Panama Canal Transit: Elevation Changes, Not Sea-Level Travel

Ships passing through the Panama Canal do not travel at sea level. Instead, a system of locks raises vessels 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level to traverse Gatun Lake, then lowers them on the other side.

How It Works

1. Ship enters lock chamber at sea level.
2. Gates close; water fills chamber from Gatun Lake, lifting ship.
3. Ship crosses Gatun Lake (85 ft above sea level).
4. Ship enters descending locks; water drains, lowering ship to sea level on the other ocean.

Total transit: ~48 miles (77 km), typically 8–10 hours.