My name is Angel Waite and I have been a travel professional for almost 7 years. I recently had the opportunity to take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railroad. This training helped me to answer many questions, as many travelers choose to stay in the US for their vacations.

When and Where should I travel to the Grand Canyon Railroad  with my family? 

Grand Canyon weather can be very cold, even when most of Arizona is very warm. 

  • Busy season is the end of May through mid-September.
    •  This will be the hottest time of the year. It is also the busiest time of year, and you should think about making these reservations 9 to 12 months in advance. 
  • Steam Train Saturdays
    • They use the Steam locomotives to pull the trains on Saturdays from March to September 
  • Mid-September to mid-November is when the fall season begins. 
    • Weather begins to cool and the crowds decrease as children return to school. 
  • Holiday Season is November and December.
    • During these months, the Polar Express runs into the Grand Canyon for an amazing holiday adventure. Guests receive a commemorative bell, mug, gift bag and lanyard.
  • The Fun Season consists of January, February, March, April and May. 
    • These months provide lower crowds. They also have snow in the canyon, and hiking is very treacherous.

Grand Canyon Railway Hotel 

  • Located in Williams, Arizona
    • 4 hour drive from Tucson, AZ
    • 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix, AZ
    • 40 min from Flagstaff, AZ
    • 3 hours and 10 min from Las Vegas, NV
  • Standard Rooms have two queen beds and it sleeps up to 5.
  • Deluxe Rooms have two queen beds and it sleeps up to 5.
  • Suites have two queen beds and a pull out sofa, and it sleeps up to 6.
  • The Rail Baron Suite is fabulous for celebrating a special anniversary. It is over 1000 sq feet and sleeps 2.

Onsite Extras at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel 

  • Indoor Swimming Pool and Hot Tub
  • Business and Computer Center
  • Electric Car Charging Station
  • Meeting Facilities
  • Family Friendly Playground
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Parking

Dining Options

  • Spencer’s Pub
    • It is great for pizzas, sandwiches and other pub style options. 
  • Railways’ Fred Harvey’s Restaurant 
    • All you can eat buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Why You Should Take the Train

  • The train is an amazing way to get in and out of the park. 
  • It saves 40,000 cars from driving into the park each year.
  • They have converted 2 Steam engines to run on Veggie Fuel. Others run on Steam or Diesel.
  • Travels through Ponderosa Pines which are over 500 years old.
  • It has a personal guide in each Cabin to give you first hand knowledge of the train and the Grand Canyon.
  • Gives you the chance to connect and spend time as a family.

The Train

  • Pullman Class
    • Travel via 1920’s trains. 
    • Enjoy bench seating and open air windows that let in a fresh breeze.
  • Coach Class
    •  Travel in cars from the 1950’s. 
    • Enjoy bench seating and large windows. 
    • Also, these cars have air conditioning for the warmer summer months. 
    • Water is available in the car, but you can travel to another car to purchase snacks and drinks.
  • ADA Accessible
  • First Class
    •  These cars have oversized seats, big windows, bar service and complimentary snacks. 
    • ADA Accessible 
  • Observation Dome
    • Ride high above in a steam liner era dome car.
    • Bar service is available and complimentary snacks are provided.
  • Luxury Dome
    • This is the grandest car in the fleet. 
    • It has private bar service, signature cocktails and complimentary snacks. 
  • Luxury Parlor
    • Adult Only. 
    • This car has a platform behind the train where you can step out and enjoy the views from a different perspective. 
    • It has private bar service, signature cocktails and complimentary snacks. 

Entertainment

grand canyon railroad

  • Wild West Show
      • Before each morning train ride, there is a Wild West show and shootout near where you board the train. 
      • The train boards at the conclusion of this show.
  • Cabin Guide
    • There is a guide in each Cabin who has maps and vast knowledge – not only about the trains, but also about the ride and the Grand Canyon.
  • The Marshall
    • He is so much fun, and will come and sit behind you.
    • If you play along, he will give a stern talking to someone, or ask if they are the train robber he is looking for. 
    • Very nice man, and the kids and teens love him.
  • The Musician

grand canyon railroad

      • There is a musician that travels through the cars. 
      • He may play a guitar, fiddle, banjo or even the harmonica.
  • The Train Robbery
    • On the trip out of the Grand Canyon the train will be robbed.
    • There will be several masked bandits who will board the train to rob it. 
    • This is a lot of fun and they are very interactive with the kids on board.

What to do in the Park

  • Three and Four Night Packages allow you to stay in the Grand Canyon National Park at the Maswik Lodge.
  • Motorcoach Tours
    • The Freedom Tour
      •  Motorcoach Rim Tour, which is 1.5 hours.
    • The Grand Tour
      •  Motorcoach Rim Tour including Lunch is around 2.5 hours.
      • Lunch is a buffet at Maswik Lodge.
    • Arizona Sunset Tour
      •  Motorcoach Rim Tour at Sunset includes lunch at Arizona Steak House at Bright Angel Lodge.
  • Mule Rides into the Canyon
  • Hiking in the Canyon 
    • Please note in months with snow and ice you will need special equipment.
  • Shuttle tours
  • Shopping 
  • Dining

grand canyon railroad

Available Packages

  • One Night Packages
    • Includes one night at the Grand Canyon Railway
    • Park Admission fee is $35 per family
    • Train Accommodations 
    • **Can include dinner and breakfast at Fred Harvey’s Restaurant if you choose
  • Two Night Packages
    • Includes two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway
    • Park Admission fee is $35 per family
    • Train Accommodations 
    • ** Can include 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at Fred Harvey’s Restaurant if you choose
  • Three Night Packages
    • Includes one night at the Grand Canyon Railway
    • Two Nights at the Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park
    • Park Admission fee is $35 per family
    • Train Accommodations 
    • **Can include 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at Fred Harvey’s Restaurant if you choose
  • Four Night Packages
    • Includes two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway
    • Two Nights at the Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park
    • Park Admission fee is $35 per family
    • Train Accommodations
    • **Can include 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at Fred Harvey’s Restaurant if you choose

Tips and Tricks

  • Carry a sweatshirt in the fall and spring. It can be 90 degrees in Phoenix and in the 30’s in Williams.
  • Be prepared for snow and rain. 
  • Take money for tipping the entertainers and guides on the train.
  • Be prepared for being at a high elevation.
  • There is a Dollar General in town, but bring snacks if you want something specific.
  • Water for the entire town is hauled in, so you might experience discoloration in the water. You can purchase bottled water at the Dollar General. 
  • Parking at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is free.
  • Only carry a small suitcase, space for luggage is limited on the train. 

AngelReady to start planning your trip to The Grand Canyon? Please fill out this form to get started!

Thank you to Angel Waite for writing this blog post. You can check out Angel’s page here.

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