panama canal railway tour the panama canal train excursion
Despite lasting just over an hour, the Panama Canal Railway is considered, by many, to be one of the world’s great train rides, and if you experience it, you will understand why.
The railway spans the entire canal length and dates back to the mid-1800s. When construction concluded in 1855, it was the world’s first transcontinental railway. For the most part, the railway maintains a relatively straight trajectory. It spends most of its time beside the channel, except where it crosses over Gatun Lake. And throughout its journey, the railway always remains east of the Canal; it never crosses over to the west side.
We hear so much about the Panama Canal; people are surprised to learn that the railway was operating for 60 years before construction on the Panama Canal concluded and played an instrumental role during the canal’s initial construction period.
A trip aboard the railroad gives visitors a different, unique perspective of the Panama Canal. Between Panama City and Barro Colorado Island, the train passes alongside Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. It then briefly moves inland as it winds through Gaillard Cut. Further north, after passing Barro Colorado Island, it spends most of its time in the open as it crosses Gatun Lake.
The passenger cars are comfortable, well-appointed, air-conditioned, and have large windows and glass ceilings, providing spectacular, unobstructed views of the surroundings. So, the Panama Canal Railway excursion is an excellent option if you want a relaxing, joyful, and memorable ride. I highly recommend it.
The Corozal train station is located near the Albrook Airport. Unfortunately, there are no Metro buses that stop at the station, but several Metro buses stop near it. Look for the buses that read Miraflores, Forestal, Ciudad de Saber, or Mercado de Abastos, and get off at the entrance to Albrook. From there it’s about a 3-5 minute walk.
The Colon train station is located near the entrance to Colon, off to your left. You pass it before entering the town, before reaching the bus terminal.