Grand Canyon Railway
Grand Canyon Railway
4.5
About
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been taking passengers on a fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on lovingly restored rail cars with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters. Out your window, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie, prairie to pine. It’s a view that’s ever-changing until you come across a view so brilliant, it could very well change you. All aboard to the Grand Canyon to make a grand trip grander!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,997 reviews
Excellent
6,526
Very good
1,495
Average
483
Poor
228
Terrible
265
Mark Clay M
Bakersfield, CA44 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
It seems expensive, but you are on an historic train, in an historic setting, for 5.5 hours (round trip)! Coach prices are very reasonable, but if you can do it, I suggest a first class car. Much more comfortable with a few goodies thrown in. While the scenery isn't awe inspiring (that's what the canyon is for), it's still cool with various wildlife visible along the way. Other than booze, you can take whatever you like on the train. There is a cafe car as well. We met people from all over the states and the world, which is always fun.
Also, if you're doing coach, I suggest emptying you bladder before boarding, as the wait for the restroom (on every other car) can be a long one toward the end of the ride.
All in all, a great deal for a great adventure.
Also, if you're doing coach, I suggest emptying you bladder before boarding, as the wait for the restroom (on every other car) can be a long one toward the end of the ride.
All in all, a great deal for a great adventure.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback, we're pleased that you enjoyed your trip!
Best,
GCRH Team
Written April 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy P
California Hot Springs, CA13 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Corny but fun throwback adventure. We decided to travel by train from Williams to the Grand Canyon because the weather was a little iffy one of the days we were staying and the train station was walking distance from our hotel. The weather turned out to be clear after all but it was still a nice way to spend the day. Train ride itself is 2+ hours each way (as opposed to less than an hour from the same point in a car) which only leaves about 3.5-4 hours in the park but it was still a great experience and a nice way to spend our first day at the Grand Canyon. We went back in the next day by car and had a better idea how to organize our day. There were quite a few kids on the train and they seemed to be having lots of fun. Probably a one time thing for adults but would definitely consider riding again with my grandkids.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback!!
Regards,
GCRH Team
Written December 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
valleylily
Escondido, CA144 contributions
Mar 2021
I almost screwed up by not buying the train tickets well in advance. I called about two weeks out from our trip and I was lucky I got the last two tickets on the train for the date we needed. The cost of a one way ticket is about 2/3 the price of a round trip ticket however my son and I chose to only go one way because my husband was driving the car up with the dog. (No pets allowed on the train) Even though it was expensive I felt like it was worth the experience. The ride was amazing up to the canyon. They parlor car had Victorian style couches and we very well socially distanced due to Covid. They served a complimentary non alcoholic beverages and a box of breakfast type snacks that included a yogurt, blueberry muffin and string cheese. They served cocktails for a fee and the glass of champagne I ordered was huge. My son, age 16 enjoyed riding on the back of the caboose outside. They allow you to go for 10 minutes at a time so everyone has a chance but since the car was less than 50% capacity we had a lot of time out there. The bathrooms were surprisingly fancy with full size couches in them. We were allowed to go check out the luxury observation car. I preferred the parlor car however if I had to choose. I felt like it was a lot roomier.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your feedback!
We're thrilled that you enjoyed your ride on Grand Canyon Railway.
Best,
GCR Team
Written March 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie G
2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Buyer beware: This is an experience for people who enjoy the “booze cruise” type experience and don’t mind doling out tips for “cute” but unsolicited entertainment. For those people the trip to and fro will be fun filled and memorable. If you are not that type of person and expect dramatic scenery (none) informed narration about the Grand Canyon (almost none) and no one in your pocket (constant) this is not for you. The trip is long and slow and it’s chief benefit is that you arrive at the Canyon, no lines, no waiting. Unfortunately,!the 3 hours does not allow you to do very much (in fact they recommend you do not avail yourself of the free shuttles to other points of interest along the South Rim). Be aware that the photographer can charge more than $100 for their package ( but doesn’t disclose costs ahead of time). The fact that the return trip concluded with a contrived “hold up/ robbery” by mounted horsemen says it all.
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback!
