Bridge of the Americas Panama
An iconic bridge connecting North and South America, offering views of the Panama Canal or serving as a vital border crossing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the intense heat and crowds.
Bridge of the Americas Panama
Best Time
Beat the intense heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic bridge connecting North and South America, offering views of the Panama Canal or serving as a vital border crossing.
"It's a long, hot walk, but the views of the Panama Canal or the experience of crossing the border are unforgettable."
🚶 Long Walk Ahead
Crossing on foot is a significant walk, especially in the heat. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water!
🚫 Pack Light & Smart
Minimal security for pedestrians. Avoid weapons/drugs; other items are generally not scrutinized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Walk
Pedestrian walkway
Experience the vastness of the border crossing on foot. It's a long, hot trek, but offers a unique perspective.
Panama Canal Views
Panama side
Witness ships navigating the iconic Panama Canal from this impressive engineering feat.
Connecting Continents
Bridge structure
This architectural marvel was the first permanent passage over the Panama Canal, linking North and South America.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Crossing the Bridge: What to Expect
Sentri Pass & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Long Walk Ahead
Crossing on foot is a significant walk, especially in the heat. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water!
🚫 Pack Light & Smart
Minimal security for pedestrians. Avoid weapons/drugs; other items are generally not scrutinized.
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Directions can be confusing. Pay attention to signs to avoid wrong lanes and difficult returns.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets extremely hot. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day or year.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Long Walk Ahead
Crossing on foot is a significant walk, especially in the heat. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water!
🚫 Pack Light & Smart
Minimal security for pedestrians. Avoid weapons/drugs; other items are generally not scrutinized.
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Directions can be confusing. Pay attention to signs to avoid wrong lanes and difficult returns.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets extremely hot. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day or year.
🚗 Sentri Pass Quirks
Mexico's Sentri pass requirements can be tricky for visitors. Plan accordingly if using this option.
🌮 Foodie Adventure
Explore delicious food options once you cross into Juarez!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews highlight the Bridge of the Americas as a significant crossing point, particularly for its pedestrian access and views of the Panama Canal. However, many note the long, hot walk and confusing navigation. Some users express frustration with Sentri pass requirements and a lack of public amenities.
"If you be a walking, know this: it's a long long long walk across to the other side. And just when you think you're closer... Double that and you're halfway there. Also our companion read all these wild things online before we went to the border like:
1. you can't bring open containers (so she threw away a giant container of expensive loose leaf bergamot blacktea and a ton of food like cans of tuna for her dogs😬). I know it wasn't true and the process of crossing proved me right. FACT: not true, there's very little security. You send your bag thru a scanner and they ain't looking for your half package of cookies etc.
2. You must erase all political posts before crossing thru Mexico because you will get into trouble if you are political 🤣 false! FACT: I mean if you've ever traveled outside the US you'll already know why that was a hilarious request she put upon us. So I erased all of the texts between her and me so she wouldn't be as scared. It was hilarious. We were never even reviewed by anyone at all, just the luggage on a converter belt for 15 seconds
Here is the truth
Listen, don't bring drugs or weapons (including self defense items like peper spray) and you'll be just fine. As a matter of fact, I doubt their type of review would even find those things. But other than drugs and guns, you be you. Fun place."
Tiffiny Ruegner
"Very confusing to get there, no way to return if you accidentally take a wrong guess lane and also if you pass the entrance lane, you have to go back up and around. Directions are confusing even with the navigation system. It could be frustrating."
Ruby Franco
"Pain in the ass. 24/7. Sentri has to be prepaid at 2K pesos at a time. If you're visiting from other border crossing and want to use Sentri, you can't, due to Mexico's pre-paid requirements. They will not let you pay at each crossing. Nor prepay for a few times. Sentri is not user friendly from the Mexico side. US not a problem."
Gustavo Cortez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bridge of the Americas is accessible by car and public transport in El Paso. If walking, you'll need to reach the pedestrian entrance. For those driving, parking can be confusing, and navigation systems might not always provide clear directions.
Yes, you can walk across the Bridge of the Americas. Be prepared for a long and potentially hot walk. +1
The walk can be quite long, and it's difficult to estimate an exact time as it depends on your pace and any potential delays. Some describe it as a 'long long long walk'.
Parking near the bridge can be confusing. It's advisable to research safe parking options in El Paso before you go, as rental car parking guidance can be unclear.
You can cross back to El Paso by walking or driving. Pedestrian crossings are generally less crowded than vehicle lanes. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid passport or other WHTI-compliant document is required to cross the border into the United States.
There are tolls for vehicles crossing the bridge. Pedestrian crossings typically do not have a direct fee, but be aware of potential costs for parking or transportation.
The Bridge of the Americas is open 24/7, making it accessible at any time.
While Sentri is an option, Mexico has specific prepaid requirements for its use that can be inconvenient for visitors.
Security for pedestrians is generally minimal, with luggage scanners. Avoid bringing prohibited items like weapons or drugs.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
In Panama, the Bridge of the Americas offers views of ships passing through the Panama Canal and connects North and South America. It's an impressive feat of engineering. 
Generally, yes, if you adhere to basic safety precautions. Avoid bringing prohibited items and be aware of your surroundings.
Public restrooms are not readily available in the surrounding areas of the bridge, which can be inconvenient.
Capture the scale of the bridge and the Panama Canal. Sunsets by the bridge are particularly stunning.
Crossing into Juarez offers a chance to explore delicious local food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Border Crossing
For those driving, vehicle lanes can back up for miles, making the pedestrian route a faster option during peak times.
Despite the potential challenges, the experience of crossing the border offers a unique perspective. Some travelers have noted that rumors about strict rules on open containers or political posts are largely unfounded, as long as you are not carrying contraband.
+1The Panama Canal Connection
+1 This architectural marvel offers visitors stunning views of ships transiting the canal, a truly awe-inspiring sight. +2Originally known as the Thatcher Ferry Bridge, its current name reflects its significance in bridging the Americas.
+1 The bridge is an engineering feat that allows for seamless travel across the canal, making it a key part of Panama's infrastructure and a popular spot for tourists. Experiencing a sunset by the Bridge of the Americas provides a breathtaking backdrop to the canal's operations. For those traveling by cruise, passing under or near the Bridge of the Americas is often part of the itinerary, offering a unique perspective on this iconic landmark and the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit