Panama Canal Railway & New Locks of the Canal Expansion (Dome Car)

Points of Interest
- Panama Canal Expansion
- Panama Canal Railway
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Imagine traveling around the Panama Canal in a deluxe 1938 air-conditioned dome car. During this five-hour tour you'll not only take in the sights of the canal but transfer to the New Locks of the Canal Expansion for an up close look at this engineering marvel.
After boarding your air-conditioned transportation you'll make the short drive to the Pacific railroad station. Here, you'll board your unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, soft lamp lighting, wooden blinds, air conditioning, bathrooms, large windows to appreciate the picturesque journey and open-air viewing decks that allow passengers to step outside and "smell" the tropical rainforest. Your dome car has an upper deck with full-length observation windows and booth seating, as well as two restrooms and a bar.
Then, you'll leave the station on an approximately one hour train trip from the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the isthmus' dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, you guide will provide commentary on the railroad, Panamanian history, and the canal.
The rainforests of the Panama Canal are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. Enjoy a light snack and beverage during this part of you tour.
The Panama Canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.
When your train arrives at Colon's train station, you'll transfer to the New Locks Observation Center to view the locks. You will also have the opportunity for a close up view of the passing ships and functioning of the locks from the top floor of the center. Depending on the size of each vessel, you can see one to three vessels simultaneously make the transit.
At the end of this fascinating adventure, you'll return to the pier.
Special Notes:
There are no preassigned seats and capacity is limited. The train operates in one direction. During the 1.5 hour return trip restroom facilities will not be available. Tour sequence may vary. Ship sightings are not guaranteed. The Observation Car has a glass dome viewing area as pictured.Child Price:
12 & under reducedTour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart pier
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
Arrival at train station, use rest rooms, board train
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 100
- Steps:
- 6
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Travel across the isthmus by train
- Transport type:
- Train
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 01:00
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
End of train ride at Colon Station and board buses
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:30
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No
Ride to Gatun Locks and time spent on the Locks
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 01:20
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 80
- Restroom available:
- Yes
Return to pier
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 01:30
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No
Return to pier
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:30
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No