ROAD TRIP: Tucson to Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon Railway | ROAD TRIP: Tucson to Grand Canyon Railway

ALL ABOARD! If you're looking for a fun and low-stress way to experience the Grand Canyon, consider buying tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway, a passenger train that departs from Williams, Arizona and transports you directly to the canyon.

Start at the Depot in Williams, Arizona

You'll start your adventure in Williams, 4 1/2 hours northwest of Tucson, where you'll begin your day with a not-so-scary cowboy shootout at the depot. The 15-minute show involves audience members for a somewhat silly performance, where the good guy always wins. Afterward, you are welcome to take photos with cast members and horses in the miniature wild west town.

On The Train

After the show, you'll board the train and find your designated seats. There are six classes to choose from - pullman, coach, first class, observation dome, luxury dome, and luxury parlor. Each class offers different seats and a variety of amenities. If you opt for first class, you'll be treated to large, reclining seats, pastries and juice in the morning, and veggies, cheese, and crackers in the afternoon.

All classes include entertainment during the ride - singers, accordionists, and visits from The Marshall. A photographer will also come through to take your party's photo, which you can purchase on the return ride if you so choose.

Northbound trains depart at either 8:30am or 9:30am (depending on the season) and arrive at the Grand Canyon two hours and fifteen minutes later. You'll have 3 to 3.5 hours to explore the Grand Canyon before boarding again at 2:30pm or 3:30pm (depending on the schedule) for return to the depot in Williams. If you want more time to explore the canyon, you can book a room inside the park and return by train the following day.

On the ride back to Williams, watch out (and give little ones a heads-up!) - robbers will ride alongside your train and board to "rob" all passengers. Bring a few extra dollars for tips if you would like to participate in this light-hearted (and optional) part of the trip.

TIPS & INSIDER SECRETS FOR GRAND CANYON RAILWAY

  • For families, Coach is a good pick because you'll be comfortable with air-conditioning or heating, plus have access to a snack bar.
  • Pack a picnic lunch in a cooler for your lunch at the Grand Canyon. There are a number of restaurants and quick-service snack-style shops in the canyon, but you can save time and money by bringing your own fare - perhaps salad, sandwiches, fresh fruit & veggies, cookies, etc. There is overhead room on the train so transporting your cooler won't be a problem.
  • Little ones under age 2 ride free as "lap babies."
  • Since the ride is 2+ hours, you may want to bring activities for toddlers prone to restlessness. That said, it may not be necessary since there is some on-board entertainment (described above).
  • Water bottles are not sold on the train or at the park. If you do not bring your own, you will want to purchase a refillable souvenir cup for ~$5.
  • The off-season is January and February so you may be able to get better rates during those months.
  • Don't forget to take photos! You'll have opportunities to snap shots with the robbers and adjacent to the train (not to mention the canyon itself!).
  • For an intimate experience, you can charter your own private car, set of cars, or even a private train from Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park and back. Rail Baron Charters combines the luxury of private train cars with the views of the Old West and provides the perfect platform for celebrating a wedding, birthday, anniversary, retirement, class reunion, or other milestone moment.
  • Grand Canyon Railway offers a number of special events throughout the year - including Steam Saturdays, Polar Express Trail Ride, and the Ultimate Polar Express Experience.

While At the Grand Canyon

Three hours isn't very long to explore one of the largest and grandest canyons in the world! If this is your first trip to the Grand Canyon, you may want to spend the night at the canyon to enjoy sunrise/sunset and allow time for hiking. Otherwise, be sure to plan ahead to maximize your time.

The train stops at the South Rim, where you can take in breathtaking views and wander through a variety of lodges, souvenir shops, and historic buildings.

Junior Ranger Program at Grand Canyon National Park

Kids, ages 4+, can also stop by the visitor center to pick up a free Jr. Ranger activity guide. If they complete four pages and attend a 30-60-minute Jr. Ranger program, they can take a pledge and receive a badge to become an official Grand Canyon National Park Jr. Ranger.

If you prefer to see the canyon from higher up, you can take a free shuttle to various viewing spots or book a bus tour.

While in Williams

Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

You may want to begin and end your journey with a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (in Williams, Arizona).

Directly across from the depot, this hotel is an ultra-convenient way to extend your weekend or weekday getaway. Equipped with mostly standard rooms, the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, game room, fitness room, on-site pub, playground, basketball court, and restaurant. If you book during November or December, you'll enjoy a plethora of twinkling lights and displays on the property, which will magically transport you into the Christmas Spirit. As an added bonus, this hotel is within an easy walk to historic Downtown Williams, a fun place to buy souvenirs, sip a milkshake, or snap photos next to old-fashioned gas station pumps.

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Have a great time on the Grand Canyon Railway!

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