4.5 (981) · Flagstaff · By Grand Canyon Railway Free cancellation
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the magnificent Grand Canyon aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. Experience the thrill of a vintage train as it travels 65 miles (approximately 105 km) through the stunning Northern Arizona landscape. The train offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks, passing through vibrant valleys filled with wildflowers, dense pine forests, high desert plains, and charming small canyons.
✓ Sales tax✓ Round trip train journey (available in Coach or First Class)✓ National Park service fees (USD 15)✕ Gratuities✕ Meals✕ Hotel pickup and drop-offItinerary
Your exciting and scenic adventure begins at the historic Williams Depot, built in 1908. Here, you'll be treated to an entertaining Wild West shootout performed by the Cataract Creek Gang in an outdoor theater. You can browse one of the two gift shops or enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast (not included) at the Grand Depot Cafe, located next to the depot, before the train's departure.
Listen as the train whistle cuts through the crisp morning air, signaling passengers to board the historic iron horse for the journey to the Grand Canyon. Attendants in uniform will provide you with courteous, white-gloved service. Onboard, enjoy the melodies of strolling musicians leading sing-alongs, a captivating Old West train robbery reenactment, and the lively antics of western characters recreating the authentic train travel experience of 1901.
The train will arrive at the historic Grand Canyon Depot, dating back to 1910. This is the only log depot of its kind still in operation in the United States. As you pull into the station and disembark, you'll be greeted by iconic buildings such as the El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Lodge.
Choose your seating preference: Coach Class offers streamline-era coaches from the 1950s, equipped with air conditioning and heating for comfort. Soft drinks and bottled water are available for purchase onboard. For a more luxurious experience, upgrade to First Class. Enjoy spacious, reclining seats with expansive viewing windows and at-seat cocktail service (no host bar). These cars are air-conditioned, and complimentary morning refreshments like fresh fruits, pastries, juices, teas, and coffee are provided. Snacks are also available from the buffet during the afternoon trip.
Please note: Adult ticket prices include a USD 15 National Park Fee.
Your ticket can be presented as a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Please note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Operating hours are as follows:
8:30 AM: November 1 - 24
9:30 AM: November 25 - 29
8:30 AM: November 30 - December 22
9:30 AM: December 23 - 27
8:30 AM: December 28 - January 31
9:30 AM: February 1 - October 31
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the journey. Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The train can accommodate a motorized scooter, provided it is no wider than 25 inches. A special lift is available to assist with boarding the scooter onto the train. Please be aware that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time and switches between MST (Mountain Standard Time) and PST (Pacific Standard Time) depending on the season. Post COVID-19 Safety Updates: We kindly request that you refrain from participating in this tour if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you are at high risk of contracting the disease. Please ensure only one person per group waits in line for ticket exchange. Face masks are highly recommended. Social distancing will be practiced on the train platform and onboard the train. Seating on the train will be limited to maximize social distancing, and guests will be asked to take their seats promptly, keeping aisles clear, and to remain seated except when using the restrooms. Coach Class + Tour w/ Lunch Includes a coach class roundtrip rail journey with a 1.5-hour tour and a buffet lunch. The National Park Service fee is also included. First Class Roundtrip Train Includes a First Class roundtrip train ticket. The National Park Service fee is included. First Class Train + Tour Includes a First Class roundtrip rail journey with a 1.5-hour tour. The National Park Service fee is included. First Class + Tour w/ Lunch Includes a First Class roundtrip rail journey with a 1.5-hour tour and a buffet lunch. The National Park Service fee is included. Coach Class Train with Tour Includes a coach class roundtrip rail journey with a 1.5-hour tour. The National Park Service fee is included. Coach Class Roundtrip Train Includes a Coach Class roundtrip train ticket. The National Park Service fee is included. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and class. Dress in layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day and at different elevations. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery! Arrive at the Williams Depot at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time for check-in and any pre-departure activities. Consider purchasing meals or snacks onboard if not included in your chosen package. To receive a full refund, please ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 2505GCRTRAIN
Activity offered by Grand Canyon Railway via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Solo travelers History enthusiasts Nature lovers Scenic 65-mile train journey through Northern Arizona Vintage train experience with live entertainment Historic depots at both departure and arrival points Choice of Coach or First Class seating Stunning views of the Grand Canyon landscape
Population 76,831 (2020)
Elevation 2,106 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 1° Jan 3° Feb 7° Mar 10° Apr 15° May 22° Jun 23° Jul 22° Aug 19° Sept 12° Oct 6° Nov 1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is included in the ticket price? + Ticket prices include sales tax, the round trip train journey (either Coach or First Class), and National Park service fees (USD 15).
