The highly anticipated Panama–David Train is officially on track. The first section, Panamá Pacífico to Divisa (approximately 210 km), is nearing the end of its planning phase, with construction expected to begin in early 2026.
This initial stretch will link directly with the upcoming Metro Line 3 at the Albrook terminal, enhancing transit throughout the Panama City metro area. Environmental, geotechnical, and ridership studies are currently under review. Line 3 itself is a 24.5 km monorail with 14 stations, expected to open by 2028.
The full vision of the Panama–David Train includes 14 stations, stretching from Ciudad de la Salud to Paso Canoas, near the Costa Rican border. The first phase—Panamá Pacífico to Divisa—will include major hubs such as La Chorrera, Penonomé, and Divisa, and will enable passengers to transfer seamlessly to the Metro at Albrook.
The train is designed to reach speeds of up to 180 km/h for passengers, cutting the travel time between Panama City and David to under three hours. Freight trains will travel at around 100 km/h, making it a potential game-changer for logistics and trade.
The entire project represents an estimated investment of $5 billion, divided into three phases, with Phase 1 (Panamá Pacífico to Divisa) leading the way.
Local officials, including project director Roxanna Méndez, are working with municipalities to identify areas that will be impacted and to coordinate smart urban development. The train is expected to:
Decentralize economic development, linking urban and rural regions
Boost emerging zones through increased accessibility
Reduce traffic congestion with fast, modern transport options
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Environmental and engineering studies | Under review |
| Groundwork for Phase 1 | Expected to start in early 2026 |
| Construction of Metro Line 3 | Ongoing; estimated completion in 2028 |
| Tender process for contractor | Pending, post-studies |
In summary, the launch of the Panamá Pacífico–Divisa section marks a major step forward in the Panama–David Train project. Its integration with Metro Line 3 at Albrook is set to transform long-distance travel and regional development in Panama.
Stay tuned to ResidePanama for updates on project milestones, local impact, and key opportunities for residents and investors.