It is a nice ride down to the Grand Canyon and back. The hotel is an awesome place to stay. Our host on the dome car was Gina and she was really good at being a host and full of energy. Gina is extremely friendly and has enthusiasm for her job. She made really good recommendations for each individual group as to what they can do to have the best experience at the Grand Canyon based on the time they have and how many times they have been there. I highly recommend this business and highly recommend that you try to get Gina as your host. read more

We had such a good time today. With Cheryl as our car hostess and attendant, we didn't lack a thing and , we laughed all the way to the canyon and back. She also told us much informative information about the canyon, vicinity and Arizona. The south rim views were inspirational. It was a fun day and very memorable. Thank you Cheryl. read more

Let's just say that this is a must if coming to see the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed our first class seats- comfortable with foot rests and slide out trays for eating the provided drinks and snacks or whatever. Our attendant Rob was so wonderful-he worked hard, shed tips and knowledge and really helped make it fun! Really consider where you want to sit, comfort and the weather as the Pullman cars are open windows with bench seats so pick wisely oh and we did enjoy live music and robbers - so bring some cash for tipping the entertainment and your train car attendant! Enjoy the Canyon- read more

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I have lived in Arizona my entire life and never done the train ride into the Grand Canyon. We decided to get up Saturday morning and drive from north Phoenix to Williams to catch the 9:30am train ride. The way there was great we were on the luxury car, our attendant was enthusiastic made great drinks and kept us all interested on the 2 hour and 15 min ride there. The way back we decided to check out first class, more seats and not as comfy but still not a bad option. The reason I am rating 3 stars is that on the return trip our seats were dirty they hadn't been cleaned from the children that were in the seats we had to clean them up and when we asked the attendant to flip them around so we weren't staring at a stranger we were told we would have to wait till everyone was on the train for them to be cleaned up or returned to the normal way they should be. If we did the trip again with friends because we don't travel with small children anymore I believe we would always book in luxury, it was just nicer all the way around. read more

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During the holiday season (Dec 18th, 2023), I took a week to visit Arizona with The Things. During this time, we visited Cottonwood/Sedona, Navajo Nation, and the Grand Canyon. One day on vacation, we visited Williams to take the train to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad that carries passengers between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The restored Santa Fe Railway Station in Williams serves as the southern terminus for the Grand Canyon Railway and the Grand Canyon Depot, owned by the National Park Service, is the northern terminus for passengers of the line. Passengers ride to and from the Grand Canyon in the 1950s era climate-controlled coaches. During the peak travel season, 1920s era Pullman Harriman style coaches with open windows are also available. Additionally, there are various types of cars to ride in at various price points. There are coach cars, first class, and first-class seats that have a dome view of the train (for a 360 view). It must be noted that park entrance fees are not included in the price of the train tickets. Tours at the Grand Canyon can also be added when purchasing train tickets. The difference between the coach and first-class cars are the types of seats and leg room afforded and the addition of food/light snacks in first-class cars. For this experience, I purchased three adult and one child's tickets with a tour on the first-class cars both ways. During the train ride, the train host will provide historical information about the Grand Canyon cars and drink service (at least in the first-class cars). In the car I bought tickets for, my party and I were hosted by Rob, who was quick-witted and provided prompt service. Additionally, the railroad adds to the Old West experience by having actors dressed as bandits stage a mock train robbery during the return trip from the Grand Canyon to Williams. Thankfully, we were 'saved' by the Marshall. During the train ride, there is also a professional photographer aboard who will take a photo of you and your guests and charges a fee for the souvenir photo with Grand Canyon imaging as the border. Of course, I had to purchase a set! Last, there is live entrainment in first-class cars. We were able to enjoy a violinist and a guitarist in our car. During the winter season (November - January), the line runs The Polar Express from Williams to the 'North Pole', a station about 17 miles (30 km) north of town. While this was during the time frame, I visited Williams, I elected to forgo this experience as the Grand Canyon train is essentially a day-long experience. For the Grand Canyon train, boarding starts at 8 AM and arrives at the Grand Canyon at about 10:50AM. The return train from the Grand Canyon to Williams departs at 2:30 PM. This train ride for many will be a once in a lifetime experience not only because of the unique memories made but for many the price point for such an experience is higher than other family attractions. Costs for their first-class train ride both ways with a tour of the Grand Canyon by bus with a tour guide for three adults and one child costs $828.12. It should also be noted that it is not compulsory to book the tour, nor is it required to ride in the same class of car both ways. For example, some chose to ride in coach one way and first class on the return trip. Last, the price I paid did not include the park fee as I have an annual National Park pass. read more

