The Grand Canyon: What to know before you go
Carved out over millions of years, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long, one mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide. Don't forget to bring your camera; in addition to the dazzling views, keep an eye open for wildlife like bighorn sheep, bears, elk, and more!
Thruway service to and from Flagstaff
Upon arrival at the Flagstaff Amtrak station, the shuttle driver will meet you outside the train in the parking lot once you collect any checked luggage. The drive is around 40 minutes and will take you to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ. If you are leaving Williams for Flagstaff to catch the Amtrak train, the shuttle will meet you at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel at the time listed on your train tickets.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Present your voucher at the check-in desk, and the attendant will give you your Grand Canyon Railway tickets for all journeys, luggage tags, and tour tickets for the Freedom Rim Tour or Grand Rim Tour if you have included either in your vacation. When you check out of the hotel, bring your tagged bags down to the lobby, and they will be waiting for you in your hotel room at the South Rim. Please do not throw out any of your tickets or luggage tags, as you will need them for the return journey. If you are not staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and are arriving prior to 6 pm, please exchange your vouchers for your tickets at the Williams Depot Ticket Counter.
Fred Harvey Restaurant
If you have a meal voucher for the Fred Harvey Restaurant for breakfast and/or dinner, the restaurant is located right next door to the hotel. Hours of service for breakfast and dinner will be listed on your vouchers. Present the voucher at the hostess stand and enjoy your meal!
Wild West Show & the Grand Canyon Railway
Departing from Williams
Thirty minutes prior to boarding, head over to the stadium seating next to the depot for a Wild West Cowboy Show! The show is about 15 minutes long, and a great start to your day in the wild, wild, west. After the show, it’s time to board the Grand Canyon Railway! On the tickets you collected, you’ll see the name of your train car at the top. Head to your train car and the attendant will check your tickets and welcome you onboard.
From February 1st through October 31st, the train departs Williams at 9:30 am and arrives at the South Rim at 11:45 am. From November 1st through January 31st, the train departs Williams at 8:30 am and arrives at the South Rim at 10:45 am.
Departing from the South Rim
On the morning of your departure from the South Rim, leave your tagged luggage in your hotel room, and it will be taken to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for you, and you can collect your belongings in the lobby. When it’s time to leave the South Rim, head over to the Train Depot. There is a shuttle stop right outside the train depot for your convenience. As with the journey to the Grand Canyon, the name of your train car will be listed on your tickets. Please note, it may be a different car than your first journey!
From February 1st through October 31st, the train departs the South Rim at 3:30 pm and arrives in Williams at 5:45 pm. From November 1st through January 31st, the train departs the South Rim at 2:30 pm and arrives in Williams at 4:45 pm.
Amtrak Vacations team members experiencing the Wild West Show at the Grand Canyon
Motorcoach Freedom Rim Tour and Grand Rim Tour
If you have booked either tour as a part of your vacation, you’ll collect your tour voucher at either the Williams Train Depot or the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Once the train pulls into the Train Depot at the South Rim, the motorcoaches will be waiting just outside for you. After the tour, the motorcoaches will drop off at Maswik Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge. If you are staying at El Tovar, Thunderbird Lodge or Kachina Lodge, your hotel is only a short walk from the Bright Angel Lodge. If you are staying at Yavapai Lodge, you can catch the free shuttle from the Bright Angel stop to the Yavapai Lodge stop.
At the Grand Canyon
Once at the Grand Canyon, there are many things to do and explore! A South Rim Pocket Map with shuttle information will be given to you onboard the Grand Canyon Railway, and you can also view the digital map here.
National Park Entrance Fees and Park Passes
The National Park pass fee is included with your Grand Canyon Railway tickets. If you are driving to the Grand Canyon on your own, you will need to purchase a park pass. For US citizens over the age of 62, we recommend you take advantage of the senior pass savings.
Shuttle Service
The Grand Canyon Village itself is very walkable, and there is also a convenient, free shuttle service throughout the village. You can find shuttle information and schedules, along with a phone number should you prefer to arrange a taxi service.
Restaurants
There are two full-service restaurants at the Grand Canyon, Arizona Steakhouse and the El Tovar Dining Room, and advance reservations are recommended. In addition to the full-service restaurants, there are other options for light meals, buffet dinners and cocktails at El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge and Maswik Lodge.
Make Reservations for the Arizona Steakhouse