Grand Canyon Railway

We enjoyed our time round trip in the observation dome. I would highly recommend booking a bus tour in the package as it is a great way to see different stops at the canyon in the short amount of time you get at there. We would have loved some overhead narration or light music through the speakers as at times our train guide was a little much and too frequent. The violinist was fantastic and funny and had the whole car singing and clapping. The rock guitarist we could have done without. It did not fit the train ride and we got tired of hearing about his partying and rock lifestyle. The bandits were a fantastic touch. Overall facilities of the train station were great! Everything was perfect about the Fred Harvey restaurant except the food. Fred Harvey would be rolling in his grave. We would do this experience again if the opportunity arises.

We stayed in local Williams, AZ and took the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. This was a great experience for adults and kids. There is great scenery along the trip as well as entertainment. The train leaves the station at 08:30 in the morning, right on time, so don't be late. We travelled Coach which was $84 round trip for adults and $51 for kids (before any discount), I would recommend purchasing tickets online prior to your day of travel. There is also a significant discount if you are a AAA member, which we used. Once on the train, each car has an attendant. Denis was awesome and wonderful. There was provided musical entertainment on both the ride to the canyon and on the return trip as well as a sheriff and the Cataract Creek Gang on the return trip. Each car also contains readily, free, water for travelers. If you would like more substance then water, the cafe car opens about 15 min after the trip starts and closes about 15 min before the train arrives and has sandwiches, snacks, and beverages (including some alcohol).
When planning this trip we were not sure this was the best way to go, due to cost. But, found the Grand Canyon Railway trip to be a great experience for adults and kids. I would highly recommend this trip to enjoy the train, the amenities, and low stress way of visiting the Grand Canyon.

We had an amazing time on the railway. We were able to ride in comfort, have live music and food and drinks were available. It was super awesome to relax on the train and it happened to snow that day so we didn't worry about driving. Watch the theatrics before bordening as these men were awesome.

We stayed in Williams and took our young kids on the train to the canyon. Our kids LOVE trains and this did not disappoint. The music and entertainment was good - the kids loved the five o’clock special on the way back. We rode in a dome car (Kokopelli) which had bar service, the Woo Woo drink was delicious. Snacks and hot cocoa were perfect to hold the kids over on the way there and back. Our Passenger Service Attendant was knowledgeable, funny, and made the trip. A highlight was seeing elk and pronghorn on the return trip!

What an adventure! This is a must see!!!! We started in the GC RV Park. Everything was more than perfect! We were in the first class car which was nice but honestly the Pullman regular car would have been fine. The cheaper car has moved children where ours did not. Our attendant Nancy was incredible! The entertainment was knock out wonderful!!! The train robbers were phenomenal! Just a perfect adventure! Not to mention the Grand Canyon!
Bring lots of dollar bills!

Excellent. A great day. Just under two hours on the train each way, entertained there and back. A relaxing and eco-friendly way to visit the Canyon; saves cluttering up the Canyon with unnecessary cars and coaches.

Well organised and maintained historical train, with super-entertaining, friendly and knowledgeable staff.

A great day out from Williams and we'll worth it. Very entertaining for children too.

It was everything that I expected and hoped that it would be, and then some. The scenery, as the train slowly meanders through the desert, changes with almost every turn in the track, until suddenly and almost quite surprisingly you're there, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon - I can only begin to imagine what it must have been like for the first explorers, travellers and settlers on seeing the Canyon for the first time, it must have been....well like I say, I can only imagine.

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Is absolutely fantastic way to go visit the grand canyon. Our hosts were amazing.The views were beautiful and the ride was super relaxing! lots of great stories!

Expensive but worth it! Great service and friendly staff. Beautiful ride to the Grand Canyon from Williams. They provided complimentary soft drinks, coffee, hot cocoa, and water. Alcoholic drinks were available for purchase (no cash accepted, only credit or debit). There is a show before you travel, and they have entertainment during the ride. We rode in the observation dome; more economical options are available. Our four grandkids enjoyed it a lot, even our "cool" teenager!Have some cash available for gratuities, which are not included in the gate price.

If you have kids, this is a MUST! We have 4 kids, and they all loved the hotel and the train ride to and from the canyon. We only stayed one night and wished we had stayed longer. The rooms were fabulous, the dinner and breakfast both were amazing food (buffet style), and the train ride and cowboy show were excellent. Sheryl was our host inside Coach Car A. She was so funny, friendly, and absolutely loves what she does. Listen to her fun stories and talk with her about her grand babies!
Also, ask about ordering lunches a day in advance to take to the Grand Canyon. You only have 3 hours or so to explore (no bus rides when you get there). There are restaurants on the South Rim, but the lines are long. Good idea to grab the lunches instead. (Ask about the lunches at the Fred Harvey restaurant).
You can take anything you want food-wise to the canyon, so take snacks and water for sure.
Make sure to tip the cowboys and your host/hostess!