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What can I say about the Grand Canyon Train Ride? It's absolutely worth the money! My family and I stayed at the Grand Canyon RV Park and got tickets for 4 adults and 2 children to take this excursion out to see the Grand Canyon. While it's a little on the pricey side, it was a wonderful addition to add for our kids to experience while on the way to the canyon. Since we were leaving on the earliest train ride and the weather was not going to be hot yet, I opted to purchase Pullman Class tickets to the canyon and then Coach Class on the ride back. The Pullman Class cars do not have AC but the windows do open so we were able to still enjoy the morning air while Coach Class was fully air-conditioned and made the ride back comfortable. The highlight for the kids however was when the train got "robbed" by the actors we saw earlier at their pre-show and they were able to hand them some loot so we could safely get back to our RV. It was a great experience and one that none of us will be forgetting anytime soon! read more

Highly recommend for young kids We brought our grandkids, age 7 and 13. They had never been on a train or to the Grand Canyon. The actual train ride doesn't have a lot to see- mostly just plants and desert. The train makes up for this however, with super attentive staff, and musicians that play songs. The highlight for my grandkids was the staged 'Train Robbery'. They both really enjoyed that. The train drops you off on South Rim side. The actual train ride is 2 hours both ways and you are Grand Canyon for four hours. This felt like a good amount of time to explore. I highly recommend the ride and stay package, which included the train tickets , one night at the hotel, dinner and breakfast at the restaurant at Depot. We paid about $650 for the four of us. This is a really fun way to visit the Grand Canyon read more

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Our trip was adequate but the way the PSA Manager treated other customers made us feel uncomfortable. When you purchase the highest quality of train car which isn't cheap and to watch her degrade the customers on their seating which is included in purchase is unacceptable. Customers were told to move from the luxury car seating due to employees needed to sit there. I am an out spokesperson but feared if I said anything I would be ejected from train and trying to figure out a way home. Seats in luxury were tighter than what should be due to price and then to be told cannot sit because employees needed the more spacious seats. Do not recommend luxury seats read more

Too boring and offensive to any grown adult. Would not recommend. Drop off location totally limits your grand canyon experience as they recommend you do NOT use the shuttles to explore for fear of missing train out.....really disappointing. No instructions about which way to go when deboarding left quite a few people bewildered and lost precious time in exploring the area. The "actors" and "music" were poor examples of begging for money. Too expensive to be worthy of any stars. read more

This place is amazing! We had such an awesome experience on this entire day trip. From the cute cowboy show before the train ride, to the trip all the way to the Grand Canyon, to spending a few hours at the Grand Canyon, to the trip back to the hotel, to the surprise holdup, it was a great time all around. I would easily do this again if the opportunity arose. We splurged on the luxury suite tickets, and it was totally worth it. The 360 panorama views were unbelievable during the trip. It was amazing to see how the terrain changed during the 2 1/2 hour ride. And what we couldn't get over was how we were in the middle of a forest, went up a few steps, and BAM! there was the Grand Canyon. One of the single coolest things I've ever seen in my life. We loved, loved, loved it. Kinga was our purser and she was amazing. If you're wavering, don't. Book your ride today. read more

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Traveled with family in the Parlor car so had the pleasure of having Teryl narrate the trip. She is an amazing hostess, bartender, and best of all, story teller. Her voice, her timing, her inflections were a highlight of the trip. The train ride was comfortable and a family member who'd been to the GC before said it was his best experience. The srparate coach tour with a guide I internally called My Cousin Vinny not as much and his passive aggressive attitude toward the passengers was a stark contrast but we soon reboarded and were regaled with Teryl's tales. I highly recommend springing for the Parlor car and hope you get Ms. Teryl. Crossed this off the bucket list with style and class. read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

A good time was had by all...trains, robbers, and nice scenery...who could ask for more? Star rock was tough to see though...homesteaders were a bit of a head scratcher. read more

The entertainers and our car host were great. The ride back and forth ( 5.5 hours total) was boring as far as scenery. Even the kids on board were, well, bored. Could have been at the Grand Canyon for 3 more hours in same time span if we drove. Because you have about 3 hours at the Canyon, you don't have time to take the free shuttle buses around if you walk any of the rim. The train goes back the same track you came so nothing new to see on way back but the "train robbery" which is basically how the entertainers get some tip money. read more

