Panama Canal Railway Company
Panama Canal Railway Company
Panama Canal Railway Company
4.5
About
This tour on the newly restored Panama Canal Railway, the western hemisphere's first transcontinental railroad, follows the east bank of the canal that offers excellent views of the waterway and rainforests along its shoreline.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
552 reviews
Excellent
285
Very good
173
Average
72
Poor
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Terrible
5
Jeff B
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
Visited Panama three years ago----loved iy. Not the same country today.
The country would be well advised to stop encouraging people to relocate there until they can take care of people there. Traffic in largest two cities is impossible---David has only two stop lights in entire city Lines/accidents everywhere
Humidity has become a factor in lower elevations. We stayed much higher and even there afternoons were uncomfortable
Those bargain prices for rentals and food items------now history. Even smaller town expenses were on the high side
One real plus was medical care as all reports were positive both for treatment and cost.
Panama had been on our short list for relocation, but following this disappointing visit we are headed a different direction
The country would be well advised to stop encouraging people to relocate there until they can take care of people there. Traffic in largest two cities is impossible---David has only two stop lights in entire city Lines/accidents everywhere
Humidity has become a factor in lower elevations. We stayed much higher and even there afternoons were uncomfortable
Those bargain prices for rentals and food items------now history. Even smaller town expenses were on the high side
One real plus was medical care as all reports were positive both for treatment and cost.
Panama had been on our short list for relocation, but following this disappointing visit we are headed a different direction
Written December 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vickie D
Boring, OR23 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Seeing the old locks of the Canal was good. Dome seating was extremely tight and uncomfortable. Guide talked non stop about anything and everything. Took us on bus thru old area making us 2 hrs late and no shopping time. Barely made tender to get back on ship
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingtexan23
Dallas, Texas203 contributions
The train leaves from Panama City to Colon at 7:15 am, so you need to be there by 6:30 to buy tickets and get a good seat (I recommend window seats on the left/far side of the train for the best views). The tickets were moderately priced, but perhaps could be considered pricey since the ride is only an hour or so ($22 per person, one-way)
Each car has a snack bar with complimentary coffee and Canal maps. Within a few minutes of departure, you're already passing the Miraflores Locks. It's a quick trip up the Canal, but worth it for the view you can't get from the highway in a car.
I would highly recommend having a car arranged for your arrival beforehand. We had our hotel in Panama City arrange it for us, so the driver was there waiting for us when we pulled in to the station. The cabs there are known for ripping off people. Crime is also quite high in Colon, so we didn't want to stay there.
My father left his wallet on the train, and we went back to get it 10 minutes after we had left. The cash was gone, but all the credit cards were in it. Moral of the story (here as well as anywhere you're travelling): make sure you have all your belongings before you get off the car (wallet, passport, phone, keys, etc.)
We immediately went to the Gatun Locks (a must-do!), then to Gamboa, then back to the City.
Each car has a snack bar with complimentary coffee and Canal maps. Within a few minutes of departure, you're already passing the Miraflores Locks. It's a quick trip up the Canal, but worth it for the view you can't get from the highway in a car.
I would highly recommend having a car arranged for your arrival beforehand. We had our hotel in Panama City arrange it for us, so the driver was there waiting for us when we pulled in to the station. The cabs there are known for ripping off people. Crime is also quite high in Colon, so we didn't want to stay there.
My father left his wallet on the train, and we went back to get it 10 minutes after we had left. The cash was gone, but all the credit cards were in it. Moral of the story (here as well as anywhere you're travelling): make sure you have all your belongings before you get off the car (wallet, passport, phone, keys, etc.)
We immediately went to the Gatun Locks (a must-do!), then to Gamboa, then back to the City.
