There are a lot of ways to experience the many National Parks of the United States, from driving their iconic roads to flying above in a helicopter tour. But none quite have the same historic feel and beauty as riding a train. The Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona takes visitors to the historic Grand Canyon Village in Grand Canyon National Park, creating a truly unique experience for those hoping to check out the park via the rails.
The Grand Canyon Railway first opened in 1901, originally serving visitors for $3.95 a ride and replacing the $15.00 eight-hour stagecoach ride from Flagstaff, Arizona. Its first visit to the Grand Canyon took place on September 17, 1901, and has since carried the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, Doris Day, Warren Buffet, and Bill Gates.
Today a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway typically costs around $45 per adult each way, though it depends on the car you choose. There’s a coach option, first class, observation dome, luxury dome, and luxury parlor. The train departs from William daily at 9:30am Arizona time (except during November/December when it leaves at 8:30 a.m.), arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon around 11:45am. In the evening, the train departs the canyon at 3:30pm and arrives back to Williams at 5:45pm.
