Photo by Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Grand Canyon Railway
About Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway runs a 65‑mile round‑trip between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, offering daily seasonal steam excursions and vintage diesel service that began in 1989. Operated by Xanterra, the line traverses the historic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe corridor through Coconino County’s high desert landscape.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- AZ
- Rating
- 4.5 ★ 4,564 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Sat, Aug 15
Plan Your Visit
- First Departure
- 8:30 AM
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Grand Canyon Railway runs a 65‑mile (approximately 103 km) standard‑gauge line between Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon South Rim, a distance recorded as 102.6 kilometres in official data. Its motive power includes two former Santa Fe EMD GP7u diesel units, a pair of MLW FPA‑4 “snub‑nose” diesels (lead A units and cabless B boosters), three ex‑Amtrak F40PH locomotives acquired from Amtrak in 2003 and from New Jersey Transit in 2017, and a small steam roster that presently comprises two locomotives, one of which is the rebuilt 2‑8‑2 Mikado formerly Chicago Burlington & Quincy No. 4960; the railway also operates four former Lake Superior and Ishpeming 2‑8‑0 consolidations and three ex‑Rio Grande business cars used for private charter service.
History
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway opened the line to Grand Canyon.
Regular passenger rail service to the Grand Canyon was discontinued due to highway competition.
The heritage line was reopened for passenger tourist excursions by private investors.
The railway and associated historic depots were acquired by Xanterra Parks.
See full history
The Grand Canyon Railway is built on a branch line completed on 17 September 1901, when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway opened the 64‑mile route between Williams and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Passenger service ends in July 1968 and the remaining freight operations cease in 1974, leaving the line dormant. In 1988 Max and Thelma Biegert acquire the track, restore the facilities and resume tourist trains on 17 September 1989, mirroring the original debut date. After announcing the sale of the railroad, its hotels and related amenities in March 2006, the Biegerts transfer ownership to Xanterra Travel Collection on 21 September 2006. Xanterra suspends steam locomotive service in September 2008, then reinstates it on 19 September 2009 using waste‑vegetable‑oil fuel. In 2017 the railway expands its diesel fleet with two additional F40PH units, further supporting its year‑round operation.
Around the Depot
A ride on the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona sits within reach of the Arizona State Railroad Museum, about 31 mi away.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.