Panama Canal Railway

The basics

Almost all major cruise lines that dock at Panama’s ports offer excursions on the Panama Canal Railway; tours also depart from Panama City. They typically include a one-way train ride to Colon with a return trip back by vehicle and some offer stops at historical sites such as the UNESCO-listed Fort San Lorenzo and the Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo. Train coaches feature wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, air-conditioning, bathrooms, large windows, and a bar and snack service.

Things to know before you go

• The daily train service also caters to commuters traveling between Panama City and Colon, but there are cars dedicated to tourists.

• The train has open-air viewing platforms too.

• Morning and late afternoon hours—9am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm—usually offer the best chances to see a ship pass through the canal.

How to get there

Panama Canal Railway excursions depart from the cruise ship ports or from Panama City hotels. You can also travel on your own. The train leaves from the Corozal Passenger Station. Plan to arrive early to get a good seat. Because there is only one evening train back to Panama City, travelers recommend arranging an excursion once you reach Colon, returning by bus, or booking a guided tour that includes round-trip transport.

When to get there

To accommodate the commuters, the train runs once in the morning and again in the evening, Monday through Friday, with the morning one leaving from Panama City at 7:15am. The ride to Colon takes about 45-60 minutes. The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, from late December to April.

Panama Canal tours

Many travelers agree that the best way to see the Panama Canal is on a boat tour. Cruise directly through the canal and watch as your boat passes through three sets of double locks—the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side and the Gatun locks on the Atlantic. You can also visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about this engineering feat through exhibits.