Written May 24, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WPTraveler
Whitney Point, NY21 contributions
Mar 2011 • Couples
My husband and I took the Princess Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale on the Island Princess in March 2011. The trip was everything we had hoped for. We took 6 shore excursions during the two week cruise. One of the best was taking the Panama Canal Railway from Panama City to Colon and then a bus back to Panama City with a stop at the Gatun Locks. So we got to see the Canal 3 times - twice from land and then the next day as our ship transited the Canal. The rail car was very comfortable, the guide was very good and it was amazing to see how thick the jungle is. Gave one some appreciation for what the Canal builders had to contend with. We highly recommend this cruise and this excursion. We were very glad we had done some reading about the history of the Canal and about Panama before we went.
Written June 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roaming Around the World
Wilton Manors, FL97 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Background: I'm not a cruise passenger nor a typical vacation tourist. I still enjoy some nicer experiences but always have to be mindful of budget as I'm traveling long term.
That said, I'd give the train from PC to Colon a solid 3.5 rating, as it was essentially what we expected but really nothing extraordinary. For about $3 you can catch a bus to Colon, but we paid the $25 to have the nice (and much shorter) journey by train to Colon. The ride took about an hour, had nice views of the Canal for about 30% of the ride. Complimentary coffee was provided (and was delicious). We were also given a snack box upon departing, which we thought was odd, as that would have been nice to munch on during our trip.
It was a nice way to travel from PC to Colon. If you're really on a tight budget, I'd recommend to take the bus, and the train isn't worth it. But if you have some flexibility in your budget, it was a nice experience and sure beats another long crammed bus ride. Just have the right expectations and you'll be fine.
I would NOT recommend this to anyone simply to take the train ride and come right back to Panama City. I don't think thats worth the cost, the trouble, or the time. But if you need to head to Colon anyways and have some cash to burn, you should certainly consider a more comfy experience on the train as a nicer alternative to the bus.
Tips:
Arrive early to get a decent seat on the LEFT side of the train. Make sure to get on the left side because that is where you will see the Canal.
Consider bringing some breakfast with you or eat beforehand.
Bring cash. The ticket counter does have a credit card machine but she didn't have signal to connect when we were there.
If you're going somewhere else (like we were, to Portobelo) you likely need to get to the bus station. Everyone warned us of the dodginess of Colon and said it is absolutely a must to catch a cab the extremely short distance to the bus terminal. It is so close that you can see it from the train station but we paid the $2 per person to be safe. Honestly, the city did look sketchy, but there were women, children, and even a few police all around and I can't imagine you'd have any serious problems like a mugging at 8:30 am in the morning here. But I suppose $2 is worth it to ensure your safety.
That said, I'd give the train from PC to Colon a solid 3.5 rating, as it was essentially what we expected but really nothing extraordinary. For about $3 you can catch a bus to Colon, but we paid the $25 to have the nice (and much shorter) journey by train to Colon. The ride took about an hour, had nice views of the Canal for about 30% of the ride. Complimentary coffee was provided (and was delicious). We were also given a snack box upon departing, which we thought was odd, as that would have been nice to munch on during our trip.
It was a nice way to travel from PC to Colon. If you're really on a tight budget, I'd recommend to take the bus, and the train isn't worth it. But if you have some flexibility in your budget, it was a nice experience and sure beats another long crammed bus ride. Just have the right expectations and you'll be fine.
I would NOT recommend this to anyone simply to take the train ride and come right back to Panama City. I don't think thats worth the cost, the trouble, or the time. But if you need to head to Colon anyways and have some cash to burn, you should certainly consider a more comfy experience on the train as a nicer alternative to the bus.
Tips:
Arrive early to get a decent seat on the LEFT side of the train. Make sure to get on the left side because that is where you will see the Canal.
Consider bringing some breakfast with you or eat beforehand.
Bring cash. The ticket counter does have a credit card machine but she didn't have signal to connect when we were there.
If you're going somewhere else (like we were, to Portobelo) you likely need to get to the bus station. Everyone warned us of the dodginess of Colon and said it is absolutely a must to catch a cab the extremely short distance to the bus terminal. It is so close that you can see it from the train station but we paid the $2 per person to be safe. Honestly, the city did look sketchy, but there were women, children, and even a few police all around and I can't imagine you'd have any serious problems like a mugging at 8:30 am in the morning here. But I suppose $2 is worth it to ensure your safety.
