1. Grand Canyon Railway

    1. Grand Canyon Railway

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    Williams, AZ

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    Grand Canyon Railway

    4.4 (779 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Grand Tequila Sunrise!
    Frankie M.

    This historic Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. This train ride was so entertaining- it featured western musicians, cowboy characters on vintage rail cars, and an epic staged train robbery on the way back! It was quite the experience! We kickstarted our journey with a cool western showdown outside the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (very amusing). Then we boarded our first class seats aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. It's a little pricier, but totally worth the leg room. The train ride is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Prices range from approximately $70 to over $230 per adult, depending on the class of service, with child fares available. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase (including alcohol). Overall, the experience was quite pleasant! The panoramic views are stunning! The staff are high-energy, funny, and charismatic! From start to finish, our journey was seamless filled with great entertainment and music for the whole family to enjoy!

    My shadow from the back of the train (luxury ticket holders only)
    Rieul G.

    I decided to treat ourselves to the "Chief" (luxury parlor class) absolute last car where you can stand on the balcony at the back of the train. Although pricey, it was totally worth it. I walked down the entire train to compare every single carriage with this one and this was worth it. The bottom line for me is I don't want to feel claustrophobic and so being able to walk out to the balcony at the back and just get the fresh air and see the scenery speeding away from me is so worth it. Anyway, we had food and drinks and treats and we had the most delightful attendant called Teryl I believe. She's a sweet lady who has the most fascinating stories and she speaks so eloquently and sweetly.

    Luxury car seat and cabin.
    Brent M.

    We went up to Williams and did the package of Grand Canyon Railroad 2 nights at the Williams hotel and a full day trip up to the south rim and after several hours of exploring the South Rim and having a fantastic lunch. Took the train back to Williams. Left at 9:15am and returned around 5pm. We did the luxury car on the way up and the luxury sky dome for the return trip. Both cars are very comfortable and have great views! The luxury car has a full service bar and snacks as well as a huge bathroom. The folks working on the car are great, tell great stories and have lots of information and details about the history of the train and the area that is traveled through. We did this in late September and got a great deal. Highly recommend, especially if you've never been to the Grand Canyon!

    I. J.

    What a nice trip we had. A 1 day trip to the GC with a 3 hours stop and then came back to Williams. You get your picture taken, the fee includes some pastries, fruit, black coffee and juice. You get some musicians during the ride and the cowboy show during the ride. We all enjoyed it vey much. We purchased the 1st class ticket and i am glad we did. Plenty of leg room, AC and you have a small bar area inside your wagon. Additionally, just like in an airplane, no smoking nor vaping!! I highly recommend this activity.

    The Grand Canyon Railway was a great experience overall and one I'd recommend. The train ride is about 2.5 hours each way, with plenty of beautiful scenery along the route. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, you have about three hours to explore the viewpoints, take photos, grab a meal, and browse the gift shops before boarding the train back. Onboard, be prepared for western-themed entertainment. Performers move from car to car singing and playing guitar, accordion, and harmonica, and it's customary to tip them if you enjoy the show. The cowboys from the pre-departure stage performance also come through the train for a playful "robbery" skit while collecting tips. A photographer will also stop by to take photos at your seats, which are available for purchase for about $35 for two prints. Food and drinks from the café are convenient but on the expensive side. Our cabin guide, Johnny Arizona, was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely entertaining. However, I felt he got a little carried away with the jokes about Texans. He commented that Texans only know Taco Bell when it comes to Tex-Mex--something that drew more eye rolls than laughs from our group. He also joked that he has a problem with Houston because the Astros are "cheaters," despite several passengers wearing Astros hats. Good-natured sports rivalry is one thing, but repeatedly poking fun at an entire state and city over one team's past "one-year only" scandal didn't land well with us. As a result, I decided not to leave the $20 tip I had planned, and several others in our group felt the same way. Despite that, the Grand Canyon Railway was still a memorable and enjoyable experience. The scenery, entertainment, and opportunity to visit one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders made the trip well worth it.

    Kellygries G.

    Our host Mr Hank, its just a joke, was helpful, informative and funny. They had a "marshaĺl" and a guitar player who sang pretty well. The only reason I did not give this a 5 was the selection in the café. Mainly chips and candy. They offered a turkey sandwich but it was pre-made yuck for 13 dollars, so no thanks. It was basically a concession stand. The views from the train are great and first class seating is worth the extra cost. 4 hours at the grand canyon might be ok if you didnt have to drive 3 hours to and from plus 2.5 hours each way on a train but, for a senior such as myself, it was a long day. Should also note we got robbed by 2 and a half men called the Cataract Gang on the way back.

