How to Travel to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is located in northeastern Arizona, about 60 miles west of Flagstaff. Many visitors to the Canyon take advantage of the reasonable fares to Las Vegas, Nevada and rent a car to travel the 4 hours east to Grand Canyon National Park, but be aware that there may be construction delays at the Hoover Dam. Others find it more convenient to fly to Phoenix and drive the 4.5 hours north to the Park. Still others choose to fly into Flagstaff and make the hour's journey west to the Park entrance, though airfares may be higher to Flagstaff.

Commuter flights are also available into several smaller airports closer to the Park, such as Page, Arizona. Car rentals are available. Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is essentially a sightseeing airport, is located in Tusayan, 1 mile (about 10 minutes) south of the Park. No car rentals are offered at this airport, but taxi service can be arranged on an on-call basis.

By train, you can get to the Grand Canyon from Williams Arizona and ride Old West style in a genuine steam train dating back to the early 1900's. Bus tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, or Sedona. These comfortable motor coaches make the journey easy and enjoyable.

Driving to the National Park is reasonably easy from any direction with a good map and advantageous weather. The fee for entry is $20, less with a National Park Pass, and is good for 7 days. You can find many amenities at Grand Canyon Village including a general store and post office. Make sure you book your hotel early, because vacancies fill quickly.

Once in the Park, you can follow the map and activity schedule given to you by the Park staff. Your first view of the Canyon will most likely be at Mather Point. Visit the nearby Information Center across the street. One mile west of Mather is Yavapai Observation Station. Yet another mile west is the Grand Canyon Village business center, where you can visit the National Park Service Visitors' Center, a Bank, post office and general store. Yavapai Lodge and two campgrounds are also nearby. Park your car and walk the easy Rim Trail along the Canyon rim. You can explore the gift shops, museums and hotels along the way.