Regards,
GCRH Team
Written June 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marshall B
Knoxville92 contributions
Oct 2021
Fun and relaxing way to get to the Grand Canyon. The trip is accentuated with a "western" skit before you leave for the Grand Canyon and continues throughout the day. A little corny but still a lot of fun. Having drinks and snacks on the way up and back to the Grand Canyon is nice!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review!
Best,
GCR&H Team
Written August 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyn J
Anchorage, AK700 contributions
Sep 2020
This is a rare find! Take a relaxing, scenic 2 hour 15 minute ride from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon National Park. There are several car levels with different prices. We rode up in the premium car at the end of the train with couches, a view off the back platform and a server who did everything he could imagine to make us happy. We received a small snack pack and cold and hot beverages. Stronger stuff was available to purchase. Returning, we were in the first class car that had reclining seats and was every bit as comfortable and fun as the high end car. More packaged snacks, more lively beverages and a train holdup! The cowboys who had entertained us in Williams just before departure now staged a holdup. It was cute. We stuck a dollar bill in our hats or behind our ears or wherever so we could be robbed. They posed for pictures with us.
You can purchase a train ticket for this adventure or you can purchase a package that includes lodging at the Grand Canyon Hotel plus the train ride. We got the package and it was a good deal.
By the way, everyone was wearing masks due to the pandemic; and the train was not filled to allow for social distancing. It all felt good.
You can purchase a train ticket for this adventure or you can purchase a package that includes lodging at the Grand Canyon Hotel plus the train ride. We got the package and it was a good deal.
By the way, everyone was wearing masks due to the pandemic; and the train was not filled to allow for social distancing. It all felt good.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good evening and thank you for your review!
We're thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us.
Best,
GCR Team
Written October 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol P
Phoenix, AZ101 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is the best way to get to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We were in tje luxury parlor and our personal service assistant was a wonderful lady named Naral. Not sure how she spells her name. During the trip she educated and entertained us with stories about the railroad, the canyon etc. The private bar in our car was awesome. We also received morning and afternoon snacks, and a champagne toast on the way back to Williams. The trip was a smooth ride and it was great not to have to drive. We had 3 hours to walk around and got a quick bite to eat and a drink at the El Tovar lounge. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Naral made the journey fun and interesting. Also got to see deer and mustangs on the way up.
Written December 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback, we're pleased that you enjoyed your trip!
Best,
GCR&H Team
Written January 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison G
8 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
A memorial experience smoothly run by the company and staff.The Wild West Shoot Out before the train left was professionally performed and amusing.
On board Alicia,the guide in our coach, was great:she was informative and funny.In the staged robbery she was enthusiastic & convincing.She seems to have a flair for acting and her talents would be wasted spending all day serving in the Cafe Carriage;apparently this can be one of her
duties.
The singers were both accomplished entertainers.
On board Alicia,the guide in our coach, was great:she was informative and funny.In the staged robbery she was enthusiastic & convincing.She seems to have a flair for acting and her talents would be wasted spending all day serving in the Cafe Carriage;apparently this can be one of her
duties.
The singers were both accomplished entertainers.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We're happy that you enjoyed your stay at Grand Canyon Railway!
Best,
GCR&H Team
Written April 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Afaorts
14 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
The ride to the Grand Canyon is beautiful but the train goes extra slow. So be aware that you will have only a few hours to visit the south rim if you choose not to stay at the park like we did. We bought Chief class (like first class equivalent) tkts which allows is to go to the panoramic view cars as well as enjoy the back balcony of the train since we were on the last car. Snacks are pretty average they could do a bit better. On the way back try the special cocktails they were really good. If you are lucky like we were you will be in a car full of funny sarcastic elderly folks who made our trip hilarious specially when the “bandits” hopped on the train to “rob” everyone. Our server was also really nice. Don’t miss the pre-boarding western show at the hotel.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback, we're pleased that you enjoyed the trip!
Best,
GCRH Team
Written November 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louis N
Johnson City, TN119 contributions
Oct 2021
We rode the train from Williams to the South Rim on a beautiful October day. It was not the season for the steam engine so we had to settle for diesel power. The car hosts were entertaining and informative and the roving musicians were a delight. Well worth the time and expense. Be sure and ask your car host how the south rim building are laid out to avoid loosing time wandering around and missing any critical points of interest.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your review and feedback, we're pleased that you enjoyed the ride!
