Hi
I am planning to come to Phoenix for a week in December from Australia. We are two adults. We won't have a car. We would like to visit to Grand Canyon Railway, Verde Canyon Railroad, & out of Africa Wildlife Park. I would like to know whether any shuttle services to go to these places? I was already told that there is no public transport to Goldfield Ghost town.
If anybody can let me know that would be great. Thanks
Regards
Jan
First I would take GCRR off the list as there is no reasonable way for you to get there and back except for using Arizona Shuttle, and it does not provide any view of the Grand Canyon. Be aware that it is winter and will be cold there. The train however is a poor means to get to the canyon as it only gives you 3 hours at the canyon. You could use the shuttle to get to Flagstaff and GCNP but you would also need to likely spend a night there in order to schedule.
The only public transportation to Cottonwood would be a Greyhound bus, but that would not get you to the attractions. I have no idea of the availability of taxis in Cottonwood to get you to the train or the wildlife park.
The best means of getting where you want to go is to rent a car.
Ace Shuttle can transport you from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Cottonwood. You would need to use a local taxi to get to VCRR and out of Africa. Not a good plan IMO. I agree with Bob, that the GCRR is a lousy idea as transport to Williams could take days, and the train is not a good way to get to the GCNP. As noted, there are no views of the Grand Canyon from the train at anny time.
Reconsider the possibility of renting a car. It will save you a lot of time and money.
Public transportation here in Arizona is abysmal. You have chosen three exceptional sites to visit, but they are hard and possibly expensive to get to without a car. If possible, you should consider renting a car.
Also, we have already had one winter storm in northern Arizona - Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona and Cottonwood. In December, we could get more - many more. The snow can be beautiful, but deadly. Keep your eye on the weather if you venture north out of Phoenix.
Hi Guys
Thank you so much for your advise. That is really very helpfull. First of all thanks a lot for warning me about the winter cold and storm. I didn't have any idea. When I was planning the holiday I checked warmest places in USA to visit in December, and selected Phoenix too. Of course Grand Canyon is far away from Phoenix! Silly me!. Well I'll bring plenty of warm cloths.
Again I thought the train trip to GC would be nice but after your advice it seems to me may be I'll be better off booking a tour bus with overnight stay in GC? I am not a very confident driver in new places and only have experience in left hand driving in Sydney. Bit nervous about right hand driving in USA so I'll stick to the tour buses! I guess.
One more question are there shuttle buses in GC still run during winter times?
Again thank you so much for your time and advise. I may have more questions to ask you later.
Regards
Jan
GCNP shuttle buses reduce their services in the winter. Another good reason to rent a car. The drive from Phoenix to GCNP is easy, although it will take 4 hours. Finding any tour from PHX that includes an overnight stay at GCNP might also be next to impossible.
Hi
Thanks again. I have to do some more reserch. I may ask more questions later. What would be the best suggestions for 5 days at Phoenix and near by area? any suggestions for 5 days? Thanks
Regards
Jan
There are numerous opportunities for sightseeing in Phoenix. However, it is still advisable to rent a car. Public transit is very limited as a tours.
I know switching from one side to the other is daunting; I have driven on the "wrong" side in the UK. The first day or so was quite an ordeal, but I eventually got used to it. Friends from the UK have visited here, rented a pickup truck and had a glorious time of exploring Arizona.
Hi Abigguy
Thanks for the advice. See how I go hiring a car.
Regards
Jan
