Jobs - Come Work for Us! | News | Events | Location | Weather | E-mail Offers | Request a Brochure

A Summer of Epic Nature

The days are long, the wildflowers in bloom, the air warm - summer is here. In Williams, Arizona, that means each morning is greeted with the sound of a steam whistle. Every day throughout the summer Grand Canyon Railway rolls out its fleet of vintage locomotives keeping alive an American tradition. The destination the railroad serves is perhaps more unique than any other place in the world and our historic locomotives make the 130-mile round trip along the line that dates back to 1901. When you climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway (on to an authentically restored passenger car, mind you) you're also stepping back in time. To a time when one's travels were to be savored, not rushed. And the scenery was to be taken in, not passed by. And if that's the time you're in, just imagine the time you'll have. Come see the legendary abyss in a way that you'll always remember - aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.

 

Convenient Packages

The Railway makes it easy to plan your trip to the canyon with packages that include train travel, meals, and lodging in Williams at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, as well as hotel stays in Grand Canyon National Park. Book a trip to the past that includes all the modern-day comforts you expect.

 

Featured Package: Railway Getaway - 2 days, 1 night

Our most popular package, everything you need for a quick summer getaway:

Day 1
  • Arrive in Williams for an overnight stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Enjoy the small town charm of the mountain community situated at almost 7,000 feet elevation. The hotel is just a block from Route 66 which runs through downtown Williams.
  • Have dinner at the Railway's Max & Thelma's Restaurant, located across from the hotel and next to the historic Williams Depot
Day 2
  • The next morning, wake up in the fresh mountain air and prepare for a day of fun. Start your morning with breakfast at Max & Thelma's Restaurant.
  • Before the train leaves, the Old West comes to life as the Cataract Creek Gang and the Marshal square off just west of the depot. The era of the 6-shooter is still in charge!
  • Then hop aboard the historic train for the 65-mile journey from Williams to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. There are 5 classes of service in which you can select to travel to the canyon.
  • The train pulls into the historic Grand Canyon Depot, built in 1910. The depot sits just steps from the rim in the shadow of the historic El Tovar Hotel, the signature hotel of the Grand Canyon built in 1905 by the railroad.
  • Guests can add a motorcoach rim tour to their trip which will take you to some of the best viewpoints along the rim. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours and has different lunch options.
  • Explore the most gazed upon spectacle in the world during the layover, which is over 3 hours. Then board the train for the southbound journey.
  • The train arrives back to Williams in the evening before dinner.

 

Only $159 per adult; $43 for kids (age 2 - 12)

 

Extend it another day: Railway Getaway Plus - 3 days, 2 nights

Enjoy all the features of the Railway Getaway plus stay another night.

Day 2
  • Return on the Southbound train from the canyon.
  • Have dinner at Max & Thelma's Restaurant.
  • Spend a second night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams.
Day 3
  • Wake up to another beautiful northern Arizona morning in the cool pines. Then have breakfast at Max & Thelma's Restaurant before moving on to your next destination.

 

Only $249 per adult; $54.50 per child (age 2 - 12)

 

End-to-End Fun: The Canyon Limited Plus- 4 days, 3 nights

The package with it all, a great long weekend or mid-week vacation:

Day 1
  • Arrive in Williams and check-in to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
  • Enjoy dinner at Max & Thelma's Restaurant, located next to the hotel.
Day 2
  • Awake to the fresh mountain air and have breakfast at Max & Thelma's Restaurant.
  • Catch the Wild West Show next to the depot before the train leaves.
  • All aboard! Hop aboard the vintage train and enjoy the 65-mile journey to the canyon.
  • Once at the canyon, your bags will be transferred to your lodge while you enjoy a guide-narrated motorcoach rim tour of the South Rim. Have lunch and then check-in to your hotel room.
  • Enjoy the grandeur of the South Rim. You'll have over 24 hours to shop, hike, explore or just relax.
Day 3
  • Spend the day enjoying the Grand Canyon.
  • The Southbound train departs in the afternoon on its way back to Williams. Head back to the small mountain town.
  • Upon arrival to Williams, you'll check back in to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
  • Have dinner at Max & Thelma's Restaurant and reminisce about your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Day 4
  • Awake for your last morning in Williams. Enjoy a final breakfast at the Railway's restaurant before heading off to your next destination.

 

Only $401.50 per adult; $74 per child (age 2 - 12)

 

All package rates are per person based on adult double occupancy and do not include tax or National Park entry fee. Valid for travel through 10/14/08 and subject to change without notice.

The Way of the West

Catch the Wild West show in the morning before the train leaves. And then, keep your eyes open while on the train... You never know when bandits may show up. But fear not, Marshal Goodmoore has never allowed the train to be robbed. At least not yet.

The Only Thing Hot Here Are Our Steam Engines

Williams and the Grand Canyon are at almost 7,000 feet elevation which means they are typically about 25 degrees cooler than the desert that Arizona is known for. Northern Arizona is a great destination from which to escape the heat if you live in Phoenix or Las Vegas. Williams is about 180 miles from Phoenix (2.5 hours) and only about 230 miles from Las Vegas (3.5 hours).

A Gas of a Good Time

Gas prices have been on the rise, but don't let that stop you from taking your summer vacation. Even if you're driving from Los Angeles which is about 440 miles away, at 20 miles per gallon it will take about 22 gallons of gas to get to Williams. At $4.00 per gallon that's a total of $88. At $4.50 per gallon that's $99. Not too much more for memories that will last you a lifetime, and still much more affordable than flying.

Stay in Style

Book a package and stay at the Railway's hotel, conveniently located adjacent to the historic Williams Depot. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, gameroom, outdoor playground, and basketball and volleyball courts - perfect for family fun. And it's walking distance to downtown Williams and Route 66.

From Southern California

More than just a great road trip, it's a great train trip. We recommend taking the Canyon Limited Plus or Railway Getaway Plus package coming from Southern California. The schedules of these packages will fit perfectly into your itineraries for a great long weekend or mid-week getaway. Simply take I-40 East until you get to Williams. The drive is a little over 6 hours from Los Angeles.

 

Fly from LA with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air

Fly from Los Angeles to Flagstaff on Horizon Air. The new service makes it easier than ever to get to Grand Canyon Country from LA. Make reservations on Horizon Air's website and take advance of special introductory rates. In partnership with Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air provides daily flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport (beginning June 23), where a wide selection of domestic and international connections can be made.

From Phoenix

Phoenix is the closest major city to Williams. Escaping the heat of summer is easy - just head north on I-17. Go to Flagstaff and hop on the I-40 west for another 32 miles to Williams, exit 163. For added fun, we suggest taking Highway 279 exit and Highway 89-A to go through Sedona. Take the scenic red rock drive and get the most our of your trip to northern Arizona.

 
You're At: Home > Vacation Guide