Grand Canyon Railway

this ride is well worth it! the williams depot is original and beautifully restored. we rode first class and it was a very comfortable ride. lots of leg room and the seats recline. our car attendant was very knowledgeable and friendly and she made a mean hot chocolate. we had live music up and back, that was fun. from scrub desert to mountain pines, the scenery was varied and amazing. arrival at the grand canyon was easy. a short walk to the edge of the canyon. the original depot is still there and is lovely. it was my first visit to the canyon and honestly, while what is viewable is amazing, it is a limited perspective. plenty of options for food when you get there but my advice is to eat first, wander later as the wait gets longer at the restaurants. we do not recommend the Harvey house, the server was pleasant, but the service was slow and the food was underwhelming. the ride back to williams was pleasant, more music, more hot chocolate and a tiny nap and a final surprise. be prepared for variable weather!!!! we went in mid October, we were prepared but even in mid summer it can turn on you.

We highly recommend the Grand Canyon Railway! This was my very first experience on a train, and it couldn’t have been more delightful. The entire trip was comfortable, scenic, and full of charm — from the moment we boarded until we reached the Grand Canyon, every detail was thoughtfully done. Our car attendant, Teryl, made the journey even more special. She was such a pleasure — kind, attentive, and full of fascinating stories that brought the history of the railway and the region to life. Her humor and warmth made everyone feel welcome and kept the ride entertaining the whole way. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and memorable way to see the Grand Canyon, this is absolutely it. The combination of beautiful views, vintage charm, and wonderful staff makes it an experience you’ll never forget. We can’t wait to do it again!

Riding the Grand Canyon Railway has been an outstanding experience! The enjoyable camaraderie amongst fellow travelers, amazing scenery viewed through large windows, and the guide-like knowledge shared by our car attendant (along with his wonderful sense of humor), made for an unforgettable experience. The bandits' "hold-up" of the train was fun!

My dad and I took the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The train depot itself is well-maintained and carries a strong sense of historic charm. As we waited for the train, there was a quiet sense of anticipation. Watching the massive Iron Horse pull into the station felt like stepping back in time. The ride itself took about two hours. As we curved through the mountains and passed beneath the tall pines, I found myself reflecting on what the early pioneers must have felt. There’s something powerful in watching the land roll by at a slower pace—a reminder of both the natural world and the strength of human innovation. The rhythm of the train was deeply calming. It brought to mind the steady beat in old country songs—the kind of rhythm you hear in Johnny Cash records. Now I understand why so many artists wrote with that cadence in mind. It’s not just musical; it’s historical. It’s part of the American experience. If you're someone who appreciates history, nature, and the changing eras of human life, this ride offers a rare chance to feel the 1800s. One of my favorite moments was simply watching the train bend and wind its way between the mountains—a quiet, almost cinematic experience. The overall aesthetic is vintage and authentic. This isn’t just transportation—it’s a window into a different time. I highly recommend it.

We hit up the gift shop before the ride, and it was great. The experience on the train was delightful. The crew was fantastic. The snacks were delicious, and the service was the best. The entertainment was fun also. Highly recommend this fun way to travel to the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon Railway was amazing! My wife & I have been to the Grand Canyon a few times and this was the most fun and stress free (No driving/parking,etc.) way to get there and see everything. The train experience itself was incredible. Before the ride, there was a really cool old west show, then along the ride, there were entertainers on the train and we looked out the window and saw a gang of train robbers on horseback coming after us! Too cool! All of the staff worked hard to make sure everyone had a great time. food and drink options were great and reasonably priced. The train took us to the south canyon rim, where there are shuttles that take you to several amazing viewpoints. The whole trip was awesome. fun for the whole family. One suggestion; Pay the little extra to get a seat in one of the cars with the bubble like windows up top.(See photos) the scenery from that vantage point was phenomenal. I hope to make it back for this experience again some day. Just to put my experience in perspective, we took this trip in "2014" and it is still one of the greatest and most vivid travel memories I have.

This was so much more than I could ever have imagined! Johnny Arizona was the absolute best guide! He made the trip so much more memorable. The music during our ride was great! The Western Show was fun to see! We also took a bus tour at the Grand Canyon… it’s the best way to see as much as you can if you only have 1 day!

If you plan on going to see the Grand Canyon, this is the best way to do it. While the overall experience has updated a tiny bit through the years, the charm is still ever present. Please, ensure that you book ahead and think heavily about running packages through the railway to ensure close dining and lodging. All aboard the peaceful way to the south rim!