Best,
GCRH Team
Written November 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are there any stargazing tours at the South Rim?
Jane M
Darlington, UK52 contributions
Not that I know of but you could always check the Park Ranger page for the canyon as they have a lot of info about star gazing. one of the best spots is Mather Point, behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, is a fantastic place to stargaze in the South Rim Village, this is within good proximity of the hotels up there that you can go to via the railway and stay over
sindhuulas2018
12 contributions
Is the dome class worth the extra cost?
Jane M
Darlington, UK52 contributions
Most definitely. Views are fabulous. Also think that there are fewer people upstairs in the dome than in a normal carriage. We went Dome there and splashed out on parlor car on the way back. Well worth it.
Parking at train station
Marshall B
Knoxville92 contributions
Yes, there is a hotel there and a restaurant that would provide plenty parking for you.
EvaScott
Edinburgh, UK31 contributions
When you get to the Grand Canyon on the train are there restaurants? Are there shuttles to other areas? We’re coming with two boys 9 and 4 and like the sound of the train ride but hoping there will be enough for them to see when we get there or should we drive? Thanks
Louis N
Johnson City, TN119 contributions
The train should be an enjoyable experience for the boys. there is a "train robbery" on the way back that is to entertain the younger crowd. We also had two strolling minstrels come into our car and perform.
When the train arrives at the canyon rim, you have about 3.5 hours to explore. The train will back into the station and be static until departure for home. The easiest way to imagine the layout is to draw a line across a piece of paper representing the actual canyon rim. The train parks to the right side of the paper below the line (where you get off). The rim village/lodging exc. is spread out along the line. You can decide to go to a snack shop or restaurant, explore the stores and shops, or just walk along the canyon rim in either direction for as long as you have time.
There are free busses that run west (left on the paper) from the "village" to drop off/pick up return points at some very scenic overlooks. Get information on the busses prior to the train ride for best results.
The best advice is to google a map of the village so you have a layout to work off of. Sucess with your boys will be how entertained, interested, and inquisitive they are. There can be as much walking as they (and you) can tolerate just at the village, and every spot at the canyon rim is spectacular.
Our mistake was to not go directly to the rim from the train to orient ourselves, we lost time just figuring out where we.
Each RR Car has a host and they can be very informative...ply then with plenty of questions. Have fun and good luck.
We're possibly coming to the Grand Canyon and would love to ride the train instead of driving to the Canyon. What is the security procedure for boarding the train? Do you go through metal detectors and a security screening like boarding an airplane? Or do you just get on and take off? I use a wheelchair and have rods in my back, and it's not easy for me to get half undressed and redressed and to endure being felt up by the TSA. If there is a robust security screening, we might skip the train ride altogether; or at the very least, I'll dress differently to be more prepared for a security screening. Thank you all.
ronaldj646
McKinney21 contributions
There are no security screening procedures for boarding and riding the train. When we were there in June, all passengers were required to wear a face covering for COVID-19.
Jilljross
Morgan's Point Resort, TX3 contributions
Is there a wait list for future dates that are sold out in case someone cancels?
Sunnysailor71
Tucson, AZ83 contributions
Do you still have to wear a mask on the train? Is full service in first class back to pre-Covid? Is there still entertainment and the robbery as part of the entertainment?
Sunnysailor71
Tucson, AZ83 contributions
Are they back to full service like pre-covid? Masks?
Grand Canyon Railway (Williams) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canyon Railway
- We recommend booking Grand Canyon Railway tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Grand Canyon Railway tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Grand Canyon Railway:
- (0.03 mi) Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
- (0.16 mi) Red Garter Inn
- (0.14 mi) Canyon Country Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (0.19 mi) Grand Canyon Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Hollyhock Inn
- Restaurants near Grand Canyon Railway:
- (0.04 mi) Fred Harvey Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) Spenser's Bar
- (0.13 mi) El Corral on 66
- (0.07 mi) Grand Depot Cafe
- (0.15 mi) Pine Country Restaurant
Grand Canyon Railway Information
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