Train to the Grand Canyon
Comparable to Vacations By Rail's Rails to the Rim package
View full trip details on Unpackage Travel
Unpackage Travel presents the 6-day 'Train to the Grand Canyon' trip, breaking down each element for direct booking. This journey features transportation with Amtrak Southwest Chief and Groome Transportation Shuttle, alongside accommodations at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Maswik Lodge. Activities like the Freedom Tour and bicycle rental from Bright Angel Bicycles are also detailed. By understanding these individual components, travelers can book directly with operators, bypassing unnecessary layers.
Top highlights
- Departure from Chicago on the Southwest Chief
- Across the Southwest to Williams
- To the South Rim on the Grand Canyon Railway
Who this trip is for
Travelers seeking an unbundled, custom itinerary.
Day 1
| Type | Supplier | Details | Estimated price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | Amtrak Southwest Chief | Overnight journey from Chicago, IL to Flagstaff, AZ in a Coach Class seat with leg rest. The train features a Sightseer Lounge with panoramic windows and a Café Car for purchasing meals and snacks. Direct Booking Perks: Earn 2 Amtrak Guest Rewards points per dollar spent, select your exact seat from a seat map at booking, no hidden booking fees when booking on Amtrak.com. | $250 | Book |
Day 2
| Type | Supplier | Details | Estimated price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Grand Canyon Railway Hotel | Standard Room with two queen beds. Located adjacent to the historic Williams Depot. Direct Booking Perks: Best Rate Guarantee when booking direct, option to bundle train tickets for a package discount, receive exclusive email offers from the operator, Xanterra Travel Collection. | $180 | Book |
| Transport | Groome Transportation Shuttle | Shared shuttle transfer from Flagstaff Amtrak Station to Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Duration is approximately 45 minutes. Direct Booking Perks: Guaranteed connection with arriving trains, direct drop-off at your hotel lobby, flexible booking with free changes up to 24 hours before travel. | $45 | Book |
Day 3
Day 4
| Type | Supplier | Details | Estimated price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity | Breakfast at Fred Harvey Restaurant | Included buffet breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, located at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel complex in Williams. Direct Booking Perks: Included as part of many Grand Canyon Railway hotel packages, convenient location next to the depot, authentic historic atmosphere. | $25 | Book |
| Activity | Freedom Tour (narrated motorcoach, Grand Canyon South Rim overlooks) | A 1.5-hour narrated bus tour along the scenic Hermit Road, stopping at multiple viewpoints including Mohave Point, Pima Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest. Operated by Xanterra. Direct Booking Perks: Guaranteed spot on the tour when booked with a rail package, knowledgeable guides are park employees, wheelchair-accessible coaches available with prior arrangement. | $35 | Book |
| Transport | Grand Canyon Railway (Williams → South Rim) | One-way journey from Williams to the Grand Canyon South Rim in a restored heritage Coach class car. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and features live Western entertainment. Direct Booking Perks: Book direct for access to all six classes of service, bundle with hotel stays for package savings, official source for special event trains like the Polar Express. | $40 | Book |
| Hotel | Maswik Lodge – Grand Canyon Lodges | Standard hotel room in Maswik North or the newly constructed Maswik South, located within Grand Canyon National Park. The lodge is a short walk from the rim and the Bright Angel Trailhead. Direct Booking Perks: Best Rate Guarantee, flexible 48-hour cancellation policy, no booking fees, pay only the first night as a deposit. | $225 | Book |