The Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim
The train connects Williams, Arizona, with the Grand Canyon Depot in the Historic Village at the South Rim. The ride takes 2 hours 15 minutes in each direction. You leave the car in Williams, and the train arrives in the village itself, close to the rim.
Most visitors take the round trip in one day. That leaves about 3 hours 45 minutes at the rim between arrival and the return departure, on both the regular January to October timetable and the November and December one. Extra trains can run when demand is high.
Our picks: Grand Canyon Railway
The return ticket is the basic ride; the bus tour package adds a guided look at the rim.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Canyon Railway with a guided South Rim bus tour
- Return train ride
- 1.5-hour guided bus tour
The return train and a 1.5-hour guided bus tour of the South Rim; lunch depends on the option. Park service fees are extra.
Check availability →
Grand Canyon Railway return ticket from Williams
- Return train ride
- Snacks in First Class
The train from Williams to Grand Canyon Village and back. The park entry is included for US residents only; non-US residents from 16 pay $100 on top.
Check availability →Grand Canyon trips with the train and by bus
Rail packages and South Rim day trips with live prices and availability. Check each card for whether park entry is included.
Railway timetable in 2026
The regular timetable, times are local. The train does not run as a regular Canyon service on 25 December.
| Period | Departs Williams | Arrives at the Canyon | Departs the Canyon | Arrives Williams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January to October | 9:30 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 3:30 p.m. | 5:45 p.m. |
| November and December | 8:30 a.m. | 10:45 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 4:45 p.m. |
Check the current timetable before you book, because extra departures and special events change the picture.
Railway tickets: car classes and fares
Adult and child fares in US dollars, taxes extra. Adults are 16 and over, children 2 to 15.
| Class | Adult | Child (2 to 15) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | $69.98 | $37.98 | March to October only |
| Coach | $89.98 | $57.98 | – |
| First | $172.98 | $132.98 | – |
| Observation Dome | $202.98 | $192.98 | Children under 2 not allowed |
| Luxury Dome and Parlor | $242.98 | – | Adults only |
Children under 2 ride free in Pullman, Coach and First. Fares can vary by date and are not guaranteed for the whole year. It does not include park entry, and park fees are separate. For most families and first-time visitors, Coach is a sensible middle choice. Pullman is cheaper but only runs in the season, and the domes and Luxury classes are for those who want more space.
How to book the Grand Canyon Railway
Round trip tickets can be booked online. A one-way ticket is booked by phone and costs 80 percent of the round trip fare. Taxes are added, and booking ahead is recommended.
The train fare is not an all-in price that includes the park. Entry to the national park is separate: $35 per private vehicle for 7 days or $20 per person on foot or by bicycle for ages 16 and over (2026). People aged 16 and over who do not live in the United States pay an extra $100 at the Grand Canyon unless a valid pass covers it. Check how your booking handles park fees.
Park fees need a card. There is no cash payment at the park entrance stations.
Your time at the South Rim after the train
About 3 hours 45 minutes goes fast, so choose one or two stops.
Walk the village
Hopi House and Lookout Studio are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Kolb Studio from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The El Tovar dining rooms and lounge are closed at the moment, and some shops are open. A closed lodge does not mean the whole historic district is closed.
Grand Canyon Village →Ride the shuttle
The park shuttle is free with park entry. In the fall timetable, from 12 September to 30 November 2026, the Blue route links the Visitor Center, the lodges, the campgrounds and Market Plaza from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Red route to Hermit Road starts at 8 a.m.
Hermit Road and Hermits Rest →Pick a viewpoint
Mather Point is about 5 minutes on foot from the Visitor Center. Yavapai Point and its geology museum are about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from that area.
Mather Point guide →Polar Express and the winter train
A separate evening event, not a ride to the canyon.
The Polar Express is an evening ride from Williams with departures at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and a total time of about 90 minutes. It needs its own reservation. It does not go to the Grand Canyon. For the regular winter train and what the canyon is like in the cold months, read about the Grand Canyon in December.
If you want a night near the train, note that lodging inside the park run by the park concessions has been suspended since 31 August 2026, so Tusayan, Williams and Flagstaff are the usual bases. See where to stay.
Grand Canyon Railway: frequently asked questions
How long does the Grand Canyon Railway take?
The ride takes 2 hours 15 minutes in each direction between Williams and the Grand Canyon Depot.
How much is a ticket?
Adult fares in 2026 range from $69.98 in Pullman to $242.98 in the Luxury Dome and Parlor, taxes extra. Children aged 2 to 15 pay less in most classes. Park entry is not part of these fares.
Can I buy a one-way ticket?
Yes, by phone. The one-way fare is 80 percent of the round trip fare. Online you can book round trips only.
Does the train run at Christmas?
There is no regular Canyon train on 25 December. A separate Polar Express evening ride runs from Williams in the season, but it does not go to the canyon.
Can I park in Williams?
Yes. Rail guests can park free of charge in Williams.
Is this the website of the railway?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Grand Canyon Railway or the National Park Service. Check the current timetable and fares with the railway before you book.