Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Arizona, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Visitors often embark on the iconic Grand Canyon Railway journey from Williams, AZ, to the Grand Canyon, offering a truly unforgettable experience. My partner, Garrett, and I were able to experience this unique opportunity on a recent trip to Arizona and we loved it. If you’re contemplating taking the Grand Canyon Railway form Williams, here’s everything you need to know:
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How long is the train ride from Williams, AZ to The Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon Railway trip takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to arrive at the Grand Canyon. Once at the Grand Canyon, you are given a full three hours to explore the canyon. After exploring, the return trip back to Williams also takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. So, in total, you should plan for a full day, accounting for the train ride and exploration time at the Grand Canyon.
What is the Grand Canyon Railway schedule?
From January 1st to October 31st:
- Departure from Williams: 9:30 AM
- Arrival at the Grand Canyon: 11:45 AM
- Departure from the Grand Canyon: 3:30 PM
- Arrival in Williams: 5:45 PM
From November 1st to December 31st:
- Departure from Williams: 8:30 AM
- Arrival at the Grand Canyon: 10:45 AM
- Departure from the Grand Canyon: 2:30 PM
- Arrival in Williams: 4:45 PM
Where does the Grand Canyon Railway depart from?
The train departs from the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams. The address is 280 N Grand Canyon Blvd, but it’s pretty hard to miss as it’s located only a couple blocks from the main street of Williams.
How much are Grand Canyon Railway tickets?
Tickets range from $69.98 – $239.98 USD per adult depending on the class of ticket purchased. Guests can ride in the Pullman Class which are the authentic 1923 railway cars with bench seating. Coach Class cars were made in the 1950s and offer large windows and air conditioning in the summer months. First Class tickets provide guests with oversized seats, large windows, bar service, and complimentary snacks. The observation dome is located above for better views and complimentary snacks and bar service. Finally, for guests looking for a luxury experience, the Luxury Dome and Luxury Parlour tickets give guests the opportunity to sit in a lavish parlor car, enjoy a private bar with exclusive cocktails, and complimentary morning and afternoon snacks.
What are the Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express dates?
One of the uniquely fun opportunities at the Grand Canyon Railway is the annual Polar Express train each Christmas. A wonderful family event, guests show up dressed in their pajamas for a magical 90 minute train ride with entertainment, hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and a classic story. The Polar Express begins typically in the second week of November, and ends at the end of December. Check the Grand Canyon Railway website for specific dates.
Related: Read our article about the Polar Express Train in Stettler, Alberta.
Can you see the Grand Canyon from the train?
For most of the train ride you won’t see the Grand Canyon. Once you arrive you will walk up a set of stairs before coming to the canyon. It’s interesting to watch the landscape change throughout the train ride as you begin in a forest and slowly watch the geography change to a more desert landscape. At the start of the train ride, we were given scavenger hunts which was a cute idea. There was only a short time when you could briefly see the canyon but for the most part you won’t be able to see the Grand Canyon from the train.
What hotels are near the Grand Canyon Railway Depot?
There are a few options for hotels in Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel is located directly beside the train depot so this option will be best if you want to be directly at the train station. There are also other options that are only a short drive and even walking distance including the Best Western Plus Inn, the Comfort Inn, or the La Quinta Inn & Suites. We stayed at the Hampton Inn because we needed a pet-friendly hotel, and we were happy with this option.
What’s included in Grand Canyon Railway packages?
What’s included will depend on the class of ticket purchased, as some tickets will include snacks and drinks while others will not. However, each ticket includes transportation to and from the Grand Canyon, entertainment such as live western music and an attendant who shares facts about the area, and one of the most fun experiences was a western hold-up. Where several “bandits” chase down the train on horseback and “rob” the passengers.
Is the Grand Canyon Railway wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Grand Canyon Railway is wheelchair accessible. The train will provide boarding assistance to any passengers with mobility issues. As well, once in the park, passengers will have specialized transportation to ensure that every passenger has an enjoyable experience.
Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon: Is the Grand Canyon Railway worth it?
We loved our experience on the Grand Canyon Railway. It was Garrett’s first time seeing the Grand Canyon and I couldn’t imagine a better way to do it! From the fantastic live music on the way down, the beautiful views, the time spent at the canyon itself, and the mock train robbery we really had a blast! I highly recommend taking the train from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon.
Are there any other things to do in Williams, Arizona?
Bearizona Wildlife Park
If you’re looking for more activities to enjoy in Williams, Arizona, I highly recommend visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park. It offers a unique experience as a drive-through wildlife park that my Garrett and I absolutely loved. Throughout the drive, you’ll encounter a variety of fascinating animals, including black bears, grizzly bears, several species of wolves, bison, and more. It’s truly amazing to see these creatures up close as they roam freely around your vehicle.
For safety reasons, some enclosures may require you to keep your windows closed, which is completely understandable. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Once you’ve completed the drive-through portion, there’s a walking area where you can explore and encounter additional species of animals. During our visit, we enjoyed feeding the otters, which was an adorable experience.
Other animals you can expect to see during the walking portion include jaguars, porcupines, bobcats, pythons, and many others. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe these animals in a more naturalistic setting and learn about their habitats and behaviors. Bearizona Wildlife Park offers something for everyone and is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park offers an exhilarating experience for families in search of adventure, featuring a mile-long mountain coaster. Navigate through twists and turns along the track while controlling your cart’s speed. The canyon coaster operates year-round, ensuring thrills in every season. After experiencing the coaster, venture over to the tubing area, where you can enjoy snow tubing in the winter and tubing without snow during the summer months.
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