What is not included? + Gratuities, meals (unless specified in your package), and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Can infants travel on the train? + Yes, infants are welcome. They are required to sit on an adult's lap, and can ride in a pram or stroller.
Is the train accessible for people with mobility issues? + The train is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It can accommodate motorized scooters up to 25 inches wide, with a special lift available for boarding.
What are the operating hours for the train? + Operating hours vary by date. Please refer to the 'Consignes' section for specific times from November 1st to October 31st.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Seating on the railway cars
jmX359JC, October 2026
The train ride and experience overall was great - the staff at the train are all very nice and helpful. But there are a few things to know. We were in first class which I would recommend - very nice chairs and a little table. But it seats four, two facing front and two facing back. Staff is very nice about trying to re-arrange you if you’re a single or a group of three and they have the room to do so. We upgraded to the dome car in the front of first class coming back and I would not recommend for anyone with mobility issues. There is a HUGE step up to get to the seats. Although they’re all forward facing, the seating is not as comfy as first class, your little table tilts down and no arm rests. Also, remember you’re in a dome so the Arizona sun beats in from the top. It’s bright. We didn’t see any particular place to park in Williams at the train depot so we parked at the Railway hotel. Boarding takes place behind the station between the arena where they have the western show and the back of the station. But overall a really nice way to get to the canyon with no driving!
★★★★★ Viator review
Good time, but...
Christopher_F, October 2026
Had a great time. One piece of feedback, if it is raining and windy and you have hundreds of people waiting to be let back on the train. Let them back on the train.
★★★★★ Viator review
Okay Event—Not worth the First Class Luxury Upgrade
Brenda_R, October 2026
The ride was okay. Our fault for not researching better and expecting to ride through part of the Grand Canyon. The buffet lunch was not good at all. Rice was not cooked, chicken was tough, green beans very salty and peppery…. Snacks on the train were adequate. It was not worth the large increase in price for upgrading. I would recommend the inexpensive seats and take your own food.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Ride the train, skip the bus
Mjoy3636, October 2026
The train was great-fun, relaxed, entertaining. The tour bus excursion was very disappointing and disorganized-skip that and just self-tour! The lunch with the bus tour was also not worth the money. The only complaint about the train was when we tried to contact them while we were there about some of the issues they never answered us.
Response from the operator · Sam L Thank you for sharing your review and feedback!
Regards,
GCR&H Team
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Train Great! Bus Bad!
E2979OImartham, October 2026
This is our 2nd train to the Grand Canyon experience, the Train is always a great time we have also been on the Polar Express and the Pumpkin Patch. The wild west show before the train leaves was fun & entertaining. If you go I do NOT recommend the add-on bus experience with the lunch. The bus was a terrible experience-they were very disorganized when we got off the train. There were passengers with mobility impairments (not our family) and they were not given any direction/help which bus to get on. All of the buses left, ours was still there and since we were the only ones left they were eventually able to load the passengers who needed assistance. We were very late to the lunch, when we asked about maybe getting on another bus we were told by the supervisor "at least we let you eat lunch". We tried to contact the grand canyon railway for assistance, but we could not get past the "virtual" assistant on the phone, and our email was never answered. I don't know how long the bus line has been doing this business, but they acted like it was their first day and they had no idea what they were doing. It may not be the "fault" of the Grand Canyon Railway as it is a separate company, but it IS their problem because they advertise for the bus trip on their site and sell the bus tickets on their site. At a minimum, the bus employees need some customer service training. The food for lunch was NOT worth the price, also once we went outdoors we couldn't get back in to use the restroom before getting back on the bus and it was only sheer luck that we were able to get back in while someone was coming out. Again, this reflects the complete lack of communication, organization, or anyone who cared about the enjoyment of our trip from the bus employees. The bus itself is like a city bus, we were eventually able to make the best of it after lunch but they had such a difficulty time accommodating the individuals with the mobility limitations and keeping to their schedule that they weren't even to be helped on and off the bus at the sites so we felt really bad for them.
Response from the operator · Sam L Thank you for letting us know about your bus experience, we have shared your comments with the Grand Canyon South Rim management team!
Regards,
GCR&H Team
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