Panama is located in Central America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the southeast. It is known for its famous Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Panama features various types of ports due to its strategic location and the importance of maritime transportation:
- Sea Ports: Panama has several major sea ports along its coastlines, serving as crucial hubs for international trade and maritime transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Port of Balboa: Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, the Port of Balboa is one of the busiest ports in Central America. It handles containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products, among other goods.
- Port of Cristobal: Situated at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, the Port of Cristobal is another major port in Panama, facilitating the transshipment of cargo between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- River Ports: While Panama has rivers, they are not extensively navigable for significant distances, and river ports are not prominent in the country’s transportation infrastructure. The focus is primarily on sea ports due to the Panama Canal’s importance for maritime trade.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Panama play a crucial role in the distribution of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near major cities and transportation hubs. Examples include:
- Manzanillo International Terminal: Located near Panama City, the Manzanillo International Terminal is an inland terminal that handles containerized cargo and serves as a key logistics hub for trade with North and South America.
- Colon Free Zone: While not a traditional inland terminal, the Colon Free Zone is a massive duty-free commercial and trading area located near the Port of Cristobal. It is the largest free trade zone in the Americas and facilitates the movement of goods between Panama and other countries.
- Border Crossings: Panama has border crossings with Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the southeast. These border crossings facilitate land-based trade and transportation between Panama and its neighboring countries. Major border crossings include:
- Paso Canoas: This border crossing links Panama with Costa Rica and serves as a significant trade route between the two countries, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
- Sixaola-Guabito: Located on the border with Costa Rica, this crossing facilitates trade and travel between Panama and Costa Rica, particularly for goods transported by road.
List of Largest Ports in Panama
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Balboa | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Port of Cristóbal | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 700 |
| Manzanillo International Terminal | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 600 |
| Port of Pedregal | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 500 |
| Port of Vacamonte | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 400 |
| Port of Chiriquí Grande | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 300 |
| Port of Almirante | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 250 |
| Port of Puerto Armuelles | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 200 |
| Port of Aguadulce | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 180 |
| Port of Bahía Las Minas | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 150 |
| Port of Linton Bay Marina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 120 |
| Port of Charco Azul | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 100 |
| Port of Panamá Pacífico | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 80 |
| Port of Puerto Bocas | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 70 |
| Port of Rodman | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker | 60 |
Major Ports of Panama
1. Port of Balboa
The Port of Balboa is located on the Pacific side of Panama, adjacent to the Panama Canal. It serves as the primary port for container handling in the country, making it a key gateway for global trade. The port has modern infrastructure, including cranes, warehouses, and container terminals, which allow it to handle a significant volume of cargo each year. As a hub for transshipment, it benefits from the strategic location near the Panama Canal, making it a key link for shipping routes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
City Location: Balboa, Panama
Latitude: 8.9530° N
Longitude: 79.5500° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 15 | Pan-American Highway |
| Arraiján | 18 | Pan-American Highway |
| La Chorrera | 35 | Pan-American Highway |
| Colon | 75 | Pan-American Highway |
| Santiago | 250 | Interamericana Highway |
| David | 340 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chitre | 150 | Interamericana Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Balboa Railway Station (Panama)
- Panama City Railway Station (Panama)
- Colon Railway Station (Panama)
- Chorrera Railway Station (Panama)
- La Chorrera Railway Station (Panama)
2. Port of Colón
The Port of Colón is located on the Caribbean side of Panama, just north of the Panama Canal. It is the second largest port in Panama and one of the busiest in Latin America. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products. It is also a key player in Panama’s transshipment industry, serving as a vital transit point for goods traveling between the Americas and the rest of the world. Colón’s Free Trade Zone further enhances the port’s strategic importance.
City Location: Colón, Panama
Latitude: 9.3590° N
Longitude: 79.8970° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 80 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| La Chorrera | 95 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| Sabanitas | 25 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| Arraiján | 100 | Interamericana Highway |
| David | 280 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 180 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chitre | 220 | Interamericana Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Colón Railway Station (Panama)
- Panama City Railway Station (Panama)
- Sabanitas Railway Station (Panama)
- La Chorrera Railway Station (Panama)
- Chitre Railway Station (Panama)
3. Port of Cristóbal
Located next to the Port of Colón, the Port of Cristóbal is a key component of Panama’s Caribbean shipping infrastructure. It is particularly important for containerized cargo and is one of the oldest ports in Panama. The port is equipped with modern facilities, including large container terminals and warehousing areas, and serves as an essential hub for the transshipment of goods traveling through the Panama Canal. Cristóbal handles both cargo and passenger ships, contributing significantly to Panama’s economy.
City Location: Colón, Panama
Latitude: 9.3650° N
Longitude: 79.9070° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 85 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| La Chorrera | 100 | Interamericana Highway |
| David | 280 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 185 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chitre | 220 | Interamericana Highway |
| Sabanitas | 30 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| Arraiján | 100 | Interamericana Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Cristóbal Railway Station (Panama)
- Panama City Railway Station (Panama)
- Sabanitas Railway Station (Panama)
- Colon Railway Station (Panama)
- Chorrera Railway Station (Panama)
4. Port of Pedregal
The Port of Pedregal is located in the province of Chiriquí, on the Pacific side of Panama. The port plays an essential role in handling agricultural exports, particularly coffee, bananas, and other crops. Pedregal serves the western region of Panama, providing access to both domestic and international markets. The port has been expanding to accommodate more diverse shipping needs, with efforts to improve facilities for containerized cargo and bulk goods.
