How to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a stunning place to visit and a popular day trip from Las Vegas. Today, we share the best ways to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, so you can visit this beautiful national park.

Best ways to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

How to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car

Driving a car is the most common way to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. You can rent one in Las Vegas easily, which is an excellent choice if you plan to make a day trip to the Grand Canyon and don’t mind the semi-long trip. This is also perfect if you are doing a road trip and the way to the Grand Canyon is within your itinerary. This is arguably one of the best weekend trips from Las Vegas!

The drive will take about 4 hours and 30 minutes, around 280 miles. Unfortunately, there is no direct highway that connects these two places. You can leave Las Vegas by taking I-11. This will lead you to US-93 and drive until you reach Kingman, Arizona. You will continue along the Purple Heart Train towards the East until you reach Williams, Arizona.

Finally, take a left on Route 64, taking you straight to the Grand Canyon. There will be plenty of spots along the way to take a break for a stretch, meal, and fill up the gas.

If you didn’t arrive in Las Vegas with your own vehicle. You can hire one. There are plenty of car rentals around Las Vegas, many of which have multiple locations in the city. Take your time comparing prices to see which is the best option.

How to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by bus and train

You can also get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via a bus, but you must combine it with a train ride. Fortunately, there is a Greyhound Bus Terminal right in Las Vegas, which will take you all the way to Flagstaff, a town in Arizona.

The drive will take over 5 hours and stop only twice. The bus leaves once a day from South Strip Transit Terminal (6675 Gilespie Street). The bus leaves at 6:10 AM and will arrive at Flagstaff at 11:30 AM. 

You can buy the economy seat for $41, which allows you to bring 1 bag that fits under the bus. The extra economy is $54, enabling you to have priority boarding. The Flexible fare is $62, which grants you to bring 2 bags to place under the bus and enjoy priority boarding. This class also offers refundable fares if your plan changes. Any additional bags you plan to bring will cost $20 each.

Flagstaff is still around 80 miles (1hr 25 mins) from Grand Canyon. You now have three options; rent a car, take the 90-minute shuttle bus, or take a scenic train ride.

You can rent a car in Flagstaff, which lets you drive around the park on your own. If you take the shuttle bus, once you arrive at the national park, another shuttle bus will take visitors around different viewpoints and sites for free, then back to Flagstaff.

Taking the train is another fantastic choice. The ride is beautiful, and you can walk around the carriage during the trip. However, doing it this way means you have to make your way to the town of Williams, around 33 miles west of Flagstaff (a 40-minute drive).

Depending on your budget, there are a few class tickets to choose from. You can buy a one-way ticket or a round trip. The most affordable is a Pullman ticket, $33.50 each way for adults and $32 for children. Coach ticket costs $41 one-way for adults and $25.50 for children. First Class is $79.50 for adults and $60.50 for children if you want more comfort.

There are luxury classes as well. The Observation Dome ticket is $94.50 for adults and $76.50 for children. The Luxury Dome and Luxury Parlor are $113 each way. The additional $20 Park Entry Fee will be included when you buy your ticket.

Depending on the season, the train leaves from Williams either at 8:30 AM or 9:30 AM, arriving at 10:45 AM or 11:45 AM. It will depart the Grand Canyon at 2:20 AM or 3:30 AM daily.

Car rental companies in Flagstaff, Arizona:

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 2136 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
• Flagstaff Rental Car – 1118 Historic Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States
• Avis – 1426 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

How to travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon on a tour and/or helicopter

Another way you can travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is by booking a tour. Remember that this is a day trip, and you will be picked up and dropped off in Las Vegas. The day will be long, but if you have a limited time, this is an incredible way to see the spectacular Grand Canyon.

There are two ways to do it – being transported by a comfortable tour bus or getting on a helicopter. The option that is more affordable yet will take longer time is the bus tour. The trip will last about 12 hours in total. While booking a helicopter tour means it will only take 4 hours in total but is significantly more costly.

The bus tour will leave Las Vegas early in the morning. You will be picked up from your hotel and then proceeds on the drive. Once you get to the Grand Canyon, you have 4 hours of exploration. This includes a photo opportunity at Hoover Dam, an optional glass-bottom Skywalk, breakfast, and hot lunch while on the rim, and all the transport services.

On the other hand, the helicopter tour will pick you up from Las Vegas and then take you to the Grand Canyon. Relish the stunning view from the top of the Grand Canyon; the Canyon is one of the most romantic places to visit in the USA, so what better way to enjoy it than in a helicopter. An aerial view is a unique way to see and admire the rim’s beauty, and worth every penny.

You will also be flown over the famous Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas Strip. You will land on a private bluff inside the Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy a nice snack and a lovely champagne toast. The helicopter will take you back to Las Vegas.

After a helicopter ride, why not top the perfect romantic day off with a visit to one of the best buffets in Vegas.

Things to know before you go to Las Vegas

Things to know before you go to Grand Canyon