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We took the train from the hotel and bought the top luxury cabin which allowed us to ride in chief car. The best part was the bartender and hostess with the mostess Teryl. She made the experience magical with her storytelling and she has the best story telling voice ever! Her customer service knew no limits and made the experience even better. We loved everything on our journey including the show in the beginning. The train to the canyon included other entertainment on the train and the views were awesome! Definitely recommend splurging for this. read more

We had a wonderful time on the train ride to and from the Grand Canyon today which began in Williams, AZ. The Luxury Parlor Car experience was well worth it. My fiance and I enjoyed every bit of it including the rail baron experience and wonderful service provided by Teryl. She was absolutly amazing and because of her we will be doing this again. The train ride was lovely, we were able to raom around freely, enjoy snacks and refreshments, there was live music towards the end of the trip provided by local artists and also entertainment. Teryl our car attendant took our experience to the next level. She provided exceptional service, she made delicious drinks and provided guest with knowledge and fun facts along the train ride. Her enticinsing stories had us hooked, they made us laugh, and kept us all interested and eager along the ride. She pointed out scenic views and educated us on the history of the railroad and Grand Canyon. To my surprise, one of her stories has been woven into our lives personally. We have already told friends and family about our experience and we will be back. Thank you for your service and great experience. read more

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We enjoyed the train ride. The employees were very kind and helpful. The scenery great. My only concern was that there were so many workers that I assumed wanted tips. I know you don't have to tip but you feel "asked" . There is the bartender the photographer, the musicians, the actors- some with tip jars and some not but all accepted tips. read more

Absolutely loved going to the Grand Canyon on the train. It's kinda pricey, but the lack of traffic and the amenities available on the train were great. My only complaint is the gimmicky stuff (e.g. fake train robbery, singing cowboys). I wish I could select a train car that that isn't subject to. The view on the trip is great and of course there is no traffic to deal with. You are delivered right into a main hub of the Grand Canyon. From there, you can immediately walk the rim trail, get on Bright Angel trail, or hop a bus to other parts of the park. Even if only staying for the day, we had plenty of time for a walk and to take in some shops. This is going to be my preferred way to visit the Grand Canyon from now on unless I'm spending days in the park and can get in with my RV. read more

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What a great experience! The train ride was relaxing, full of beautiful scenery, live entertainment, and snacks/drinks. Perfect for those traveling with kids! A great way to travel to and from the Grand Canyon, highly recommended. read more

Very comfortable ride down into the canyon. The air conditioning was awesome on the train. The boarding staff were exceptional, pleasant, and friendly? Seating quite comfortable. Watching others board the train got to be a bit comical, especially those with noisy munchkins. read more

Love taking this trip. It's our second time, and it never gets old riding the train. Much better then driving to Grand Canion then finding a place to park. This way you can relax and enjoy the view. Each train car has a host that tells you about things on the way. read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Train car - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

The train ride to the Grand Canyon was nice. Definately recommend the cooler months for visiting. Not too cold! The ride their isnt that scenic until you arrive at the Grand Canyon. The train gets robbed which is entertaining. We had a nice lunch and walk when we arrived. In the winter months they have done A Polar Express theme for kids to come visit. Tickets must be purchased asap as they sell out fast. Not sure what they are doing since covid, but definately worth checking into if you are looking for someone different to do. I would recommend for older children or adults. read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

Teryl was the perfect hostess on our train ride to the Grand Canyon. She was very informative and a great storyteller. Make sure to sample her signature cocktails! Would recommend this trip for anyone visiting the Williamss/Grand Canyon area. read more

This whole experience for our family of 4 was amazing. We stayed at the hotel here in Williams where you board the train. Before the train ride in the morning, there is a cowboy showdown and it's great! The train ride was awesome. I recommend you book one of the fancier train cars. They have comfy seats and serve drinks and snack which are included. They have musicians who come on and play a few songs during your 2 hr 15 min ride to the Grand Canyon. The sheriff from the earlier play comes into the cars as well and interacts with everyone. Our train car host was Mike and he worked his butt off. We spent one night in the Grand Canyon then rode the train back the next day. We were blessed with Mike again as our host. We also got a visit from some train robbers so you better watch out!! Tips are appreciated for the musician, cowboys and your host so bring some tip money. I highly recommend this way to travel to the Grand Canyon and we would definitely do it again! read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Train - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

