The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona, 65 miles south of the world-famous abyss. Coined the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, Williams is located off Interstate 40, 32 miles west of Flagstaff.
The area is easy to get to via Interstate roadways. However, Grand Canyon Country is a remote part of the United States. The closest major metro area is Phoenix, about 180 miles away, or a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix to Williams. Las Vegas is about a 3.5-hour drive from Williams (233 miles). If you’re coming from the Los Angeles area, plan about 6.5 hours to drive to Williams.
If you’re traveling from Phoenix, take Interstate 17 North to Flagstaff. At the I-40 Interchange, go west toward Williams, or for added adventure, drive through Sedona on your way north.
Closest Airports
Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport has US Airways (service from PHX) with flights that arrive daily. The next closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor, followed by Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).
If you’re traveling by air, planning a trip to Phoenix or Las Vegas is a fabulous way to see some of the best attractions the Southwest has to offer. Flying into Phoenix, staying a few nights in the Sonoran desert, and then heading to Grand Canyon Country before heading to Las Vegas for a few more nights is an excellent itinerary that will allow you to experience three completely unique and exhilarating atmospheres.
Transportation
If you’re flying into Phoenix, there are a couple transportation options to get to Grand Canyon Country. For guided tours of the Southwest, you can book a tour that includes Grand Canyon Railway through Detours of Arizona. Should you need shuttle service to northern Arizona, Arizona Shuttle Service is the way to go.