A Journey on the Panama Canal Railway

Experience the Panama Canal by rail: A journey on the Panama Canal Railway

For travelers seeking a unique and picturesque way to experience the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal Railway offers a delightful alternative or follow-up to the usual visitor center outing or touristy boat tours. This historic railway has operated since the mid-19th century and offers a scenic journey alongside the iconic canal and through lush rainforest landscapes.

The experience:

The trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The three-hour roundtrip journey is just the right length, perfect for those doing a cruise excursion or with a long layover at Tocumen International Airport. The beautifully restored vintage train departs from Panama City and heads to the Atlantic-side city of Colón. Providing a panoramic view of the canal, Gatun Lake and the surrounding jungle. The layover in Colón is brief — around 15 minutes — so this is more about the train experience than exploring the destination. The return trip offers a similar scenic delight, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. This charming experience offers a unique perspective, blending history and nature, and a relaxing pace perfect for travelers of all ages and abilities.

What to expect:

• Activities on board: Pass the time by chatting with travel companions, listening to audiobooks, playing card games or simply enjoying the view. Compact entertainment like UNO cards or Mad Libs can enhance the experience, especially for families.

• Explore the train: Covered carriages between the train cars offer unobstructed, albeit windy, views along the sides of the train. Younger passengers and those with a keen interest in train voyages will enjoy traversing the cars and passenger spaces during the journey.

• Snacks: While the train offers snacks and beverages for sale, they also provide snack boxes on the return leg. Coffee is complimentary for all passengers. Packing your favorite treats is an option that ensures you'll have something familiar to enjoy along the way.

The scenery:

One of the highlights of the journey is the breathtaking scenery. You'll glide past serene waterways, verdant rainforests and small settlements that offer a glimpse into daily life in Panama. The large windows provide excellent views, and the slow pace of the train allows ample time to appreciate the surroundings. Between the dark wood paneling shadowed with green Tiffany-style lamps in the train carriage and the scintillating open water and lush jungle scenery, it did occur to me that this would be the perfect setting for an exquisite costumed dinner party on the rails. Or at the very least, some steamy journaling a la Mills and Boon.

Tips for a smooth journey:

• Book online: Preview the schedule online and access links to purchase your tickets via the booking platform.

• Arrive early: Ensure you are near the front of the boarding queue and are assigned seats with your group. Seats are arranged around tables for two or four, all offering window views. The panoramic car with the domed glass observation windows is worth considering if available. Ample parking is available at the Corozal Passenger Station in Panama City.

• Bring essentials: Snacks, drinks, entertainment and perhaps a travel blanket or cozy wrap for added comfort (the train car had excellent air conditioning. Some might find it chilly, given the tropical setting).

• Restroom prep: Use station restrooms beforehand and encourage young travelers to do the same. The onboard bathroom facilities left something to be desired during our trip. For some passengers, this was a significant downside. If you're traveling with children or anyone with sensitivities, plan accordingly and use the facilities at the station before boarding.

Final thoughts:

The Panama Canal Railway is a unique and tranquil way to experience one of the world's engineering marvels. Despite minor hiccups, it's a memorable journey combining stunning scenery, historical intrigue and an intricately maintained and restored train. Whether you're a locomotive-buff, nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing way to explore Panama, this train ride offers a rewarding follow-up to traditional canal tours.

Day trips:

Other ways to see the Panama Canal include:

• Visiting the Miraflores Locks Center (Ciudad de Panamá): Get a close-up view of the locks in action after screening the family-friendly movie at the on-site IMAX theater narrated by the incomparable Morgan Freeman. In his trademark deep tones, he explains the origins and engineering of the canal in a way that commands the attention of even the children watching the 30-minute movie.
  
  Tip: Pay close attention to the crossing schedule and movie screening times (both posted on the website), as these are subject to change. Purchase your tickets beforehand to avoid lines.

• Visiting the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center (Colón): At a more modest visitor center, witness the impressive operations of the canal's expanded locks with panoramic views of ships transiting the Atlantic Ocean side of the canal.

• Taking a boat tour: Experience the canal from the water as you navigate through its locks and lakes alongside massive cargo ships. Viator offers numerous options for boat tours, ranging from a few hours to an entire crossing from one ocean to the next.

• Visiting El Museo del Canal (Panama Canal Museum): Located in historic Casco Viejo, this museum offers a deep dive into the canal's history, cultural significance and global impact. With extensive exhibits on the canal's history and engineering.

Whether by rail, water or a visitor center, there are countless ways to explore and appreciate this world-famous engineering marvel.

After visiting the canal, hail a rideshare over to Gamboa Baking Company in the Ciudad del Saber, or City of Knowledge. This mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to the Canal is the former Canal Zone that was controlled by the United States Military installment built and managed the canal before the historic handover to the Panamanian people in the year 1999. Enjoy fresh pastries, artisanal bread and coffee in a charming bakery setting rich with history and culture, perfect for relaxing after your adventure. View their delicious treats at Gamboa Baking Company.

For more vintage vehicle vibes and a full meal in the heart of Casco Viejo, visit Casa Catedral. Like many restored buildings in this part of the city, the restaurant flanks an intimate courtyard and offers phenomenal Panamanian cuisine with artfully prepared beverages.

If you just want something sweet to tide you over to the next meal, check out Keene’s Ice Creams. Locally owned and operated artisanal ice cream with both traditional dairy-based and an equal number of dairy-free and vegan options. Calabaza and platanos in ice cream? Claro que sí.