Board the legendary Panama Canal Railway for a 47-mile crossing of the isthmus that changed world trade forever, travelling through Gatun Lake's mirror waters and cathedral rainforest in a beautifully restored heritage train. One of the world's great short rail journeys.
What to expect
Step aboard the sleek, air-conditioned carriages of what was once the world's first transcontinental railway and settle in as the train glides southward from Colón through dense jungle and alongside the shimmering expanse of Gatun Lake. Aboard, a bilingual guide narrates the astonishing engineering story — how 80,000 workers reshaped a continent — while exotic birds skim the treetops outside your window. The train skirts active cargo ships queued for the canal locks, offering a dramatic juxtaposition of 19th-century rail and 21st-century global trade. Arrive at Panama City's Corozal station with time for Casco Viejo before the return journey.
Good to know
The railway departs Colón station (near the cruise port) at approximately 7:15 am and Panama City at 5:15 pm. The one-way trip is roughly 1 hour. Seats in the dome/observation car are limited — book directly through panarail.com as soon as your port call is confirmed. A taxi or Uber connects Casco Viejo to Corozal for the return.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Gatun Lake — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.