Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Panamá–David train under construction?

No. As of June 2026 the railway is in the study and pre-investment phase. No track has been laid and no construction contract has been awarded. Field surveys along the route are preparatory, not construction.

When will the Panamá–David train be built?

No confirmed start date. The Secretariat has said the first construction tender, for the Panamá City–Capira section, could open in 2027, conditional on the feasibility studies and financing. The Executive Secretary estimated roughly seven to eight years to build the full line.

How much will it cost?

There is no final official cost yet — that is one of the main outputs of the feasibility and economic-model studies due in 2026. Contracts awarded so far are for studies and design (for example, a $4.17M AECOM engineering contract), not construction.

What is the route?

A proposed ~475 km line from Panamá Pacífico to Paso Canoas on the Costa Rica border, crossing five provinces. See the full route and station list.

How many stations are there?

Fourteen stations were named in the official May 2025 announcement, across Panamá, Coclé, Herrera, Veraguas, and Chiriquí provinces.

How long is Panamá City to David by train?

About three hours by design, compared with six to seven hours by car. Passenger express service is designed for up to 180 km/h.

Who is involved in the project?

The Secretaría Nacional del Ferrocarril (SNDF) leads it for the government. Studies involve AECOM, Renfe, KPMG, Steer Davies & Gleave, and WSP. International interest has come from the UK, France (Alstom), Spain (Renfe), and Costa Rica (INCOFER).

Will the train connect to Costa Rica or the rest of Central America?

The line is planned to end at Paso Canoas on the border. Panamá and Costa Rica’s INCOFER signed a memorandum to study a cross-border corridor, but that is a study, not a committed plan.

Is panamatrain.com the official website?

No. panamatrain.com is an independent, non-profit archive by Lin Long Projects. The official government channel is the Presidency’s Secretaría del Ferrocarril page.

How can I follow updates or apply for jobs?

Follow official updates on the SNDF’s channels. The government’s official inbox for railway résumés is empleo.ferrocarril@presidencia.gob.pa. Note that formal hiring is not yet open.