Introducing Rail Baron Charters
Your Own Private Train
The grandest way to make a Grand Trip Grander. Brand new for 2020, Rail Baron Charters are for those who wish to make the ultimate Grand Canyon memory. Charter your own private train from Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park and back while our helpful and entertaining staff make the journey one you will reflect on with joy for years to come. Designed for those with vacation dreams as big as the canyon, Rail Baron Charters combine the luxury of private train cars with the views of the old West and provide the perfect platform for celebrating a wedding, birthday, anniversary, retirement, class reunion, or other milestone moments.
How the Rail Baron Charter Works
Hire your car (or cars!) of choice, a steam or diesel locomotive, and take off for the canyon either 30 minutes before or after the departure of a normally scheduled train. Want complete control? You can also go big with a completely private charter on your own schedule.
Interested? Choose Your Car(s) and Start Building Your Dream Trip!
Enhance Your Journey
Choose from a wide array of options from a steam locomotive to dining packages to in-car amenities to beverage service to give your journey a little something extra. Explore the options below:
Add a Steam Locomotive
Want to go with a vintage steam locomotive for a more historic feel? Go for it! An operational steam locomotive can be a rare sight in the 21st Century, which is why we keep a fully-restored vintage steam locomotive in service. Make your journey truly magical with our steam locomotive GCR No. 4960 out in front of your charter.
Add a Stop: Chuck Wagon Dinner
Schedule a stop with an exclusive open-air cookout. Includes 12-oz. steak cooked medium-well, coleslaw, potato salad, chuck wagon corn, corn muffins, watermelon, and assorted non-alcoholic beverages. Bar service available – see below. Also includes live Western entertainment. Vegetarian requests can be accommodated with 14-day advance notice. Must be booked and paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Contact your Rail Concierge for details and pricing. Available May through September.
Add a Stay: Sleep Under the Stars
Available exclusively for Rail Baron Charters that include The California or Utah cars – spend the night onboard the train while it is parked next to the historic depot in Williams, AZ. Includes around-the-clock onboard Passenger Service Attendant, on-site security, and all the amenities of Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. Limited to 22 overnight on-board guests. Pricing starts at $750. Must be booked and paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Contact your Rail Concierge for details and pricing. Available beginning April 2020.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Spend your time focused on your guests and your Grand Canyon or Polar Express experience and let our professional photographers capture all of the memories for you. You will receive a link to download all images captured within 24 hours of your return to Williams.
Fred Harvey Onboard Catering Service
Select from our most popular options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, or ask your Rail Concierge for custom catering solutions exclusively for you. Options for a personal chef onboard are also available.
Buckey O’Neill On-board Beverage Service
Add all-day, non-alcoholic beverage service, or host/cash bar service on any charter. Bar service comes with a dedicated bartender, domestic and craft beer, wine, and liquor options.
Onboard Amenity Baskets
Surprise and delight your guests with a welcome gift accompanied by an exclusive Grand Canyon Railway postcard and a greeting card customized with your words. Can be placed in the onboard bedrooms prior to departure. Speak to the Rail Concierge for the most up-to-date offerings and options.
Live Entertainment
Have the complete Wild West experience by adding one of our talented entertainers to your custom train journey. Select from a wide roster of talented singers and musicians, each with a unique Western flair.
| Car Type | Number of Day Passengers | Price per Passenger | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Passenger Cars: The Santa Fe, Utah, California, Fred Harvey & Max Biegert | Maximum of 200 | $105 | $21,000 + tax & NPS entry fee |
| 4 Passenger Cars: The Santa Fe, Utah, California & Fred Harvey | Maximum of 178 | $107 | $19,000 + tax & NPS entry fee |
| 3 Passenger Cars: The Santa Fe, Utah, & California | Maximum of 102 | $157 | $16,000 + tax & NPS entry fee |
| 2 Passenger Cars: The Santa Fe & Utah | Maximum of 58 | $207 | $12,000 + tax & NPS entry fee |
| 1 Passenger Car: The Santa Fe | Maximum of 32 | $312 | $10,000 + tax & NPS entry fee |
*Cars in above tables are examples and reflect lowest possible pricing for number of cars. Other car combinations are possible (e.g., California + Santa Fe as 2 passenger cars) and cars that allow for over 200 guests are possible. Contact your Rail Concierge for details and information via phone at 928-635-5700 or email by clicking here.
Be the Train Master - Control the Schedule
Want to control the entire experience? Anything is possible. Choose your car, select your steam or diesel locomotive, and customize your experience with a wide variety of add-ons. The best part? You can choose how long you stay at the Grand Canyon and when you want to head back. Want to arrive at the canyon, have lunch at El Tovar, and hike until 9:00 PM? You can! No need to stick to anyone’s schedule but your own. Contact your Rail Concierge for details and information via phone at 928-635-5700 or email by clicking here.
Schedule Your Departure Times Whenever You Want!
| Components | Total Price |
|---|---|
| Be Pulled by a Steam Locomotive | Add $10,000 |
| Be Pulled by a Diesel Locomotive | Add $5,000 |
| Choose from 1 to 5 private passenger rail cars | From $7,000 - $21,000 + taxes and fees |