Grand Canyon Railway
Ride a historic train from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon, enjoying entertainment and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Grand Canyon Railway
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic train from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon, enjoying entertainment and stunning views.
"This is a great way to see the Grand Canyon! Fun ride with a fantastic staff!!"
Pack Snacks & Drinks
You can bring your own food and drinks onboard, perfect for families or picky eaters! :food:
Arrive Early in Williams
Explore the charming Route 66 town before boarding your train. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Train Journey
Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park
A 2-hour, 15-minute ride through stunning desert landscapes, forests, and mountains.
Wild West Entertainment
Onboard the train
Enjoy live music and a thrilling, yet family-friendly, cowboy 'robbery' performance.
Dome Car Views
Dome Cars
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Arizona scenery from above.
Polar Express Experience
Williams, AZ (Seasonal)
A magical holiday journey with Santa, hot chocolate, and festive cheer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Choose Your Ride Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Snacks & Drinks
You can bring your own food and drinks onboard, perfect for families or picky eaters! :food:
Arrive Early in Williams
Explore the charming Route 66 town before boarding your train. :train2:
Dome Car for Views
For the best panoramic views, book a seat in the Dome Car. :camerawithflash:
Kid-Friendly Robbery
The cowboy 'robbery' is fun and theatrical, not scary for kids. :smiley:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Snacks & Drinks
You can bring your own food and drinks onboard, perfect for families or picky eaters! :food:
Arrive Early in Williams
Explore the charming Route 66 town before boarding your train. :train2:
Dome Car for Views
For the best panoramic views, book a seat in the Dome Car. :camerawithflash:
Kid-Friendly Robbery
The cowboy 'robbery' is fun and theatrical, not scary for kids. :smiley:
Book Hotel Packages
Consider packages that include the train and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for convenience. :hotel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Grand Canyon Railway for its unique experience, engaging entertainment, and convenient access to the National Park. The staff, particularly car attendants, are frequently highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness. While the journey is a significant part of the appeal, some visitors note that the time at the Grand Canyon itself can feel brief.
"We loved doing this with our kids (ages 10 and 12). We sat in Coach but felt like we had a 1st class experience. Our car attendant was Mark W and he was extremely friendly and helpful. He told lots of great stories and had excellent recommendations for making the most of our time at Grand Canyon and for restaurants and fun things to do in Williams, AZ also. (Which is an extremely cute town you'll want to hang around!)
If you're also parenting kids with special needs, note that you ARE allowed to bring your own food, drinks and activities onto the train. Plus, you have your same seats when you leave and the train is never unattended so you can leave your things on the train while you explore Grand Canyon!
The actors did a great job of making sure it was clear that nobody was actually hurt during the shoot out before we left, and making sure the robbery was fun and exciting but not scary. There is no gun play on the train during the robbery.
During our ride we saw: prairie dogs, elk, pronghorn, many many MANY cows and also a coyote!"
Andrea Wetherald
"Awesome experience. We sat in the first class car and Michael, our attendant, was superb. I highly recommend taking the Grand Canyon Railroad for your visit."
William MacDonald
"This is a great way to see the Grand Canyon! Fun ride with a fantastic staff!! Even have a train hold up on the way back. Perfect for all ages. My favorite part was Sheryl from California. She was our train car attendant. You could tell she loved her job!! She was informative, helpful, and hysterical! Hopefully, you will be just as fortunate to get her also."
B Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, Arizona, which is about a 30-minute drive from Flagstaff. You can drive your own vehicle or arrange transportation.
Yes, there is parking available at the Grand Canyon Railway station in Williams, AZ. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season.
The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, AZ. You would need to travel from Phoenix to Williams first, which is about a 3-hour drive.
Williams is accessible by car, located off I-40. It's also a stop on historic Route 66.
While the railway itself departs from Williams, some hotels and tour operators in Flagstaff or other nearby areas may offer transportation packages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by car class, ranging from around $45 one-way for Coach to over $100 for luxury options. Children under 2 often ride free in certain classes.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Grand Canyon Railway website (thetrain.com), through authorized travel agents, or at the station in Williams.
Keep an eye on the official website for any promotions or package deals. AAA members may also find discounts.
Your ticket includes the round-trip train ride, entertainment onboard (like the cowboy show), and approximately three hours to explore the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food, drinks, and activities onboard, which is great for families.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon National Park is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way.
It's a fun, theatrical performance by actors on the train where they pretend to rob passengers. It's designed to be entertaining and not scary.
You'll have time to visit the visitor centers, walk along the rim trails, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyon.
Yes, options include Coach, Coach Plus, Dome Car, Luxury Parlor, and Luxury Dome, each offering a different level of comfort and views.
Absolutely! The train ride is engaging for all ages, with entertainment and the option to bring your own snacks and activities.
🎫 🏨 Hotels & Lodging
Yes, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is located right next to the station in Williams, offering convenience for train passengers. +1
Williams offers a range of hotels, motels, and cabins, many with a historic Route 66 theme. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a popular choice.
Yes, there are lodges within Grand Canyon National Park, and the railway conveniently drops you off near them. Booking these lodges well in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, there are RV parks in Williams and the surrounding areas, such as the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park.
This is a popular seasonal event, usually around the holidays, where the hotel and railway transform into a festive North Pole experience, complete with Santa. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Dome Car offers unobstructed views. The train itself, especially the historic steam locomotives, are also great subjects.
Yes, the cowboy robbery is a highlight for photos and videos, but be aware of the actors moving around. +1
Morning light can be beautiful as the train travels through the desert. The golden hour before sunset on the return trip can also be stunning.
While not a dedicated photography tour, the train ride itself offers many scenic opportunities. Some special 'photo charter' events with steam locomotives are occasionally offered.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and onboard action. A wide-angle lens is great for the vast canyon views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
You're allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks, which is a lifesaver for picky eaters or to keep little ones happy. Budget Travelers
History & Train Enthusiasts
+1 The railway itself was founded in 1901, offering a tangible connection to the past. Keep an eye out for special 'photo charter' events that sometimes feature these magnificent engines in action. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Canyon Railway Experience
Passengers can choose from various classes of service, each offering a distinct perspective. Coach provides comfortable seating, while the Dome Car offers panoramic views through its glass-enclosed ceiling, perfect for soaking in the vast landscapes. For a truly special occasion, the Luxury Parlor and Luxury Dome cars offer premium amenities and seating, though some have age restrictions.
Adding to the charm, the railway features live entertainment, including cowboy singalongs and a lively, family-friendly 'robbery' reenactment by costumed actors. This theatrical element ensures the journey is as entertaining as the destination is awe-inspiring.
The train arrives directly at the Grand Canyon Village, allowing ample time to explore the South Rim before the return journey. Williams, Arizona: A Route 66 Gem
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the station, making it an ideal choice for those who want a seamless transition from lodging to their train adventure. The hotel itself often embraces the historic theme, providing a comfortable and thematic stay.
For those traveling with RVs, Williams also provides options like the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, ensuring convenient access to both the town and the railway.
The Polar Express: A Holiday Tradition
Children and adults alike are encouraged to wear their pajamas, mirroring the book's tradition. Onboard, passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the story of The Polar Express. The journey culminates with a visit from Santa Claus himself, who presents each child with a silver bell, symbolizing the spirit of Christmas.
This popular event runs from mid-November through December and is a highly sought-after experience, often selling out quickly. It's a cherished holiday tradition for many families, offering a unique and enchanting way to celebrate the season.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit