How to Visit the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal stands as a triumph of human engineering and a vital artery connecting the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific, with the Atlantic. For travelers venturing to Panama City, Panama, a visit to this marvel of twentieth-century innovation is a must-do.
How to get to the Panama Canal from Panama City
For those staying downtown (I highly suggest staying at the Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel), I suggest booking a guided excursion like The Panama Canal Visitor Center and City Tour with GetYourGuide. Personally, I'm just a fan of an easy bus tour when it comes to extremely touristy sites like the Panama Canal.
If you prefer to go on your own, you can take a taxi, Uber or public transportation. The easiest and most convenient way to get to the Panama Canal from Panama City is by taking a bus from Albrook Bus Terminal (located near Albrook Mall) to Miraflores Locks. From there, you can walk a short distance to reach the Visitor Center.
What to Expect at the Panama Canal Visitor
I'm not going to lie to you: it's extremely crowded. Honestly, it was so crowded that I didn't even have a good time. If you have rented a car, you'll probably have a better time pulling off on the side of the road and watching the boats go by.
That being said, the film at the Visitor Center, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is absolutely awesome. And you can purchase classic movie snacks for the show!
Before you visit the Panama Canal, be sure to check out the boat schedule on the Panama Canal website.
Additional Tips for Visiting the Panama Canal
Make sure to bring plenty of water as it can get quite hot and humid.
Avoid visiting during peak hours (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) to avoid large crowds.
Consider booking a guided tour in advance for a more informative and enjoyable experience at the Panama Canal Visitor Center.
If you have plans after the Panama Canal, build enough time into your schedule to go home and shower. You get sweaty in that confined space with lots of people!
Final Thoughts
Despite the crowds, visiting the Panama Canal is a must-do experience in Panama. It's an engineering marvel and an important piece of history that should not be missed. Be sure to catch the film – that was honestly the best part!
