How to visit the Panama Canal - easily (and cheaply)

Visiting the Panama Canal is a must when you're in the country. The logical association when talking about Panama is probably the Panama Canal, offshore scandals, Bocas del Toro and San Blás (Kuna Yala).

The Panama Canal links the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, is one of the seven modern wonders of the world and since it was built in 1914, thousands of ships have passed through it. This means that, for example, ships sailing between Europe and Asia or Australia can avoid up to 2000 nautical miles (3700 km) by using the canal.

And this is how many of us get our parcels and fruit home more quickly and economically. The canal is one of engineering's finest achievements, but it was never an easy or consensual endeavour. 30,000 people died to build the canal and the railway.

It is undeniable, however, that the construction of the Panama Canal more than 100 years ago revolutionised world trade.

I reached the Panama Canal independently, without tours, using public transport. In this article I also explain what is the best time and best place to watch the channel and a few more tips to visit the Panama Canal.

A brief history of the Panama Canal

The idea of creating a passage through Panama between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean goes back a long way. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa saw the immense potential that the canal could have for the transport of ships, but at that time it was impossible to go ahead with the construction. 

The idea didn't stay there, because at the end of the 19th century, the French tried to build the canal, but lack of money, corruption and the death of many workers from tropical diseases (such as yellow fever) led to the project being suspended. 

Eventually, it was the United States that took control of the project and it was officially inaugurated in 1914. In that first year, around 1,000 ships used this new means of navigation, but today there are more than 14,000 annual crossings.

How the Panama Canal works

The Panama Canal works thanks to a system of locks. Each ship passage can cost up to one million dollars. The price varies depending on the size and cargo of the ship. 

The system is similar for each ship entering the Canal. When the ship enters the lock, it closes and water begins to be pumped into the chamber. It takes around 10 minutes to fill the chamber and lift the ship, which rises to the water level of the next lock and can pass safely. It's a slow process and takes several hours to sail from one ocean to the other.

Where is the best place to visit the Panama Canal?

The best way to get to know the Panama Canal is to visit one of the locks: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel (both on the Pacific Ocean side) and Gatún (on the Atlantic Ocean). The easiest place to visit the Panama Canal is in Miraflores. It's close to Panama City and it's very easy to get there (I'll explain how below). 

At the Miraflores lock there is a restaurant (Atlantic & Pacific Co) where the prices are high. I didn't eat there, so I can't comment on the quality of the meals. There are no restaurants near the Panama Canal, so it's best to take a snack or eat when you return to the Panamanian capital.

If you visit the Agua Clara (Gatún) You can also take a look at Fort San Lorenzo and the large Lake Gatún, which was created following the construction of the canal.

The Gatún Locks are 73 kilometres from Panama City, in Colón, but this is a city with a dubious reputation for safety and I don't think it's justified to drive 146 kilometres when you only need to travel 24 kilometres to see the same thing in Miraflores. There is also the Cocoli lock, but it doesn't receive visitors.

When is the best time to visit the canal?

Normally, ships pass through Miraflores Lock before 10am and after 2.30pm. On this site you can see the timetables in real time. Normally, the centre is most crowded between 9am and 11am and after 3pm. At around 11am, the transhipment of ships in the Panama Canal changes direction, which takes some time, so there will be no ships crossing at this time.

What there is to see at the canal lock

At the Miraflores visitor centre you can visit a small museum and watch a film (about 20 minutes) about the evolution of the construction of this magnificent engineering feat, the technical side of the canal and the people who were behind its construction. To watch the ships go by, go up to the fourth floor of the building where the viewing platform is located - everything is well signposted.

How much does a ticket to the Panama Canal cost?

To visit the Panama Canal you'll have to buy a ticket in Miraflores, which isn't cheap. The price has been rising steadily and, when I wrote this article, it was around 20 US dollars. Transport to the canal is cheap, but entry is not. Even so, it's a unique place on the planet - at least until the Nicaragua Canal is built.

The ticket includes entry to the IMAX cinema to watch the 3D film about the history and operations of the Panama Canal, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman.

Best time to visit the Panama Canal

The best time to visit the Panama Canal is from May to October. I was in Panama in April and the heat and humidity were unbearable. In fact, April is the hottest month of the year. Average temperatures throughout the year are between 23°C and 30°C, while the average humidity rarely drops below 80 per cent.

Save time (and money)

If you want to immerse yourself even more in the local culture, optimise your trip and even save money, take part in experiences and guided tours in Panama City. Book the best tours and activities in advance. Skip the queues and get your entrances to monumentsYou'll have more time to enjoy your trip.

How to get to the Panama Canal/Miraflores

Getting to the Panama Canal on your own is quite easy and I took public transport to the Miraflores lock. To use public transport in Panama City, you have to buy a rechargeable card (3 dollars) and top it up. It's called Tarjeta Metro Bus.

Take the Metro to Albrook station (it's a huge shopping centre) and from there catch a bus across the Avenida. As the location isn't always the same, it's best to ask at the Metro exit, as everyone will be able to tell you where to catch the bus to Miraflores.

Get on the bus and go to the last stop, which is opposite the Panama Canal Visitor Centre. A journey costs 25 cents.

Visas for Panama

Many citizens do not need a visa to visit Panama for less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for more than three months. There are sometimes reports that proof of return flights and hotel bookings are required.

Internet and Wi-Fi

The most affordable way to access the internet is to buy this eSIM (with a 15% discount). Discover the world without worrying about roaming and access high-speed internet in over 190 countries.

Money in Panama

Panama's official currency is called the balboa (PAB). The exchange rate has always been linked to the US dollar - one dollar equals one balboa. In other words, Panama uses the US dollar as its currency, the official name is balboa, but the value is the same. So use US dollars if you have them.

I use the Wise card and the Revolut card to avoid bank fees and commissions. I always travel with both.

Hotel on the Panama Canal / Panama City

There are no hotels very close to the Panama Canal and I don't see any reason to stay there. It's better to stay in the country's capital. 

I stayed at Wyndham Panama Centro, but if it's not available I recommend the Executive Hotel, because the quality is the same and the prices are the same. It also has a lovely pool to cool off in the torrid Panamanian heat.

If you want something more upmarket, opt for the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Panama in the city centre or the Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel on the canal.

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