Few national parks are as iconic or as visited as Grand Canyon National Park. In 2023 alone, more than 4.7 million travelers visited the Grand Canyon, making it the second most popular national park in the U.S. But did you know that Grand Canyon tourism began more than a century ago, with the opening of the Grand Canyon Railway?
On September 17, 1901, the first passengers boarded the train in Williams, Arizona, and made their way to the Grand Canyon South Rim in just three hours. Before the railway, visitors had to endure a two-day journey by stagecoach. As automobiles grew in popularity, more visitors chose to drive to the park, and by the late 1960s, passenger train service ended. The Grand Canyon Railway remained dormant until Max and Thelma Biegert revived it in 1989, officially reopening the Grand Canyon Depot in 1990.
Today, the Grand Canyon Railway transports over 225,000 passengers annually, reducing the number of cars entering the park by an estimated 50,000. It’s an efficient, entertaining, and scenic way to experience the Grand Canyon, with everything from stunning views to live entertainment. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip.
Route and Schedule
The Grand Canyon Railway operates from January 1 through October 31, departing Williams Depot at 9:30 a.m. MST and arriving at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim at 11:45 a.m. This gives travelers over three hours to explore the park’s historic buildings, hike popular trails like the Bright Angel Trail, and take in the incredible views. The return train departs at 3:30 p.m., arriving back in Williams at 5:45 p.m. The trip each way takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From November 1 to December 31, the schedule changes slightly: the train departs Williams at 8:30 a.m., arrives at 10:45 a.m., and returns at 4:45 p.m. A second train may be added during peak demand, so be sure to check the schedule for availability.
Tickets and Reservations
For 2024, round-trip ticket prices for adults range from $69.98 in Pullman class to $239.98 in the Luxury Parlor. Children’s tickets (ages 2-15) range from $35.98 in Pullman class to $189.98 in the Observation Dome. Children under two can ride free in Pullman, Coach, and First classes, though they are not permitted in the Observation Dome. Passengers under 16 are not allowed in the Luxury Dome or Luxury Parlor.
Tickets can be booked online and must be picked up at least 20 minutes before departure. One-way tickets are available by calling 1-800-THE-TRAIN (800-843-8724).
Classes of Service
The Grand Canyon Railway offers six classes of service: Pullman, Coach, First, Observation Dome, Luxury Dome, and Luxury Parlor.
- Pullman Class features original 1923 Harriman-style coach cars with bench seats and openable windows. These cars are available only during spring and summer.
- Coach Class has 1950s-style bench seating, air conditioning, and large windows.
- First Class offers oversized seats, bar service, and complimentary snacks. Both Coach and First Class are ADA-compliant.
- Observation Dome provides panoramic views from a glass-enclosed car, with padded high-back chairs, complimentary snacks, and bar service.
- Luxury Dome has large windows, private bar service, and exclusive cocktails.
- Luxury Parlor offers the most exclusive experience, with open-air rear platform access, private bar service, and a sparkling wine toast.
Onboard Entertainment
The experience starts even before boarding. Each morning, travelers are treated to a Wild West-style shootout at the Williams Depot, featuring the Cataract Creek Gang and the Marshal. Later, on the train, live musicians stroll through the cars, playing fiddles, guitars, banjos, and singing classic Western tunes. There’s even a staged train robbery in the afternoon.
For those who prefer a quieter ride, the railway offers complimentary copies of its Territorial Times newspaper. As the train heads toward the South Rim, passengers can enjoy the changing scenery, from forests to open plateaus.
Food service varies by class and time of day. Passengers in First, Observation Dome, and Luxury classes are offered fruit, pastries, juice, tea, and coffee in the morning. In the afternoon, snacks like cheese, vegetables, and soda are served, with cocktails available for purchase.
Points of Interest
The journey to the Grand Canyon is filled with interesting sights. At Williams Depot, visitors can see a Grand Canyon Railway steam locomotive and a caboose, as well as remnants of the historic Fray Marcos Hotel. As the train crosses the Kaibab Plateau, travelers can catch glimpses of the San Francisco Peaks, a dormant volcano, and the abandoned Red Butte Airfield.
One of the most significant landmarks is the Grand Canyon Depot, which is part of the Grand Canyon National Park Historic District. The log structure is one of the few remaining train depots built in this style in the United States and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
Holiday Train Rides
During the winter months, travelers can embark on the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express, a seasonal experience that runs on select dates in November and December. The hour-long journey takes passengers to the “North Pole,” where Santa Claus and his reindeer make an appearance. Children can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and receive a special gift. Tickets range from $59.99 to $97.99 for passengers 16 and over, while children’s tickets cost between $43.99 and $67.99.
Explore Williams, Arizona
Williams, known as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, is steeped in Old West culture and Route 66 nostalgia. This town of 3,000 residents is famous for being the last section of Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. Visitors can explore memorabilia shops, historic buildings, and sites like Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, and Bearizona Wildlife Park.