A great day out and well worth the money. We were in the 100 year old Pullman car and our carriage attendant Craig kept us entertained, informed and refreshed for almost 5 hours of train journey to and from the canyon. The canyon itself is incredible - photos cannot do it justice.

Only one criticism - can someone get the austere woman in the cafe car to crack a smile please or attempt to engage in any way beyond stating the price. Even some eye contact would have been nice.

But everything else was great!

We decided to package this with the hotel stays and it was fantastic! Definitely better than driving to the Grand Canyon. Great for kids, providing entertainment with live music and a train robbery skit! The guides were great and not only were informative but entertaining as well.

My new husband and I decided to go visit the Grand Canyon for our honeymoon. We are so happy that we decided to book the Grand Canyon railway for our adventure. We opted for the luxury car where you can stand out on the rear of the train and enjoy the views. We had the most wonderful time. Terryl, our bartender/storyteller/not sure what her actual job description is called was absolutely fantastic. She was the sweetest thing. She even gifted me a "ghost bead" necklace that she picked up on our stop after telling us they being good luck and ward off evil spirits. She made wonderful cocktails, had the most delish snacks in the morning and afternoon and even made a special toast for us as newlyweds. All in all every one of the staff we encountered on our journey was fun and kind. The Marshall, the live musician and even the photographer! We will definitely be recommending our friends and family to take this trip

What a fun and entertaining ride. This train goes from Williams Az to the Grand Canyon. Good times and snacks. Be careful of the catarct gang. Sometimes, they escape from Williams jail and wanna rob the train.

What an amazing experience! Being from the Northeast- it was a fresh outlook of train rides and Terryl's stories makes the trip even more outstanding! The entire Williams Community makes this journey and experience something to remember! Thank you!

My family enjoyed our trip and experience. I didn't think we were going to, but it was such great fun! The ride has such beautiful scenery, especially the switchbacks!!!!! The entire staff is wonderful and entertaining! They passed out fun activities for the children, and the snack car has beer and wine!!!! YAY! I recommend going coach or above! The Pullman car is cute and nostalgic, but those travelers looked uncomfortable!

Excellent service with the hostess. Great trip with family or just for a couple. 1hr 30min ride each way, also get some entertainment on the the way to the grand canyon and from. They really accommodate wheelchair access to the train

Very nice way to get to the Gran Canyon. I suggested that you also schedule the bus tour if you are going back the same day, so you can see more of the canyon before taking the train back down. Or better yet, spend the night in one of the hotels & stay a few extra days.

I have taken the railway to the canyon twice, once in the observation dome and once in the luxury observation dome. I really enjoyed both times. I would highly recommend the observation dome seats as you can see everything on the way to and from the canyon. The luxury dome seats were very plush and comfortable. The staff assigned to the car were awesome but trips. They are so friendly, helpful, and have a great sense of humor. They are there to make your trip the best it can be. They provide lots of snacks and beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine. I also did the Grand bus tours both times. While you're in a bus half of the time you're there, you're able to see more than you could by walking. They take you to several different lookout points, and the views are absolutely incredible. Plus, the bus driver acts as a tour guide as well and had lots of facts and interesting information about the canyon. The grand tour comes with lunch, the food is decent (6/10), it's a buffet so you can eat all you want. The whole thing is a perfect romantic weekend getaway trip for couples or fun for the whole family. I wouldn't bring kids younger than 5 or 6 though.

Wow, just fantastic. The staff truly wants you to have a good time. The seats are so comfortable, plenty of room, and views like a motion picture. Then, very talented musicians play for you as you sip a cool drink and enjoy life.

The Grand Canyon Railway is an absolute gem that deserves a resounding five-star rating! This historic train journey offers a delightful and nostalgic experience, taking visitors on a captivating trip through time and breathtaking landscapes.

The train's vintage charm and restored elegance harken back to the golden age of railway travel, providing a unique and memorable adventure from the moment you step aboard.

The scenic route to the Grand Canyon is nothing short of spectacular, offering panoramic views of the stunning Arizona landscape and allowing passengers to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the region.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff on board add an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey, sharing interesting stories and historical tidbits about the railway and the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Railway ensures a seamless and comfortable experience for passengers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the scenic journey without any worries.

Upon arriving at the Grand Canyon, visitors have the opportunity to explore this natural wonder at their own pace, creating unforgettable memories amidst the canyon's majestic beauty.

The railway's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices adds an extra touch of appreciation for nature and the environment.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, the Grand Canyon Railway promises an extraordinary journey.

For its historic charm, breathtaking views, and exceptional service, the Grand Canyon Railway undoubtedly deserves a perfect five-star rating. It's a journey that will transport you back in time and leave you with cherished memories of this iconic American experience! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