Theses guys all work hard. From the start at the Shoot out. Loved it very nice. We rode in two different classes. We did coach on the way up. We did the dome on the way back. We took the freedom tour( 30 ( which is an add on so that you can see some great view) the freedom tour is fast and leaves you times That one is a little shorter and leaves time for drinks lunch before looking at the outside view. We enjoyed our time. HIGHLY recommend this tour. They are very good and if you have a problem with it. It may not be the tour. It might just be you Are just an As,Ho!e .... Thank you for a great trip today. My wife loved it. I can wait to take more of my family and friends. Grand kid, my kids, my mistress...her kids.... wait... what... I mean it was fun for the whole family. Great people and they work hard. read more

We went first class. First class is not real first class. It's just seats that recline and more space. Cattle class is not nice. First class is ok. The only good class is first class plus. They are in the top bubbles. They are treated very special. They are very, very expensive. And there are not many of them. The snacks on the way was terrible muffins. On the way back was Oreo cookies, crackers, cheese with salami. On the way there they have soda and water on the way back that has soda water also this is only in first class. In first class plus they also had champagne. I would not go in anything but basic first class. There is not enough room in cattle car train cars. They serve alcohol, but it is limited and not close to free. First class plus gets free Champagne at the end. The whole trip was a slow train and the only animals we say where cows. A bunch of flatland. There trip was nice but boring. At the end they promise you at 5:00 a surprise. You are told her Robert is coming on the train. And he should hold up dollar bills for them to take. I found that extremely annoying. I did tip the waitress in first class and the second singer. He was good. The first one was terrible. You couldn't hear him at all. He did not know how to project his voice. When you arrive you are rushed to jump on your busses if you are taking tours. I was very, very disappointed. When I come to the Grand Canyon again I will drive. The kids on the train where not even excited about being on the train. DO NOT WAIST YOUR MONEY. DRIVE!!!!!!! read more

Excellent way to have a relaxing day or a couple of days to see the Grand Canyon. The train ride was wonderful - singing cowboys - conductor in the train car that gave great information about the area as well as good instructions for when we arrived at the Grand Canyon. We spend one night at the Grand Canyon so trip back was also wonderful with drinks and snacks for free - alcohol you can purchase. Our conductor even went around at that end asking if we need help with our dinner plans. read more

Pretty awesome experience. I say the best part was when we saw the wild horses leaving the grand canyon back to Williams, Arizona. Make sure to book your train tickets before your trip, I purchased my tickets a week in advance and when I went on 6 days before my trip, it was sold out. read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Show prior to boarding the train - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

My family and I had such an amazing experience. I am so glad I added this to our vacation package. The views were extraordinary and the service was top notch with our announcer Rob. He was very attentive and he was so funny he kept us laughing the whole time. He also makes a killer Bloody Mary. I would recommend this for every family add-on. The grand canyon views were breathtaking and made for some great memories. The cowboys were so good they stay in character the whole time and my kids being all teenagers got a kick out of the whole performance. The price of all the drinks was delicious and the snacks were decent. I would prefer donuts or muffins but either way, not a big deal. The ride was comfortable and enjoyable. The bands were great and Vinny s on the banjo was so fantastic he had us jamming the whole time. It does get a bit chilly on the train so a small blanket is nice if you don't mind carrying it around for a while or they even allow you to leave on the train in your seat. The restroom was clean and the women's restroom was nice and roomy. One thing I would have preferred is them playing some type of soft music or holiday music over the PA would have been nice. read more

We had a fantastic time.......however, word of warning.... WE WERE ROBBED!!! Thats right robbed by the Cataract Gang, on our way back from the Grand Canyon. Absolutely worth the ticket price! We will be back. Service was incredible, and even warned us we were going to be robbed, but they did take a break during the actual robbery. read more

Had a fantastic time today with Grand Canyon Railway. The staff provided a safe and fun experience. In particular was PSA Teryl. With a fun wit and knowledge of the Grand Canyon she told captivating stories of Canyon lore; was well versed in its history. A treasure she is... We were treated to a lone Pronghorn at full pace in parallel with the train for a few moments too. Amazing. We live in Chino Valley 86323 and it was out first train ride with your wonderful service and we will be sure to come back. Top Marks ~ ! read more

I was invited by my brother who has experienced this ride several times. My kids and I were initially apprehensive but it quickly turned out to be the best time. There is singing entertainment, amazing views, and lots of important and helpful information they go ever on the train. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. The advice they provided about how to best experience the Grand Canyon made our trip worth it. read more

