Driving to Panama: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

For some adventurous souls, moving to Panama isn’t just a flight—it’s a full-blown road trip. Driving to Panama from the United States or Canada can be a rewarding experience, offering unforgettable views, cultural encounters, and the convenience of bringing your own vehicle, pets, and even some household goods.

But make no mistake—this journey requires careful planning, a flexible attitude, and an understanding of how to avoid challenges along the way. In this article, we’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts of driving to Panama.

🎥 Be sure to watch our exclusive interview at the bottom of this page with a man who made the trip in 2025. He shares invaluable tips, his route, and lessons from his 14-day journey!

Why Some People Choose to Drive

Driving to Panama has some clear advantages. It could be the most economical way to:

Bring Your Vehicle: Avoid the hassle and cost of buying a car in Panama. Avoid the $3000 – $5000 fee to ship your car to Panama.

Bring Pets with Ease: Skip airline pet restrictions, especially if you have large dogs. If the thought of putting your pet in cargo shares you, then a shared charter flight where your pet can be in the cabin with you is an option .. if you can afford the $7000 price tag, or save money by driving your pet to Panama.

Transport Personal Belongings: Take more than you could on a flight—including small household goods or tools. Shipping a pallet could cost $2000 or more. But you can easily put your luggage and many 27-gallon totes in your car so you can bring them with you.

Adventure & Discovery: Enjoy an epic travel experience across multiple countries in Central America.

Avoiding Challenges on the Road

This is not your average road trip. You’ll be crossing 6–8 international borders, each with its own documentation requirements and inspection processes. Here are some essential ways to avoid problems:

1. Have the Right Documents for You and Your Vehicle Valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiration). Vehicle title and registration in your name. Valid driver’s permit and valid license. Proof of insurance valid for each country (or buy temporary insurance at each border). Up-to-date pet documents if traveling with animals.
2. Understand Border Crossing Procedures. Each country has its own rules for:
   
   Vehicle import rules
   Insurance requirements
   Entry/exit fees
   Pet health certificates authenticated by each country’s Consulate
   

Research the latest procedures and expect long (3-5 hour) waits at each border crossing. Hiring a fixer (a local helper at each border) can make the process faster and smoother. A fixer is readily available at each border crossing.

3. Avoid Looking Like a Tourist Target! Blending in can help reduce risks of theft or bribes:
   
   Don’t display expensive items in your vehicle.
   Use modest luggage, not flashy suitcases or coolers.
   Use toll roads when possible.
   Avoid driving at night.
   Stay in well-rated, secure hotels.
   Dress like a traveler, not a tourist—no flashy jewelry, branded gear, or cameras.
   Blend in… Avoid traveling with other groups or caravans to minimize your visibility and potential as a target.

4. Keep Cash in Small Denominations – U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Panama, but other countries may prefer local currency. Keep a stash of small bills for tolls, fuel, border fees, and snacks. There is usually someone at every border crossing who can exchange for the local currency.
   
5. Get an ATT or T-Mobile international unlimited cell plan for the trip!
6. Have several credit cards and debit cards, from different banks.

Common Challenges to Prepare For:

Expect the unexpected. That’s where the magic happens! No matter how well you plan your trip, your schedule could change. That’s why it’s better to book your hotels the morning of or night before instead of booking them all in advance.

Road Conditions: Potholes, detours, or construction zones can slow progress.

GPS Confusion: Navigation apps don’t always work correctly in rural areas—download offline maps.

Unexpected Delays: Borders may be closed for holidays, have a power outage, or lunch breaks. Always have snacks, water, and plenty of patience.

Consider hiring a reputable driver/escort service to drive you to Panama. Watch THIS LIVESTREM on August 5th, 2025 when I interview someone who hired a driver to drive him, his car, and his dog to Panama. The driver will be on the call too!

And most importantly, plan your route but stay flexible. Roads and rules can change.

Your attitude will be your best travel companion.

Watch the Video: Firsthand Experience of John, who drove to Panama in 2025:

In this interview, you’ll meet John, who drove from the Pacific Northwest to Panama in 2025—his story is packed with useful insights and honest advice for anyone considering the journey.

This is the route he took through Mexico and the stops along the way.

This is the route he took through Central America and the stops along the way.

See these instructions and notes about doing border crossing in each country:

See border crossing notes from US into Mexico

See border crossing notes from Mexico into Guatemala

See border crossing notes from Guatemala into El Salvador

See border crossing notes from El Salvador into Honduras

See border crossing notes from Honduras into Nicaragua

See border crossing notes from Nicaragua into Costa Rica

See border crossing notes from Costa Rica into Panama.

John used these Facebook groups and Apps to help plan his trip:

On the Road in Mexico
PanAmerican Travellers Association
Website and app: iOverlander.com

Want to Learn More About
Moving to Panama the Easy Way?

Panama Relocation Tours offers all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night relocation tours, private tours, and a comprehensive Online Panama Relocation Guide with everything you need for a smooth transition.

Whether you fly or drive, we’re here to help you relocate the right way.

Panama Relocation Tours is the original relocation tour company in Panama, founded in 2010 by Jackie Lange. With a mission to simplify the process of moving to Panama, the company has helped thousands of people relocate the right way. Through its all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night tours and private, fully customized tours, Panama Relocation Tours gives future expats an in-depth look at what life is really like in Panama—without the pressure of a real estate sales pitch.

Panama Relocation Tours goes far beyond a vacation-style tour. Participants visit popular expat communities, meet with immigration lawyers, explore healthcare options, see rental properties, and connect with expats who have already made the move. Every tour is a “rolling seminar” designed to provide essential information about visas, cost of living, banking, buying a car, moving pets, and more.

For those who prefer to explore Panama on their own, the company also offers the Online Panama Relocation Guide, which includes step-by-step instructions and vetted contacts for every aspect of the move—from immigration and healthcare to real estate and insurance.

With over 300 successful tours completed and the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award under its belt, Panama Relocation Tours is known for its unmatched after-tour support and trusted guidance that continues well after the tour ends.