Panama Canal

The basics

The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit boat tour at sea level. You can experience the sensation of cruising directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes steadily through the three sets of double locks(the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side, plus the Gatún locks on the Atlantic side).

Between the locks is the artificial Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún), created by the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River (Rio Chagres), and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. It's also possible to see the locks by train, as you pass by the banks and through pristine rain forest en route to Gatún.

Most full- and half-day tours include roundtrip transportation and a visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, which tells the story of this incredible engineering feat through exhibits. The center's restaurant, theater, and terraced decks also provide comfortable vantage points for watching ships pass through. You can also visit the Gatún locks (about an hour from Panama City) to learn about the Panama Canal expansion.

Things to know before you go

• By booking ahead with a guided tour, there's a much higher likelihood of actually seeing the famous Panama Canal in action.

• Travelers can make self-guided visits to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center in Panama City and the Canal Expansion Observation Center in Colon on the Caribbean Sea.

• Stop in for a meal at the Miraflores Restaurant at the Panama Canal to dine while viewing the ships cruise by.

How to get there

Arrive at the canal via boat, train, bus, or car. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has parking, but most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide.

When to get there

The morning hours and late afternoon are the best times for actually watching a ship pass through the canal.

Nearby attractions

A few tours depart from the town of Gamboa, situated at the end of the Gaillard Cut on the Chagres River in the Gamboa Rainforest. Neighboring SoberanÌa National Park—home to diverse bird species, sloths, and jaguars—and Embera village are also popular. The Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) is also worth a trip; this narrow strip of land is a popular spot for recreation.

Ways to explore

The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit boat tour at sea level. You will cruise directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes through the three sets of double locks. If you have less time, most full-day tours and half-day tours of the Panama Canal include round-trip transportation and a visit to the informative Miraflores Locks Visitor Center.

Accessibility

The lower viewing platform at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, your passport (or a photocopy) per Panamanian law

What to wear

Pack weather- and season-appropriate clothing—tropical Panama is typically hot, but it’s wetter between May and November.

Not allowed

Smoking and vaping in many public places throughout Panama

Amenities

There are viewing decks, a museum, and an IMAX theater at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center.

Address

The Panama Canal stretches from near Panama City on the Pacific coast to near Colón on the Caribbean coast. Get there via boat, train, bus, or car. Most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide, or on a cruise.

Driving

Few travelers self-drive in Panama, but if you want to, the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has plenty of parking. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Panama City; you’ll take Omar Torrijos Road most of the way.

Public transportation

Catch the C970, F030, or C810 buses from Panama City’s Albrook station to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes. To ride, pick up a RapiPass card at the station and swipe upon boarding.

Best times to visit

The Miraflores Locks are typically busiest from 9am–11am and then after 3pm—the most interesting times to visit to see ships passing through.

Best days to visit

No days are better than others to visit the Panama Canal, although the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center may be busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

December–April is Panama’s dry season, which is generally the most comfortable time to visit. February and March are the peak months for boats passing through the canal.

Special events

Some cruise routes may be altered when Panamanian and US forces are conducting security exercises and training in the canal.

How much does a Panama Canal tour cost?

Panama Canal tours vary widely in cost, depending on length and whether they involve excursions like kayaking. Generally speaking, you’ll find tour prices in the range of US$50–$300 per person. The cheapest way to visit is by heading to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where there’s an observation deck that overlooks the locks.

What is the best way to tour the Panama Canal?

The best way to tour the Panama Canal depends on what you’re looking for. For budget- and time-savers, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center and watch the ships from the observation deck. Partial-transit and full-transit tours cost more, but allow you to cross the entire length of the canal from ocean to ocean.

What is the best month to visit the Panama Canal?

In general, most visitors try to avoid Panama’s rainy season, which typically lasts from April to December. The biggest crowds roll in from January to March. If you’d like to avoid them (and avoid paying high-season prices), visit in early April or late December, getting the best of both worlds.

What is the best time of year to do a Panama Canal cruise?

The best time of year to do a Panama Canal cruise is January to March (aka the dry season). If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save a pretty penny, cruise anytime between April and December—though that likely means rain. To test your luck with crowds and clouds, try the shoulder season.

How long does it take for a ship to go through the Panama Canal?

Traveling from one ocean to another (from the Pacific to the Atlantic), transiting across the Panama Canal takes 8-10 hours, depending on traffic. That means only about 40 ships can cross the canal a day. And believe it or not, sometimes ships wait up to 3 days to even begin their passage.

Is the Panama Canal worth seeing?

Yes, the Panama Canal is worth seeing, as it’s one of humankind’s greatest feats of engineering. Canal operators use a system of locks to lift ships some 85 feet (26 meters) above sea levels. You can watch this process while taking in views of the Panama Canal from the Miraflores Visitor Center’s observation deck.