    Senor C.

    We sat first class with Carol who was absolutely fabulous and help to elevate the already wonderful experience. The train ride was super comfy relaxing and entertaining. We enjoyed all of it. Carol was so sweet helpful and so funny. If it wasnt for her im sure we would have been late to our return trip from the Grand Canyon. The Wild West show was funny as well and we very much enjoyed it. I encourage gratuity for all as its so deserved. Being our first time we had no idea what to expect and only brought credit card was very sad we couldn't leave something nice for all involved as they all deserved it and work so hard...will be doing this again and definitely bringing some cash

    Jonny Arizona! Best host on the train!
    Bo G.

    Absolutely a must do when going to the canyon! If possible get on "Jonny Arizona's" car! He was very informative and entertaining! You will not be disappointed!

    A classic train car.
    Dennis S.

    The train moves at about 40 mph but the crew made the journey fun. we paid extra for first class that included some snacks in the morning and on the way back and a buffet lunch. To be honest the lunch was me. Our guide on the train gwas a young lady named Ava. She was phenomenal. She came around and stood and talked to each rider about their vacation and things that they could do in Williams. She was very personable and made it a lot of fun. There was also some entertainment aboard with a couple of singers and a surprise at the end. It was a great way to visit the Grand Canyon and if you select first class and get the bus tour, you'll see vistas that a lot of other people can't see because hikers cannot visit all areas. Great trip and we enjoyed our vacation in Arizona, especially the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and train.

    Angie A.

    The trip from Williams Arizona to the Grand Canyon was not only entertaining, but extremely comfortable. I can't imagine doing the Grand Canyon any other way.

    Shamika M.

    This was such an amazing experience I'm glad this was the first way we experienced traveling to the Grand Canyon. We were in the Arizona first class car with Sheryl as our guide who was hilarious and so knowledgeable. She made the trip even better than it already was. Everything from the pre-boarding cowboy show, on board entertainment, cafe car, roomy bathrooms and ability to move out seats so our family can face each other during the trip. This was such a smooth ride and especially perfect after a good hike in the canyon.

    Grand Canyon
    Georgie C.

    The "shoot out" before the ride was entertaining. Johnny Arizona was so informative and funny too. We got history lessons about the places to see up there and still catch the train back. Plus on the ride back down his daughter was in a cow costume doing cartwheels along the track. Highly recommend! The musicians were great too.

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    4 months ago

    Great experience. It was fun. I love the cowboy show and the mock train rob. The staff are all professional.

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    Page 1 of 20

    Ask the Community - Grand Canyon Railway

    With first class is it unlimited soda or just one per person?

    Unlimited

    Are we supposed to tip the cabin attendants or just the performers?

    We did both but you don't have to.

    I was trying to book tickets for Rails to the rim not only was lower cost seats not available but at the end of the purchase they added taxes and park fees?

    There is a cost to enter the park whether you drive-in or take the train. Taxes are applied when you buy anything unfortunately. About the different classes of service, you might want to call directly at 1800 thetrain to book for the less expensive… 

    For those who have driven & taken the train- When taking the train to the Grand Canyon is there more to see scenic wise on the train than driving? Or is it pretty much the same?

    I agree with the answer above, in that you are going 30-mph on the train vs. the highway so it will be easier to take in the landscape. And I understand parking at the park is difficult and the train takes you right to the heart of the main park… 

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    Review Highlights - Grand Canyon Railway

    The train takes you to the depot at the Grand Canyon, and it's a short walk to see the South Rim of the Canyon.

    Mentioned in 66 reviews

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    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel - The Polar Express Train!

    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

    3.6(515 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We stayed here before our trip on the Grand Canyon railway. It is a large hotel, very well kept…read more The lobby has lots of train memorabilia. Everybody we dealt with at the hotel was very friendly and helpful. The amenities include an indoor pool and spa, a fitness center, a meeting/Event center, a business center, a pub, a restaurant, and the Grand Canyon railway depot is right on the grounds of the hotel. We did not eat in the restaurant, so I can not speak for the food. You can purchase and all you can eat breakfast buffet. As part of your package for around $20 each, but we did not partake. It was your typical hotel, the room was bright and clean, the beds were very comfortable, the TV got a lot of cable channels, and the Wi-Fi worked very well. For the two of us, with a military /veterans discount, it was approximately $650. For that, we got a room for the night, an upgraded train ticket with the "Vista dome" car, and a bus tour of the Grand Canyon, including a very good all you can eat buffet lunch, and time to wander around Grand Canyon Village after the bus tour before the train came back. The price was high, but for all we got for two of us, it was reasonable. Thank you for a great stay.

