Gallery photos coming soon
A Wild West send-off and a scenic ride straight to the rim.
Riding the rails into the canyon has been a Williams tradition since 1901, and the modern Grand Canyon Railway keeps the spectacle going with a Wild West send-off before you even board. A cowboy skit plays out at the depot stage, then it's onto vintage-style Pullman cars for the roughly 2 hour 15 minute run north to the South Rim.
Seats face each other or swap to face forward, windows open for photos, and a strolling musician works the cars along with a rotating cast of narrators sharing canyon history. Sodas and snacks are included; alcohol and full meals cost extra, and reviewers note the dining car isn't cheap, so packing your own lunch and drinks is common. Each car has a restroom, and you can leave belongings on board during your time at the rim.
The train typically holds at the Grand Canyon depot for about 3.5 hours before the return trip — enough time to shuttle to the visitor center and walk part of the Rim Trail back toward the village, though it's a tight window for anything more ambitious. The trip home usually includes a staged train robbery, a nod to the railway's Old West theming that reviewers say is hit or miss but generally good fun.
It's a relaxed, scenic alternative to driving, and a favorite for groups and first-time visitors who want the journey itself to be part of the trip.
116 reviews
a week ago
Huge SHOUT OUT to Sheryl who was our host on the Grand Canyon Railway! If you are looking for a person who absolutely loves her job and makes the experience top notch - ask to be on Sheryl's train. We were in coach and the experience was a "hoot!" I appreciated her humor - oh the jokes! We are now back in Iowa and I had to use her bobcat joke on a neighbor -- LOL! Her love for the railway is inspiring and I hope to ride her train again someday!
a week ago
3 weeks ago
Our guide was allicia! She was amazing! Funny, Friendly and attentive. Would definitely attend with her again!! We had snacks, we were provided with water before wr left the train and a map to help with navigating. Our tickets were first class tickets. Super fun experience for us all!
3 weeks ago
We had a terrific experience with our trip on the Grand Canyon Railroad to the South rim of the Grand Canyon. We arrived at 9 AM and were promptly checked in and given our tickets. We were traveling in the first class car(comfy seats and AC) on the way to the Canyon and in the Luxury Car(comfy seats, couches, no kids, and being able to step outside the back of the train) on the way back to Williams. After boarding and locating our seats we gladly took part in the spread of food provided for us. Fruit, sweet treats, and various nibbles combined with orange juice, water, coffee and sodas. The ride to the Canyon took a little over two hours. The scenery is not that stellar but we did see a cow elk a her baby scrambling up the side of a hill. After arriving at the South Rim, we had about three hours to explore. Back on the train in the Luxury car we were provided with a nice spread of snacks and a champagne toast. Also, you could purchase alcoholic drinks. Prices were for drinks were under $10. The entertainment provided to and from the Canyon was great. The staff did a wonderful job taking care of the passengers and were very engaging. I would give this experience a ten out of ten.
3 weeks ago
If going to the Grand Canyon, take the train!! What a wonderful experience my husband and I had on the train to and from the Grand Canyon. We rode the train on June 3, 2026. Noelle was our expert on the region and gave us a wonderful tour (so to speak) of the local area and mountains as we passed it. She was also our bartender and all around whatever was needed person. She was funny and personable and I just loved her. We had entertainment for the full two hours and 15 minutes each way. Ty sang to us on the way there and Brian sang to us on the way back, The whole train car got into the fun. We had a train robbery on the way back and it was so comical. FUN! We met some really nice people who became our travel friends for the duration. We laughed, we sang, we learned. There was also a snack buffet for us to enjoy each way. To the Grand Canyon there was hot drinks and pastries. For the return there was hot and cold drinks and an array of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and sweets. We also had a champagne toast (we opted for the sparkling cider). We traveled on the luxury dome car which is the most expensive option. Also, no children under 17 (or 16, I don't remember). I don't think we had anyone under 21 on the car. The car is comfortable and we took many photos. It was a lively and fun trip both ways. A true highlight of our Grand Canyon adventure.