Panama Honors the Logistical Pulse of Panama: The Railway
Stretching 76 kilometers across the isthmus in just an hour and a half, the Panama Railroad keeps one of the most important cogs in global logistics in motion. For over a century and a half, it has united oceans, connected histories, and sustained the dynamism that drives a country born to link the world. In this month of national celebrations, it remains a source of pride: a project that symbolizes progress, hard work, and a vision for the future.
A Route that Keeps the Country Moving
Operated under concession by the Panama Canal Railway Company, the rail system connects container traffic from one coast to the other, reflecting a robust operation with ample room for growth as demand for transit through the country increases. It functions as a true conveyor belt between the Port of Balboa and the Colón Container Terminal and Manzanillo International Terminal on the Atlantic coast, ensuring that cargo flows with precision, punctuality, and traceability.
Six departures are made daily using the seven trains available for the operation. Each train consists of eleven cars with a capacity to transport up to 165 containers per trip, equivalent to 55 tons of cargo. Approximately 30% of the cargo is refrigerated goods—mainly products from the west coast of South America—traveling north to Europe and the United States. Behind each train, 180 dedicated people ensure a safe and efficient operation. Furthermore, it operates within a primary customs zone, allowing cargo to move directly from ship to train and vice versa, reducing road congestion and carbon emissions.
Solid Foundations for Safe Operation
In 2024, the railway moved approximately 390,000 containers, a figure that is expected to be maintained this year. These volumes are made possible by a robust infrastructure, supported by over $175 million invested in materials, equipment, and high-powered locomotives. The railway receives preventative maintenance throughout the year, ensuring optimal, stable, and safe performance.
A Journey That Also Tells the Story of the Country
In addition to its role in international trade, the railway offers a unique tourist experience: it is the only panoramic train in Central America, providing exceptional views of the rainforest, the canal, and the landscape that makes Panama a natural meeting point between oceans. For visitors and locals alike, the journey is also a way to reconnect with the country’s history and understand the value of its privileged location.
The Panama Railroad is more than just transportation; it represents effort, ingenuity, and commitment. Every kilometer traveled connects people, drives business, and keeps alive the ambition of a country that never stops looking outward. It remains a tangible symbol of progress and resilience, reminding us that Panama, too, moves on rails that build its present and its future.