City Location: Pedregal, Panama
Latitude: 8.1370° N
Longitude: 82.3910° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| David | 40 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 230 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chitre | 200 | Interamericana Highway |
| La Chorrera | 300 | Interamericana Highway |
| Panama City | 450 | Interamericana Highway |
| Bocas del Toro | 180 | Route 1 |
| Boquete | 40 | Route 6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in the vicinity of Pedregal due to its more rural location.
5. Port of Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, and its port is one of Panama’s more important ones for handling regional trade, particularly in agricultural products like bananas, cocoa, and seafood. The port is connected to the mainland by road and is also a hub for tourists traveling to the islands. Its commercial and tourism activities make it a significant part of Panama’s economy.
City Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama
Latitude: 9.3560° N
Longitude: 82.2490° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| David | 230 | Route 1 |
| Chiriquí | 230 | Route 1 |
| Panama City | 400 | Interamericana Highway |
| Almirante | 30 | Route 1 |
| La Chorrera | 500 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 290 | Interamericana Highway |
| Bocas del Toro | 0 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Bocas del Toro due to the island nature of the area.
6. Port of David
David is the capital of the province of Chiriquí and is located near the western border of Panama, close to Costa Rica. The port of David primarily handles the export of agricultural goods such as coffee, bananas, and other crops. The port serves as a key entry point for trade with Central America, particularly for goods moving between Panama and Costa Rica.
City Location: David, Panama
Latitude: 8.4280° N
Longitude: 82.4310° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 200 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chiriquí | 15 | Route 1 |
| La Chorrera | 350 | Interamericana Highway |
| Panama City | 450 | Interamericana Highway |
| Bocas del Toro | 220 | Route 1 |
| Boquete | 40 | Route 6 |
| Puerto Armuelles | 60 | Route 2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations near David.
7. Port of Puerto Armuelles
Puerto Armuelles is located in the southwestern part of Panama, on the Pacific coast. The port primarily serves as an export hub for agricultural products such as bananas, coffee, and cocoa. It is strategically located near the Costa Rican border, which facilitates trade with neighboring countries. The port also supports local industries, including fishery-related activities.
City Location: Puerto Armuelles, Panama
Latitude: 8.2790° N
Longitude: 82.8580° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| David | 70 | Route 2 |
| Chiriquí | 70 | Route 1 |
| Santiago | 300 | Interamericana Highway |
| Panama City | 500 | Interamericana Highway |
| Bocas del Toro | 230 | Route 1 |
| La Chorrera | 350 | Interamericana Highway |
| Boquete | 80 | Route 6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations near Puerto Armuelles.
8. Port of Colón 2000
Colón 2000 is a major transshipment hub and container terminal located in Colón, Panama. It is an essential port for handling containers, serving as a major link for international shipping routes. The terminal is one of the most modern facilities in the country and offers efficient loading and unloading services for cargo moving through the Panama Canal.
City Location: Colón, Panama
Latitude: 9.3570° N
Longitude: 79.8905° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 80 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| La Chorrera | 90 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| Sabanitas | 20 | Panama-Colón Highway |
| Arraiján | 100 | Interamericana Highway |
| David | 280 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 180 | Interamericana Highway |
| Chitre | 220 | Interamericana Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Colón Railway Station (Panama)
- Panama City Railway Station (Panama)
- Sabanitas Railway Station (Panama)
- La Chorrera Railway Station (Panama)
- Chitre Railway Station (Panama)
9. Port of Limón
The Port of Limón is located on the Caribbean coast of Panama and plays a significant role in the country’s trade with the Caribbean and Central America. The port handles containerized cargo, bulk goods, and is particularly important for shipping agricultural products. Limón also serves as a point of entry for goods coming from the Caribbean region, including commodities such as oil and chemicals.
City Location: Limón, Panama
Latitude: 9.3554° N
Longitude: 79.8965° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 80 | Limón-Panama Highway |
| La Chorrera | 70 | Limón-Panama Highway |
| David | 280 | Interamericana Highway |
| Santiago | 160 | Interamericana Highway |
| Bocas del Toro | 300 | Route 1 |
| Chiriquí | 240 | Route 1 |
| Puerto Armuelles | 400 | Route 2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations near Limón.
10. Port of Isla Taboga
Isla Taboga, located just off the Pacific coast near Panama City, has a small but important port that serves both commercial and tourism needs. The port handles limited cargo and provides docking facilities for cruise ships and ferries traveling to the island from Panama City.
City Location: Isla Taboga, Panama
Latitude: 8.7777° N
Longitude: 79.5714° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 20 | Ferry from Panama City |
| Balboa | 25 | Ferry from Panama City |
| Chorrera | 50 | Route 1 |
| La Chorrera | 45 | Route 1 |
| Ancon | 20 | Ferry from Panama City |
| Arraiján | 25 | Route 1 |
| El Valle | 120 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations near Isla Taboga.