How to get to the Grand Canyon ?

[Tony]

If I want to go sight seeing at the Grand Canyon, what would be my Amtrak destination?

SW Chief to Williams Junction (WMJ) and Thruway Coach to Williams (WMA)?

SW Chief to Flagstaff (FLG), and Thruway Coach to Grand Canyon Natl Park (GCB)?

 

[Dan O]

A train runs from Williams to GC S RIm

http://www.thetrain.com/

cost of trips/staying at Wms and GC

http://www.thetrain.com/reservations/

Busses run from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon. I don't know the cost but I would think cheaper than the train from Williams.

Williams is a small town. I believe Wms Junction is just a bit east of Williams. I thought it was where the road to the South Rim intersects w/ I40.

Dan

 

[the_traveler]

Williams Junction is the place where Amtrak stops, but they transport you by shuttle to Williams. (In fact you can't even personally drive to the "station" - actually a platform - at WMJ.) Unless you are planning to get to the canyon by the Grand Canyon Railway, you should choose FLG instead. There are car rentals and busses in FLG.

 

[Rick J]

A train runs from Williams to GC S RIm
http://www.thetrain.com/

cost of trips/staying at Wms and GC

http://www.thetrain.com/reservations/

Busses run from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon. I don't know the cost but I would think cheaper than the train from Williams.

Williams is a small town. I believe Wms Junction is just a bit east of Williams. I thought it was where the road to the South Rim intersects w/ I40.

Dan

Williams Junction is just a clearing in the forest, a long way from any civilization. If you're getting off at Williams Junction, make sure you have a ride arranged. There is no line of taxis waiting for passengers. As far as I know, the only transportation that shows up regularly is the shuttle from the Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel, and they only come if someone on the Southwest Chief has told them they are coming.

The Grand Canyon Railroad is a fun way to go. You do have to put up with a hokey train robbery where they rob the passengers of "tips" (in other words, whatever you hand over during the "robbery" they keep). It's a nice ride and it lets you off right at the rim. You can book a bus tour as part of the package if you want. The return trip gets you back to Williams in plenty of time to catch the westbound Chief. I think there is also a package where you can stay at the Grand canyon overnight then take the train back to Williams the next day.

The Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel is nice. The train station is part of the hotel, so you can go into the restaurant for breakfast then step out onto the platform to catch the train.

 

[Tony]

A train runs from Williams to GC S RIm
http://www.thetrain.com/

cost of trips/staying at Wms and GC

http://www.thetrain.com/reservations/

Thanks for the links, but wow, I just played around with that website, making some "test" reservations for next year.

This is the ONE day package I selected:

MAX & THELMA’S BUFFET DINNER

1 GRAND CANYON RAILWAY HOTEL ROOM

MAX & THELMA’S BUFFET BREAKFAST

WILLIAMS TO GRAND CANYON (Inc. GC Park Fee)

COACH CLASS

GRAND CANYON TO WILLIAMS

COACH CLASS

The cost?

$4,617.45 !!!!!

Did I click on something wrong? Is staying at the GCR Hotel really that expensive?

 

[the_traveler]

That does seem very high! IIRC, the cost of the GCR about 10 years ago for coach class was about $50 per person. I doubt very much the room is that much.

Try to request it again. Maybe it was a glitch or something.

 

[MrFSS]

Well - right on the reservation web page the most it says it can be per person is $159.00.

Something is wrong someplace!!

 

[SUTTONK11]

A train runs from Williams to GC S RIm
http://www.thetrain.com/

cost of trips/staying at Wms and GC

http://www.thetrain.com/reservations/

Thanks for the links, but wow, I just played around with that website, making some "test" reservations for next year.

This is the ONE day package I selected:

MAX & THELMA'S BUFFET DINNER

1 GRAND CANYON RAILWAY HOTEL ROOM

MAX & THELMA'S BUFFET BREAKFAST

WILLIAMS TO GRAND CANYON (Inc. GC Park Fee)

COACH CLASS

GRAND CANYON TO WILLIAMS

COACH CLASS

The cost?

$4,617.45 !!!!!

Did I click on something wrong? Is staying at the GCR Hotel really that expensive?

THAT PRICE IS WAY OUT OF LINE - MY WIFE AND I DID THE 3 NIGHT PACKAGE WITH LUXURY CLASS TRAIN FOR $1100. GCR HOTEL IS OK, TRAIN IS GREAT FUN BUT MAX & THELMA'S RESTAURANT IS PROBABLY THE WORST FOOD I HAVE EVER BEEN SERVED. MIGHT TRY JUST ROOM AND TRAIN AT GCR AND EAT IN WILLIAMS ( 3 MINUTE WALK) WHERE THERE ARE AFEW GOOD RESTAURANTS.

YOU DON'T SAY WHAT DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING - BECAUSE OF AMTRAK'S 4:20 AM ARRIVAL IN WILLIAMS, WE RENTED A CAR IN L.A. ($ 135 ), DROVE TO FLAGSTAFF, TOOK A TAXI TO WILLIAMS ( $50 ). THIS WAY WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FIRST NIGHT'S STAY AND WERE RESTED AND READY TO GO THE NEXT MORNING.

 

[Tony]

Well - right on the reservation web page the most it says it can be per person is $159.00.

Something is wrong someplace!!

Yep, that is it. I clicked on the "Reserve Now" line directly below that.

I selected April 8, 2009.

I selected two people.

I selected "Bud coach" class

I selected just one hotel room for the one night at the Grand Canyon RR Hotel.

I declined the motorcoach rim tour.

I selected Check Pricing and Availability, and it came back with $4,617.45 !!!!

BTW, this is for two people, and I tried it a couple of times, including on a different PC (my work PC ).

 

[Walt]

Wow, for nearly $5 grand for a single night, an authentic "saloon girl" better be included for the night!

 

[MrEd]

We did a trip last year. Stayed at holiday inn since it was cheaper and full service.

Holiday Inn

WILLIAMS

950 N. GRAND CANYON BLVD

WILLIAMS, AZ 86046 UNITED STATES

We purchased the grand canyon railroad tickets at their station downtown williams and had a great time. We did the train and bus tour. You see more of the canyon on the bus, so I would recommend that if you go.

I would book on amtrak to WMA and that includes transportation via bus to williams.

In Williams I would recommend Rod's steakhouse. For a ride call Smitty's taxi, Phone: (928) 635-9825, but I walked.

 

[warbonnet]

We have found one of the hottest places to eat in Williams is "Doc Holliday's" inside the Holiday Inn. Great food, stiff drinks and live music.

Wb

 

[Acela150]

Williams JCT. is a great spot to get off the SWC. I did it last year in june. A shuttle bus meets you at a 500 ft concrete platform with lights in the middle of nowhere. You get a great view of the stars at night!

We had dome service, and first class to/from the south rim and stayed in Williams, and at the canyon for about $1,500.