Written March 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BatonRougeLA
louisiana21 contributions
Jul 2014 • Business
Summer 2014
A one way ticket for $25US will buy you a great ride on the Panama Canal Train from Panama City to Colon. The ride and views are great. The pace is easy. The new construction of the Canal Expansion is an additional treat to multitude of waterways and jungles and ships seen along the route. One can step outside the tourist car for an open-air ride to capture the sounds of the train and countryside. You will be given a small snack box as you exit the train at Colon. The problem is the town of Colon. You do not want to wonder around it at any time. The new Panamanian president has declared a restoration program for Colon, but that will take some time to achieve. The train does not head back to Panama City until the afternoon so make other (reputable) arrangements to get you back earlier or to take you to San Lorenzo fortification, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is nearby and is free to anyone wanting to explore it. It is not handicap friendly and does not have any staff on site. Take some water. And take a snack and drink for the poor friendly stray cats, too.
A one way ticket for $25US will buy you a great ride on the Panama Canal Train from Panama City to Colon. The ride and views are great. The pace is easy. The new construction of the Canal Expansion is an additional treat to multitude of waterways and jungles and ships seen along the route. One can step outside the tourist car for an open-air ride to capture the sounds of the train and countryside. You will be given a small snack box as you exit the train at Colon. The problem is the town of Colon. You do not want to wonder around it at any time. The new Panamanian president has declared a restoration program for Colon, but that will take some time to achieve. The train does not head back to Panama City until the afternoon so make other (reputable) arrangements to get you back earlier or to take you to San Lorenzo fortification, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is nearby and is free to anyone wanting to explore it. It is not handicap friendly and does not have any staff on site. Take some water. And take a snack and drink for the poor friendly stray cats, too.
Written July 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFish
Washington DC, DC73 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
I was leery of taking the train from Panama City to Colon, that it would be too cheesy. Well I was wrong! It was a bit pricy at $20 a person but so worth it. The train departs at 7:15 am and is a little over an hour. The track travel along the canal and parts of GatĂşn Lake. It is gorgeous! The top part of the train is glass and you can see so much. The train staff is friendly, coffee is free, and the booth seating comfortable. I highly recommend. Once you get to Colon there isn't really a station, but there are taxis that for a dollar a person will take you the short drive to the bus station. Walk around and look for a bus with a sign on the front glass for the city you want (we went to Portobello). It was $1.60 a person and took 2hrs. There are also buses back to Panama City for a bit more.
Written February 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveChicago
Chicago, IL3,881 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We took the Panama City Railroad from Panama City to Colon, there are only two trains per day Monday-Friday, one at 7:15am from Panama City to Colon and the return at 5:15pm from Colon back to Panama City. The ride takes about an hour, the one way ticket was $25. Get there early for a good seat, there's one domed observation car which filled up pretty quickly. The cars are quite nice, wood paneled, carpeted, with a bar and snack service. There's also an outdoor observation platform.
The train runs along the Panama Canal passing through rainforest, alongside the Panama Canal’s locks, through the Gaillard Cut and over Lake Gatun. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot some wildlife, we saw several crocodiles and a monkey.
Once you arrive in Colon, if you haven't already arranged for a guide, there should be some taxi drivers waiting at the platform. One couple we talked to on the train hired one of these guides and were getting a tour of Portobelo at the same time we were there.
The train runs along the Panama Canal passing through rainforest, alongside the Panama Canal’s locks, through the Gaillard Cut and over Lake Gatun. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot some wildlife, we saw several crocodiles and a monkey.
Once you arrive in Colon, if you haven't already arranged for a guide, there should be some taxi drivers waiting at the platform. One couple we talked to on the train hired one of these guides and were getting a tour of Portobelo at the same time we were there.
