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Grand Canyon Railway

Frequently Asked Questions About the Grand Canyon Railway

What discounts are offered for seniors?

Seniors, age 62 and up, receive discounts on train passage and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for AARP membership as well as AAA Show Your Card & Save. AARP and AAA Show Your Card and Save® discounts do not apply to our already discounted hotel and RV packages.


How much is the National Park entry fee?

The fee is $8 per person. However, if you're riding with a small group, the fee is $25 up to 9 people. Kids, age 15 and under are free. When you book a Grand Canyon Railway package on the Internet, National Park Service fees are automatically included in the cost. If you already have a pass, you will be reimbursed the fee by presenting your pass at the ticket counter in Williams. If you have a National Park Pass and believe that you are entitled to a refund you will need to present your NPS card to the Grand Canyon Railway depot upon arrival.


How long does the train trip last and how far is it one-way?

The train runs 65 miles from Williams to the Grand Canyon which takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes one-way.


What is the phone number at the hotel?

To contact a guest at the hotel, call (928) 635-4010. Our corporate office phone number is (928) 773-1976. For information regarding your reservation, or any other information, please call 1-800-THE-TRAIN.


What credit cards does Grand Canyon Railway accept?

Grand Canyon Railway accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.


Can we upgrade to a different class of service for the Southbound trip?

Yes. This offers a great way to experience the train in a different way. This feature is not available with online bookings so please call 1-800-THE-TRAIN should you wish to travel this way.


What wildlife might I see during the journey?

The wildlife most frequently spotted during Grand Canyon Railway's journey include: elk (mainly in the treed areas), mule deer (sighted in the woodlands), pronghorn which are commonly referred to as antelope (seen out on the high desert plains), and prairie dogs. For those with extremely sharp eyes, watch for jack rabbits, coyote, skunks, mountain lions, bobcat, red-tailed hawk, turkey, roadrunners and bald eagles.


Why aren't steam engines run year-round?

Steam engines run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend and vintage diesel locomotives run the remainder of the year. During the winter months, the antique steam engines receive maintenance and are winterized allowing them a much-needed rest from the daily wear and tear of running 130 miles per day. Both the steam engines and diesel locomotives were utilized on the Grand Canyon line. Steam engines ran on the line from 1901 to 1953 and diesel locomotives from 1951 to 1974. (The last passenger train ran on the line in 1968.)


Does the train go into the canyon?

No. The train pulls in along the historic district along the top of the South Rim.


Where does the train leave from?

The train leaves from Williams, Arizona, which is located along Interstate 40 in northern Arizona, approximately 32 miles west of Flagstaff.


Where is the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel located?

It is located in Williams, Arizona, adjacent to the historic Williams Depot.


Can I get a smoking room?

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is an all non-smoking hotel.


Is there smoking allowed on the train?

Smoking is prohibited on the train.


Do you run (operate) every day?

The train, hotel and facilities operate every day except December 24 and 25.


Is parking in Williams free?

The Railway is proud to provide free parking in Williams for our guests.


Does the Polar Express go to the Grand Canyon?

The Polar Express does not go to the Grand Canyon. However, it does go to the North Pole. :)


What is there to do at the canyon?

There is much to see and do at the South Rim? Click here to learn more.

We are thinking about a winter excursion. Are the train cars heated?

Yes, all cars are heated in the winter.

Are animals allowed on the train or at the hotel?

USDA regulations prohibit the transport of live animals on the train. Service dogs are always welcome when accompanied by their masters. Animals are not allowed at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, however, GCR is proud to offer accommodations for your family friend at our Pet Resort. Opened in 2006, our pet resort is a great option for people who like to travel with their pets.

Does Grand Canyon Railway's steam engine burn coal or oil?

All of our steam locomotives were designed to run on coal, but have been modified to burn oil, a cleaner and more efficient fuel source.

What is the maximum speed Grand Canyon Railway travels?

Grand Canyon Railway travels the century-old rail line at 40 miles per hour. This is for our passengers safety and due to the grades and curves our train must maneuver through to arrive at Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon line has grades up to three percent and 12 degree curves.

Is the Grand Canyon line a narrow gauge or standard track?

The line is standard gauge and measures 56.5 inches.

Who owns the land the train travels across?

Grand Canyon Railway owns a significant portion of the 65 miles of track and operates on a right-of-way through U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service land.

How does Grand Canyon Railway turn the train around at the Grand Canyon?

We utilize a wye located in Grand Canyon National Park. A wye is a triangle made out of tracks which allows the entire train, including the engine, to turn 180 degrees. After passengers disembark, the steam locomotive and diesel engines receive an inspection and are filled with water. The steam engine receives water in its boiler for motive power and the diesel engines receive water which in turn, provides steam heat for the train. (Grand Canyon Railway hauls its own water to the Grand Canyon from Williams and doesn't tap into the limited water resources at the Grand Canyon.)

 
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