Country Article / Postcards

Panama’s Executive Express

Date: 09/27/2005

Dear International Living Reader,

For Panama’s most unusual commuter experience, hop aboard what the Panama Canal Railroad calls "The Executive Express." Completed in 1855, and used by both the French and the Americans during their respective attempts to build the Panama Canal, this was the first transcontinental railroad. It was also instrumental in moving gold from California to commercial centers on the U.S. East Coast during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.

The United States operated the railroad from 1904 through 1979, at which time it was turned over to the Panamanian government. The railroad was shut down until 1998, when Kansas City Southern and Mi-Jack Products of Chicago bid and acquired ownership. They’ve spent upward of $60 million on the renovation--and it shows.

Indeed, this railroad has quite a history, and for the round-trip price of $35, offers quite a ride. The passenger cars are old Amtrak units, rebuilt in New Orleans and rigged out with paneled walls, wooden shutters, plush carpet, and faux-leather seats. The train travels a route parallel to the canal so, at different points during the one-hour trip, you’ll happen upon signals, waterways, reservoirs, pristine rainforest, and rolling countryside.

The main purpose of the track is to resume the rail transport of containers from coast to coast. It reduces the often 12-hour transit time by ship to a mere 90 minutes. The train is also a good way to commute from Panama City to Colon, and an absolute bargain compared to the cost of a car service or a taxi ($120 for the round trip).

The station in Panama, located near the Balboa Port, is nearing completion but the Colon terminal is still under construction. The train departs Panama City at 7 a.m. and leaves Colon at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at either station or on the train.

For more information, contact Aventuras 2000, tel. (507)227-2000; e-mail: info@colon2000.com. If they can’t answer your questions, e-mail the International Living local office in Panama at Panama@Internationalliving.com.

Prepared by the staff of International Living

*Excerpted from Panama: The Owner’s Manual.