Written April 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael_B_from_DC
Washington DC, DC51 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
The Panama Canal Railway was in fact built in 1855, long before the canal was built. The canal largely shadowed the railway as it was crucial to the canal's construction. So when you ride the train you are never far from the canal. For a good stretch the railway passes through lake Gatun. The tourist car is entirely glass above three feet to allow for unobstructed viewing. Note that the city of Colon, the northern terminal of the railway, is rough; make plans to have someone meet you there or to take a taxi. You will not want to wander Colon on your own.
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BILLJ_GA
Atlanta, GA108 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Decided to take this trip on my own one morning. The staff on the train were friendly and I enjoyed the coffee as the a/c on the train works really well. One complaint is that they should wash the windows on the canal side much more frequently as it obstructs the great views from inside the train. The outside areas of the train are really nice. There are several outside viewing areas as you make your way back from the observation car to the end of the train. There are also 120volt plugs in the train if you need to charge anything. The views are really nice at times and when I took it, you could see the new locks in the canal that were waiting to be installed on the Caribbean side. They are huge and known by the Panamanians as the Giants.
When we arrived at Colon, they handed out small lunch boxes which I missed because I got off of one of the non-tourist train cars. The people who take the train to/from work every day open up the train doors themselves. You can tell it is routine for them. Not sure how true this is but a Panamanian told me that "The People who live in Colon do not want to work, and the people who work there do not want to live there."
Anyway.. I took a short $1-2 taxi ride to the bus station(there will be some taxi's at the station when you arrive), then a $3.50 bus ride back to the Albrook bus terminal in Panama City and was back in time to have lunch.
When we arrived at Colon, they handed out small lunch boxes which I missed because I got off of one of the non-tourist train cars. The people who take the train to/from work every day open up the train doors themselves. You can tell it is routine for them. Not sure how true this is but a Panamanian told me that "The People who live in Colon do not want to work, and the people who work there do not want to live there."
Anyway.. I took a short $1-2 taxi ride to the bus station(there will be some taxi's at the station when you arrive), then a $3.50 bus ride back to the Albrook bus terminal in Panama City and was back in time to have lunch.
Written December 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eliszponik
Lunen, Germany
Hallo wann fährt der Zug von Colon nach Panama .. wie komme ich vom Hafen zum Bahnhof.
Written December 18, 2017
My husband and myself are taking a cruise through the Panama Canal heading up to Miami. We were looking at
The Panama Canal Railway tour but wondering if we could be seeing most of the same sights from the comfort of our balcony suite? Oh that sounded snobby. But hey, we are seniors and we like ease, comfort and a bonus if we are able to enjoy beautiful, interesting sights without too much hassle.
Thanks for any input. fillmyboots
Written September 29, 2016
Hey Fillmyboots, if I was on a balcony of cruise ship through the canal, I would skip the Panama City Railway. You will be right in the heart of the best parts. The railway goes in and out and really does not go by the locks at all. Also, the stations are just platforms, nothing interesting.
Written September 30, 2016
Do you recall the name of the guide you used to get to Colon before the train trip back? What time did you depart Panama City and what all did you see with your guide? Thanks.
Written July 19, 2016
The train departs early morning (7 something) and returns in the afternoon. I do not recall the guide. We visited the port and the stores. We had lunch in a restaurant there.
Written July 25, 2016
Does the train stop anywhere between Panama and Colon - near Sabanitas? Trying to figure out the best way from Tocumen Airport to Portobelo.
Written September 27, 2015
Intemporelle
Saint-Laurent-Nouan, France
Bonjour.
Entre l'arrivée et le départ du train pour le retour vers Panama, y a t-il possibilité de visiter Colon à pied, sans risque ?
Bonne journée.
BĂ©atrice
Written May 30, 2015
Quel et le prix de l'excursion?merci de votre retour.
Written May 5, 2015
elmar w
Los Angeles, California
is it possible to take a car with the railway and how much dos it kosts
Written January 17, 2015
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