to your next move. If central Panama City is your first port of call, it's around 32 kilometres southeast of the airport and a drive of about 30 minutes.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport to the centre to take up to 40 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Consider picking up a car hire in Panama City instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Before you go anywhere else, sightsee around Panama City first. Major highlights like Dolphin Tours and Cruisin Tikis Panama City Beach are a great opening act for your trip.
Wright has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Vintage Barn and Wright Baptist Church. This city is about 80 kilometres west of ECP.
Alternatively, take the wheel of your Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport car hire and drive about 80 kilometres west to Fort Walton Beach. Featuring Okaloosa Island Beach Access Four and Okaloosa Island, its highlights live up to the hype.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Motor on to Mobile, about 225 kilometres west of ECP. From Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Centre to GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, it'll round out your trip nicely.
