Grand Canyon Railway

If you are just looking for a non-driving way to get to the canyon from a nearby town, I took the Greyhound from Flagstaff once. It was quick and easy -- same time as driving -- and cheap.

We use the AAA discount/package deal - it's 20% off the tickets.

The discount paid for the campground, a stay in the dog kennel, and several other minor things.

We enjoyed it when we went, which was over the Christmas/New year holiday break. They was running the Polar Express trains at night.

busyguy wrote:
Not worth the money. A camera in your face a lot. They rob you on the ticket going up and then in the middle of the trip coming back they stop the train and you are robbed by some supposed outlaws. I thought it was a very boring and tiresome trip. Very little time at the canyon.
Drive and stay as long as you want.
JMO.
Busyguy

Please don't tell me they weren't real outlaws! I cried like a little girl, and gave them my wallet!

The RV park is Passport America off season and in the past there were some deals w/ train trip and RV park package.

I thought it was worth it, but be aware of how much time you're gonna be on the train and the fact it hits only 45 MPH. I like AZ countryside so I have no problems with that, and the train cars were antiques from the 1940s and 1950s which I enjoyed. It was unusual and worth doing. I don't know what the track condition is, and regulations they work under but at times some more speed out of those big diesels would have been nice.

The do have a cruise ship style photo op, but it is brief and you don't have to buy. I could have lived without the "robbery" too, but it lasted all of five minutes. The tour guide had some interesting info.

If you're ever in the Durango, CO area the train up to Silverton is much better and Silverton is a neat little mining town.

Acampingwewillgo wrote:
Oh heck, since everyone wants to offer there opinion....it is worth it!!! The town of William's is fun to explore also...they sometime offer deals in conjunction with their RV Park. Have Fun...

Thanks for your opinion!
I'm finding people either hate it or love it...
I guess I'll wait and see. Maybe we'll feel like it, maybe I'll win the lottery before we go, maybe not. Who knows.
I saw on the online ticket purchase site a spot for a promo code so I searched around and couldn't find one.

kalynzoo wrote:
Yes, very expensive. The drive to the South Rim from Williams is only about one hour, easy straight road, with plenty of parking at the park. Therefore, on our many trips to the Grand Canyon, we have never taken the GC Railway.
But while your in the area to spend the money for a few hours or most of the day at Bearazona. Great open animal park.

I heard parking could get problematic during peak vacation time.

2gypsies wrote:
It's not only expensive but it's not worth it if you're there to visit the Grand Canyon. It's a boring train ride through scrub land and then you're only at the Canyon for about 3 hours before having to return.

For the best Grand Canyon experience stay IN the park itself at Trailer Village if you want full hookups or Mather campground if you don't. You'll be right on the Rim and the free shuttle can take you for various stops all day long.

Trailer village is already booked full up for when we're going. I thought my son would like the train, especially when I saw the dome cars, but not at that price!
Thanks

Oh heck, since everyone wants to offer there opinion....it is worth it!!! The town of William's is fun to explore also...they sometime offer deals in conjunction with their RV Park. Have Fun...

Not worth the money. A camera in your face a lot. They rob you on the ticket going up and then in the middle of the trip coming back they stop the train and you are robbed by some supposed outlaws. I thought it was a very boring and tiresome trip. Very little time at the canyon.
Drive and stay as long as you want.
JMO.
Busyguy