Grand Canyon Railway

For many, a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is a quintessential Grand Canyon experience. It’s possible to ride the railway one way, or choose a round-trip ticket that allows for almost four hours to explore the national park. Most travelers ride the passenger train as part of a day trip to the canyon from Williams, though it’s also possible to spend a night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or Maswik Lodge for a more leisurely exploration.

• The Grand Canyon Railway is popular among kids and families.

• Dress in layers and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

• Both coach and first-class cars are wheelchair accessible.

The Grand Canyon Railways departs daily at 9:35am from Williams, Arizona. It makes the 65-mile (105-kilometer) trip to the Grand Canyon in a little over two hours, and once there, visitors have roughly four hours to explore before heading back toward Williams at 3:30pm. Expect to arrive at the Williams train depot around 5:45pm. The closest commercial airport to Williams is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, about 45 minutes away by road. Phoenix Sky Harbor is about 2.5 hours away by road.

The best time to ride the Grand Canyon Railway is during spring and autumn, when temperatures at the Grand Canyon are cooler and crowds more sparse than in the peak summer season when the train operates two departures daily. Summer visitors can expect temperatures upwards of 85°F (30­°C). The first Saturday of each month from March through October is Steam Saturday, when a steam locomotive pulls the train to Grand Canyon National Park.

Depending on the season, passengers might be in for a special treat on this historic train. In fall, kids can put on their favorite Halloween costume and ride the Pumpkin Patch Train for a journey through the countryside to a secret pumpkin patch. During the holidays, the railway transforms into the Polar Express, complete with a nighttime ride to see Santa and his reindeer.

The Grand Canyon Railway sets out from Williams in northern Arizona, a city on Historic Route 66 known as “the gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Make your way to Williams Station in downtown Williams to catch the daily train, which departs each morning for the Grand Canyon.

The railway journey from Williams up to the Colorado Plateau takes you through the heart of Grand Canyon Country. Along the way, enjoy ever-changing panoramas from Ponderosa pine forests and sweeping prairies to high desert, and look out for elk and mountain lions as you climb to over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters).

Yes. There are six classes of railway cars to choose from onboard the Grand Canyon Railway, from classic rail cars to luxury observation domes. Each car has its own restrooms, and attendants are on hand to ensure they are kept clean.

The 60-mile (97-kilometer) ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the Historic Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon takes just over 2 hours. With a return ticket, you’ll have 3 hours at the canyon before returning to Williams—a total of 7.5 hours.

Summer is the most popular time to ride the Grand Canyon Railway, but temperatures can climb to 105°F (40°C) below the rim, and thunderstorms are frequent. With warm, dry weather, some of the best months to visit are May and October, but the railway runs through all four seasons.

Yes, booking your Grand Canyon Railway tickets in advance is a good idea, especially if you are booking one of the luxury cars. Tickets can be booked online up to 13 months in advance and up to 24 hours before departure. For last-minute bookings, call the ticket office.