Panama Canal Fees Calculator

Vessel Type	Panama Canal Toll Fee (Approximate Range)
Container Ship	$38,000 – $450,000+
Passenger Ship	$30,000 – $500,000+
Bulk Carrier	$36,000 – $400,000+
LNG Tanker	$130,000 – $450,000+
Car Carrier	$20,000 – $150,000+
General Cargo Ship	$15,000 – $150,000+
Tanker (Crude Oil)	$38,000 – $450,000+
Tanker (Product)	$30,000 – $450,000+
Ro-Ro Ship	$20,000 – $150,000+

FAQs

How much is the Panama Canal fee in 2023? The toll fees for the Panama Canal in 2023 can vary widely based on factors such as the size and type of the vessel. For example, a typical Panamax container ship might pay around $100,000 to $450,000 per transit.

How much is the entry fee for the Panama Canal for ships? The entry fee for ships using the Panama Canal depends on their size, type, and other factors. On average, it can range from approximately $100,000 to $450,000 per transit in 2023.

How much does it cost to visit the Panama Canal? Visiting the Panama Canal as a tourist can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 for admission to the Miraflores Visitor Center, which includes access to the museum and observation decks.

What are the new tolls approved for the Panama Canal from January 2023? The tolls for the Panama Canal are typically adjusted periodically by the Panama Canal Authority, and specific changes can vary from year to year. For the most up-to-date information on tolls, it’s recommended to check the official Panama Canal Authority website or contact them directly.

How much money does Panama make a year from the canal? As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the Panama Canal was a significant source of revenue for Panama. It contributed billions of dollars to the country’s annual budget. However, I don’t have access to specific revenue figures beyond that date.

Do you need a passport to sail through the Panama Canal? Yes, a passport is typically required for travelers aboard vessels transiting the Panama Canal, as the canal passage involves crossing international borders.

What is the lowest toll ever paid? The lowest toll ever paid for a Panama Canal transit would have occurred when the canal first opened in 1914. At that time, tolls were based on the vessel’s size and type, but specific historical tolls are not readily available.

How many ships go through the Panama Canal per day? On average, the Panama Canal sees around 30 to 40 transits per day, but this number can vary.

What is the best month to cruise the Panama Canal? The best time to cruise the Panama Canal is typically during the dry season, which is from mid-December to mid-April. This period offers more predictable weather and less chance of rain.

What is the best time to go to the Panama Canal? The best time to visit the Panama Canal, in terms of weather, is also during the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April.

How many hours is the average trip through the Panama Canal? A typical transit through the Panama Canal can take approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on various factors such as vessel size and traffic.

What was the least expensive toll ever paid to travel the Panama Canal? The specific amount of the least expensive toll ever paid for a Panama Canal transit is not readily available in my knowledge.

Who gets paid for the Panama Canal? The revenue generated by the Panama Canal primarily goes to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), which is a government agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the canal.

Did workers on the Panama Canal get paid? Yes, the workers who built the Panama Canal were paid wages for their labor. However, many of them faced challenging working conditions and health risks during the construction, including diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

Can you pass the Panama Canal by car? No, you cannot pass through the Panama Canal by car. The canal is designed for the passage of ships and does not have a road or bridge for vehicle traffic.

Does the Panama Canal have 2 lanes? The Panama Canal does have two parallel lanes for most of its length, allowing for the simultaneous transit of ships in both directions. These lanes are separated by a central divider called the “Culebra Cut” or “Gaillard Cut.”

Is Panama Canal one-way traffic? No, the Panama Canal is not one-way traffic. It operates with two lanes, allowing for ships to transit in both directions simultaneously.

Does the US still make money from the Panama Canal? As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the United States no longer directly controls or profits from the Panama Canal. The canal was transferred to Panama’s control in 1999, but the U.S. retains an interest in its continued operation and maintenance.

Can aircraft carriers go through the Panama Canal? Yes, certain aircraft carriers can transit the Panama Canal, but they must meet specific size and draft restrictions. The canal’s width and depth limit the size of vessels that can pass through.

How much do ships save by using the Panama Canal? Ships can save significant time and distance by using the Panama Canal instead of sailing around the southern tip of South America, known as the Cape Horn route. The exact savings vary depending on the vessel’s size and route, but it can amount to several thousand miles and weeks of travel time.

Can a personal boat go through the Panama Canal? Yes, personal boats can transit the Panama Canal, but they must adhere to specific regulations, including vessel size and requirements, and pay the applicable tolls.

Can tourists take a boat ride through the Panama Canal? Yes, tourists can take boat tours or cruises that offer passages through the Panama Canal, providing a unique opportunity to experience the canal firsthand.

How long can you stay in Panama with just a passport? The length of time you can stay in Panama with just a passport can vary depending on your nationality and the specific visa requirements for your country. Typically, many tourists are allowed to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

What is the most expensive toll in the US? The most expensive tolls in the United States can be found on certain toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, but the specific toll amounts can vary widely. For example, some toll bridges in major cities may charge $15 or more for a single crossing.

Does China own the Panama Canal today? No, China does not own the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is owned and operated by the Panama Canal Authority, which is a Panamanian government agency.

How deep is the Panama Canal? The depth of the Panama Canal varies along its length, but it is typically about 41 feet (12.5 meters) deep in the navigational channel. The channel is dredged to maintain this depth.

Why can’t the Panama Canal use seawater? The Panama Canal does use seawater for its operations, as it relies on the sea level of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to operate the locks and facilitate ship transits.

What if the Panama Canal has no locks? If the Panama Canal had no locks, it would essentially be a sea-level canal, and ships could transit without the need for elevation changes. Locks are used to raise and lower ships to accommodate the different water levels of Gatun Lake and the oceans on either end.

What is the maximum length of a ship to go through the Panama Canal? The maximum allowable length for a vessel transiting the Panama Canal is approximately 965 feet (294 meters). This is known as the “Panamax” size.

Where do you stop on a Panama Canal cruise? Panama Canal cruises typically make stops at various ports of call along the way. These stops can include locations in Panama, such as Colón and Panama City, as well as ports in other Central American countries and Caribbean islands, depending on the cruise itinerary.

Do cruise ships transit the Panama Canal at night? Cruise ships can transit the Panama Canal both during the day and at night, depending on their scheduled transit times and the cruise line’s preferences.

What is the cheapest month to go to Panama? The cheapest month to visit Panama can vary, but generally, the rainy season from May to November tends to offer lower prices for accommodations and tours. However, this period also experiences more rain and humidity.

Is it worth cruising on the Panama Canal? Cruising the Panama Canal can be a unique and rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to witness one of the world’s engineering marvels and explore diverse destinations along the way. Whether it’s worth it depends on your interests and travel preferences.

What is the rainy season in the Panama Canal? The rainy season in the Panama Canal region typically occurs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall typically falling in September and October.

How many hours a day is the Panama Canal open? The Panama Canal operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing vessels to transit at any time, subject to scheduling and availability.

What is the best way to see the Panama Canal? The best way to see the Panama Canal depends on your preferences. You can visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, take a boat tour, or even book a cruise that includes a transit through the canal, depending on how close you want to get to the action.

How long would it take to swim across the Panama Canal? Swimming across the Panama Canal would be extremely dangerous and is not recommended. The canal has strong currents, commercial ship traffic, and various safety hazards. Attempting such a swim could result in serious injury or death.

How much does it cost to go through the Panama Canal in 2023? The cost to go through the Panama Canal in 2023 can vary widely depending on the size and type of the vessel. On average, it can range from approximately $100,000 to $450,000 per transit.

How much is the toll on the Panama Canal in 2023? Toll fees for the Panama Canal in 2023 can vary based on vessel size and type, but they typically range from around $100,000 to $450,000 per transit.

How much did the Panama Canal cost in today’s dollars? The cost of constructing the Panama Canal, including both the French and American efforts, is estimated to be around $9 billion in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.

What benefits does the USA get from the Panama Canal? The United States benefits from the Panama Canal in terms of trade and transportation. It provides a shorter route for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving time and costs for U.S. businesses and consumers.

Was the Panama Canal sold for $1? No, the Panama Canal was not sold for $1. It was transferred from U.S. control to Panamanian ownership and operation through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which went into effect on December 31, 1999. The treaties marked the gradual transition of the canal’s authority to Panama.

How many days off did the workers get on the Panama Canal? During the construction of the Panama Canal, workers typically had only a few days off each month due to the challenging nature of the project and the need to maintain a constant workforce.

What disease did many workers get while working on the Panama Canal? Many workers on the Panama Canal project suffered from diseases such as malaria and yellow fever, which were prevalent in the region at the time. These diseases posed significant health risks and challenges during the construction.

Does Panama make money off of the Panama Canal? Yes, Panama generates significant revenue from the operation of the Panama Canal, which contributes to the country’s economy. The canal tolls and related activities are a major source of income for Panama.

Why can’t you cross the Darien Gap? The Darien Gap is a dense and rugged wilderness area between Panama and Colombia. It lacks infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and it is inhabited by indigenous communities and potentially dangerous wildlife. It is extremely challenging to cross due to these factors, making it a hazardous and often impassable region.

How many people have gone missing in the Darien Gap? The exact number of people who have gone missing in the Darien Gap is difficult to determine, but the region is known for its dangers, including the risk of getting lost, injured, or encountering criminal activity. It is advised to avoid attempting to cross the Darien Gap on foot.

How long does it take to drive across the Panama Canal? There are no roadways that allow you to drive directly across the Panama Canal. To cross the canal by vehicle, you would need to use one of the several bridges or ferries that provide transportation across the waterway.

How many locks do you go through in the Panama Canal? Ships transit through a total of three locks on the Panama Canal: the Miraflores Locks at the Pacific end, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Gatun Locks at the Atlantic end.

Are there locks at both ends of the Panama Canal? Yes, there are locks at both ends of the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Locks are at the Pacific entrance, and the Gatun Locks are at the Atlantic entrance. The Pedro Miguel Locks are situated between the two.

Can you drive a car across the Panama Canal? Yes, you can drive a car across the Panama Canal by using one of the several bridges or ferries that provide transportation across the canal. There is no direct road that crosses the canal at water level.

Does the Panama Canal have 2 lanes? Yes, the Panama Canal has two parallel lanes for most of its length, allowing for the simultaneous transit of ships in both directions.