    Honestly, there are better in the area…read more We typically book directly, but this time did not. We were using booking.com to see all the prices and find a good place with a pool. This seemed like a big spot in the area so we booked. Now, I'm not sure if there are any King beds, or maybe all were taken, but we got a 2 Queen beds room but needed a King at least. So sleep wasn't the greatest for the 2 of us needing to share a bed. After we got all together and dressed for the pool, we called to see what time it closed to find out it's closed for refurb. Now, since we booked through someone else, this was not told or written down. However, checking the hotel's direct site, they did indeed have this listed. So just a miss for us and if we would have known, would not have stayed here as the child in our group was promised a pool everywhere we stayed during our trip. The toilet paper? It's rough! So be prepared if you're used to bidets or soft toilet paper.... It's a quaint place, but I recommend doing more research and maybe stay elsewhere.

    Photos
    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel - The fam bam!

    The fam bam!

    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel - In front of the lobby fireplace.. (if we were Disney characters. )

    In front of the lobby fireplace.. (if we were Disney characters. )

    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel - Steamed Train! Vintage!

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    Steamed Train! Vintage!

    The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel - Ballroom in Arizona's oldest hotel

    The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel

    4.2(185 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    One of the nicest places I've ever stayed. So beautiful and charming and lovingly restored. Even…read morethe floors were gorgeous. Helpful friendly staff. Easy parking. I mean, come on, they serve breakfast in the ballroom? How cool is that? I would stop in Williams just so I could stay there again.

    We stayed here for my birthday in July, and I can't say enough wonderful things about this hotel…read more It's full of history, and they've done an incredible job preserving its original character and charm. I truly believe that when you hire people who genuinely care about their guests and love what they do, success follows--and that's exactly what this hotel has done. The staff made us feel like we were visiting old friends. Everyone at the front desk was warm, funny, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help. We're from the South, where hospitality means a lot, and I can honestly say this was the best hotel service we've ever experienced. The Grand Canyon Railway was just a short walk away, making it incredibly convenient, and the restaurants nearby were all excellent. We also took the hotel's ghost tour, which was so much fun--although it definitely made it a little harder to fall asleep that night! Thank you all for making my birthday so memorable. We had an amazing stay, and we will absolutely be back. Wishing everyone at the hotel continued success and many blessings!

    Photos
    The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel - Library in Arizona's Oldest Hotel

    Library in Arizona's Oldest Hotel

    The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel - Entire room

    Entire room

    The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel - Coffee station

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    Coffee station

    Pete's Gas Station Museum

    Pete's Gas Station Museum

    2.5(17 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    We are walking around after having dinner and stumble upon This little museum decided to take a…read morelook. Everything was really vintage and cool to see all the old candy signs and canisters the old gas station pumps ,A lot of little things to look out was very nostalgic. Lady came out and greeted us was very friendly, we asked her if they had shot glasses. She said they didn't...we looked around a bit more took a few pictures and we were on our way. Cool little place

    I tried to go in to see if he had these husky signs for sale in the actual shop part bc my service…read moredog is a husky mix. Pete the owner shooed me off saying no pets. I'm a disabled veteran with PTSD & said my dog was a service dog & not a pet. He called me a bitch & said his wife was allergic, which I informed him that per the ADA allergies is not an excuse for denying a service animal. Again he called me a bitch & said my dog wasn't wearing a vest. I also informed him per the ADA service dogs aren't required to have signage. I couldn't even disclose the 2 question rule as he postured & called me names. At one point I was trying to pull up the law for him but he physically tried to push me out of the building. Once he pushed me off he slammed the garage door to make sure he could pick & choose who could come in. As I was leaving a Yelp review there were several other patrons who said during COVID he denied them access if they were wearing masks. Another said he denied due to race. So this owner seems to have no issues breaking the ADA multiple times. So I filed an ADA claim against him with the DOJ. Others should follow suit. Edit: came back when door was opened (he thought I wasn't going to come back) to take a picture of his allergy & no pets sign. Wife was sitting there unaffected of my service dog being on the other side of the building for 5-10 min which her husband claimed she'd die if my service dog stepped foot in that establishment.

    Photos
    Pete's Gas Station Museum
    Pete's Gas Station Museum
    Pete's Gas Station Museum

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    Grand Canyon Railway - trains - Updated September 2026

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