Harvest Adventures

If you’re planning a trip to Panama, you’ve probably heard plenty about visiting the Panama Canal, but what about traveling alongside it by train?

I recently rode the Panama Canal Railway from the Panama City area to Colón, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The regular ticket was $40, while I chose to spend $50 for the panoramic car. So the big question is: is this train ride actually worth the money?

Here’s what my experience was like, what I think about the panoramic upgrade, and what you should know before adding the railway to your Panama itinerary.

What Is the Panama Canal Railway?

The Panama Canal Railway connects the Pacific and Atlantic sides of Panama, traveling between the Panama City area and Colón.

The journey takes you alongside parts of the Panama Canal and through the lush landscape that surrounds it. For me, that was a big part of the appeal. It’s not simply about getting from one city to another—it’s about experiencing a different perspective of one of Panama’s most famous areas.

And yes, there’s something pretty cool about traveling from the Pacific side of the country toward the Caribbean side and then making the scenic return trip back to Panama City.

How Much Does the Panama Canal Railway Cost?

When I rode the Panama Canal Railway, a regular ticket was $40, while the panoramic car cost $50. I decided to splurge on the panoramic ticket because I wanted the full experience—and, of course, I wanted to see whether the upgrade was actually worth it.

After riding it, though, I think budget-conscious travelers can save the extra $10 and choose the regular ticket. One of my favorite parts of the journey was spending time in the open-air viewing area, which passengers can access regardless of whether they purchased a regular or panoramic ticket.

The panoramic car was nice, and I’m glad I experienced it, but if I were doing the trip again? I’d probably save the $10.

What Is the Train Ride Actually Like?

This isn’t a train ride where you’re simply waiting to reach your destination. The scenery is part of the experience.

You’ll see stretches of the Panama Canal, tropical greenery, waterways, and parts of Panama that you may not otherwise see if you’re spending most of your trip in Panama City.

My advice? Don’t spend the entire ride looking through your phone trying to capture everything. Take your photos. Get your videos. Then put the phone down for a few minutes and just enjoy where you are.

So… Is the Panama Canal Railway Worth $40?

For me, yes—with one important caveat.

I think it’s worth the $40 if you’re interested in the Panama Canal, transportation, history, or simply want to experience something different during your time in Panama.

This also isn’t transportation for getting from Panama City to Colón. Passengers remain on the train during the brief stop in Colón before it returns to Panama City. You’re paying for the scenic round-trip experience, not point-to-point transportation.

As someone who loves finding unique experiences in Panama, I’m glad I did it. I got to see another side of the country, experience a historic railway journey, and travel from the Pacific side of Panama toward the Caribbean side—all before lunch. That’s a pretty memorable way to spend a morning.

Is the $10 Panoramic Upgrade Worth It?

I paid $50 for the panoramic car, so I can say that I enjoyed experiencing it for myself. But I don’t think you need to spend the extra $10 to have a great trip.

If you’re watching your budget, I’d choose the $40 regular ticket and enjoy the scenery and open-air viewing area. If the panoramic car itself is part of the experience you’ve been looking forward to, then the extra $10 is a relatively small splurge.

Important: You Cannot Get Off the Train in Colón

This is one detail I definitely want travelers to know before booking: the Panama Canal Railway experience is a scenic round-trip ride. Although the train travels from the Panama City area to Colón, passengers are not allowed to get off the train and explore once it arrives.

The train makes a brief stop in Colón and then begins the return journey back to Panama City. So don’t book this experience expecting to spend part of the day sightseeing in Colón or to use the railway as transportation to the Caribbean side.

Instead, think of the entire experience as a scenic there-and-back train ride. You get the fun of traveling across the isthmus toward the Caribbean side, but you remain on the train for the journey back to Panama City.

My Tips Before You Go

• Book ahead, especially if you’re traveling during a busy period.
• Arrive early so you’re not rushing before departure.
• Bring your camera or phone to capture the beautiful scenery.
• Take advantage of the open-air viewing area.
• If you’re traveling on a budget, I think the regular $40 ticket is enough.

Make It Part of a Bigger Panama Adventure

The Panama Canal Railway is just one way to experience the Panama Canal and the surrounding area. Depending on your itinerary, you could also explore the canal from the water, visit the locks, take a wildlife excursion, or combine your railway experience with other activities in the region.

Planning your Panama trip?

Explore Panama Canal tours and experiences

Find hotels in Panama City

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support Harvest Adventures and allows me to continue sharing travel guides and experiences.

Final Thoughts

Would I ride the Panama Canal Railway again?

I probably wouldn’t repeat it simply because I’ve already had the experience, but I would recommend doing it once if it fits your Panama itinerary and budget.

For me, the Panama Canal Railway wasn’t just a train ride. It was another opportunity to experience what makes Panama so unique: a relatively small country where you can start your day near one ocean and find yourself near another just a few hours later.

And for $50? I’m glad I did it.