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It was a memorable trip for our family. Lovely 3 day trip. I would recommend this trip 100%. The Grand Canyon hotel was very cool, splendid fireplace. Great trip! read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Grand Canyon train ride! Great memory. - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

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Cowboys show was good! Train wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. Boring scenery. Our porter lady was fun . We had luxury tickets . Too many restrictions! As on a train itself so as in a lodge in a village. Food was disaster! Make sure as soon as you get off train head over to restaurant to put reservation. Stay away from Maswik lodge food court. We couldn't eat anything. It was terrible. It was Wednesday. I'm not sure if they have better menu on a weekends. Great looks if canyon 15 min pictures and 3 hours of nothing to do. Couldn't get in a cocktail lodge it was packed when I ask bartender if I can get drink and sit at the reception are he said no only outside on a porch. Everyone was so dry and looked angry. We are from Florida so May be peoples attitudes here different. I don't know! read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Interior upstairs - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

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The 9 am cowboy show was the best way to start off this adventure! The cowboys and sheriff were just wonderful with their acting! The train is comfortable, accommodating, and clean. The entertainment to and from was great... Brian on the guitar was awesome! The sheriff with the robbers were the best way to end our trip! Taral was sweet and her stories were great! Would definitely recommend, minus the snow in March! read more

Grand Canyon Train Ride - Train Stations Near Me - Williams, Arizona

Family friendly ride. With great views, excellent service and fun entertainment. Our hosts Conyarae and Noel took care of our group with delight and jokes along the way. Definitely worth the money to do atleast once read more

If you are looking for the most relaxing way to get to the canyon this is it. However, this is specifically to shout out our Passenger Service Agent Dennis. He was the most wholesome, funny, and genuine person we could have asked for. He made everyone feel special and gave us the best facts. Handouts that were written from the heart and genuinely wanted to make sure you had the best time at the canyon. Most importantly he was filled with information and you could tell it was because he loves this. If you're looking for something to do there's no one better to ask than Dennis. If you can I highly recommend requesting coach car A so you can experience Dennis for yourself. Side note: major Mr. Feeny vibes in the best way possible. We loved every second of it! read more

The train ride was made worse by the young (and I do mean young) woman taking care of our car, who had the vocabulary of a 12 year old. She knew three words, super awesome and amazing. She giggled constantly. GROW UP!!! Get some people on the train with some maturity. read more

Would highly recommend. We were in the Luxury Parlor car (worth every penny) and enjoyed every minute. Theryl was our attendant and was wonderful! My only complaint would be passengers from other cars coming in helping themselves to the cars snacks and forming lines for the outdoor patio, blocking our views. read more

Where can I start. We set off on a cold winter morning. Arrived at 9am to watch the show prior to boarding the train. Nice little show. We boarded the train and left promptly at 930am. so don't be late or you will miss it!. Craig Ward the train attendant in our car was a pleasure to travel with. Great job performance, service, informative and not long winded. The ride is long (2hrs) but doesn't seem that long. Enjoyed the canyon and boarded the train and it left again promptly at 3:30pm. Again don't be late. The train robbers came thru and so did the Sheriff in hot pursuit. Had one acoustic guitar player on each trip and both were great to lizten to. Absolutely a great day experience and time. Definitely make it a plan to try. read more

We paid for first class tickets in the morning to the canyon and coach class tickets in the afternoon returning to Williams. The first class car, the Bucky O'Neill, smelled like musty mildew. My son's seat was broken, and kept falling backwards. He would set it back up, but after a few minutes of leaning back in it, the back of the seat would fall backwards again. There was definitely more legroom than in coach class, but the seats were cloth and so stained and smelled. This car definitely needs a remodel, or at least a thorough cleaning. The coach class seats were vinyl and cleaner and the coach car did not smell. First class offered cheap unhealthy pastries, apples, and soft drinks and bad coffee. The view was actually better in coach class, because coach class didn't have curtains around the windows. The curtains in first class obstructed much of the view. The entertainment was silly and amateur. Overall a big waste of money in our opinion. Our family would much rather have driven to the Grand Canyon in our own vehicle and spent the money on a helicopter tour or other excursion or even a nice dinner at a nice restaurant at the canyon. We paid over $1,200 for 10 people for just the train tickets. Unless you really have to ride the train, consider other Grand Canyon options. read more