Second time here for Christmas Polar Express and it was fenomenal. We came earlier that day to get out actual ticket and we find out they have some Pre-show activities. Like story telling and pictures with santa..... parking is free all around the venue. People are start coming around 3 pm for 5.30 train. It is so nice to see all of those people/kids in Christmas pajamas and Christmas spirit. While families wearing pajama masks even grandparents. Everything is so organized and working as expected. Our hosts in Vagon K were amazing, they entertained us so good. Kids loved the show in train, and they Cookies were delicious and big and were still warm. They also serve hot cocoa. And Santa was super nice and polite. read more

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Kitschy way to visit the Grand Canyon. The staff try to strike a balance between educational and child-friendly and fail on both counts. The train ride takes about 2 and a half hours one way (significantly slower than simply driving). The presenter in our car spoke at length about a couple historical figures with regional significance. The musicians were silly, and there was a lot of dead time between their brief songs. The train robbery requires the train to stop partway through rather than continue along to the destination which makes the long trip even longer. We also appended the bus tour to the trip which also cut into our Grand Canyon viewing time. Overall, I spent about 5 and a half hours on this train and was only able to look at the Grand Canyon for about an hour. I would not recommend this option to see the Grand Canyon. read more

Mixed reviews....went for the first time with two kids. We did the entire package and upgraded to first class. The ride there was great, semi private and had drinkenu with all these specialty cocktails non alcoholic for the kids. They absolutely loved that. The snacks they advertised were not real snacks I was expecting, it was donut holes, tiny muffins and that was about it. The ride home was also first class but a different car and not anything like our trip there. We were packed with lots of other people, it was pretty dirty and uncomfortable. The person in charge of our car was so much better than on the way but the car was not. No specialty drinks or menu for the kids. They were so disappointed. The snacks were a spread of meats, cheeses, veggies and some bread pretzel bites. So, that was better. The train robbery was kinda silly, aoney grab. They take your photos on the ride there but they lost ours and the price starts at $40 to receive them! For the price, especially upgrading, you think they would give you at least one for free. Anyway, it was a fun experience one time but that's it....a one and done. The hotel was clean and breakfast is included. If we had to pay the receipt said $79 for a family of 4. Very much not worth the price. The fruit looked like it had been frozen and then put out, even the grapes looked old and nasty. Nothing great and you have to wait for a server to order the drinks (coffee, juice, etc). They don't have milk for kids and they expect a tip for literally servicing you juice. Again, a bit silly for a buffet and paying a ton of money. Again, a one and done for us. read more

Very fun train ride to and from the Grand Canyon! About a 2hr ride both ways, with live music performances and entertainment along the way. On the way to the canyon I sat in the observation dome, and first class on the way back in the Kokopeli Car. Snacks (fruit and pastries) and refreshments (coffee, water, and soda) available both ways, including alcohol for purchase (I got a beer on the way, and some rum & cokes on the way back). I would highly recommend making the trip during the winter, or when there's snow on the ground. I felt like it made the trip more scenic. ALSO the company rolls out a steam engine on the first Saturday of every month. It was neat seeing the locomotive billowing in the distance. Admission to the park was included with the ticket. There's only 3 restaurants at the canyon, and they get very busy during lunchtime. I recommend either bringing food, or making a reservation before exploring the sights. read more

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Excellent service and history/local lore from our hosts, Mackenzie and Teryl!! We rode in the luxury dome on the way out and the luxury parlor on the way back. Both were super comfy. Fantastic views from the dome and a great outside viewing deck off the parlor. Definitely enjoyed the live music, the refreshments, and the champagne toast. Kudos also to Tom who gave us an amazing bus tour - soft spoken and clearly passionate about the Grand Canyon, and nature in general. And to Sarah the photographer who took fun pictures - two of which I actually purchased. This is a great experience and definitely worth the extra money for the Luxuary class cars. read more

Grand Canyon Railway - The train - Trains Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

My Australian family men era were blown away by the experience. "Teryl" our hostess made it even better.

One of the most memorable trips I have taken with my kids. They loved every minute of this train ride. I love how they keep You entertained the whole time and provide snacks (in first class) for you to enjoy. The hostess was so sweet and inviting. I would suggest this to anyone looking to make some memories as well as get the beautiful breath taking views of the Grand Canyon. read more

Grand Canyon Railway - Trains Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

What an amazing experience! Our "Arizona" train car guide Christina was super awesome! She communicated information to and from the Grand Canyon that kept us both entertained and informed. She was a heck of a bar tender too! The Station (in Williams) was clean and has a great souvenir shop. The staff were all very friendly and you could tell they wanted you to have a blast. The train was very clean and well spaced between other passengers. The Cowboys put on a great show. Be sure to have some cash (tips) on hand on your way back! Once you get close to the Canyon, Christina went personally to each group and helped everyone come up with a game plan on what to do and how to maneuver the map. This helped a lot due to the limited time upon arrival. Next time- I'm doing this whole thing over again, but I'm staying a night at the hotel at the Southern Rim and taking the train back the next day. This trip overall was the best "family friendly" (with a cocktail) experience! I fully intend on returning with friends and staying a tad longer! Thank you Grand Canyon Railway! read more

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This was the best choice for our family's first trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. With a toddler in tow, we wanted to spend just a few hours at the Grand Canyon. We didn't want to spend the night. We didn't want to drive. We didn't want to deal with parking or crowds. We wanted to kick back, relax, and have someone else take us there but we didn't want a van or bus tour. The train allowed us to spread our legs, take bathroom breaks whenever, and have our own cozy seating booths to our little family. We even got to lie down and napon the way home. It felt like we got into a time machine back to the olden days when riding public transportation was a luxurious experience for the passengers. I had no idea there was breakfast, train entertainment, or drinks to order. What a bonus! The car host (I'm not sure what to call the staff) kept us safe, comfortable, well informed, educated us about wilderness and historical facts, and entertained us with jokes. It was my son's birthday and they all made him feel so very special. There is a Wild West cast that will turn this into a fun experience too. The return arrival time allowed us to explore wonderful Williams, Arizona during late afternoon and evening. Perfect for experiencing what a Route 66 lit town was like. Two tips unrelated to this review: (1) FOOD: Getting a meal at the Grand Canyon National Park is difficult. Staff is low, lines are long, waitimes are hours. Pack a lunch/snacks/drinks or book a reservation in advance at one of the restaurants. I brought an insulated lunch box with food and drink. We had the loveliest picnic while sitting right by the Grand Canyon and I was shocked that so few people utilized packed picnics and picnic areas were empty. (2) MILITARY: Don't forget that military and Veterans get National Park entrance for free. I paid for entrance as part of my train ticket when I could have opted out of park entrance fee and showed my National Park military card that I got the last time I visited a National Park. read more

Many friends told me that this is the best way to get to and from the Grand Canyon and they are right. Traffic in the park is horrible and parking is full. By using this train along with the propane fueled buses at the park, you can help reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the park. The train and buses are also less stressful than driving. Our PSA Donna was courteous, funny, helpful and knowledgeable. The wild west shows and staged train robbery were campy and fun for the whole family. The on board entertainment was engaging. If you want to spend a day at the south rim of the Grand Canyon, I recommend that you take the train! We also saw cattle, deer, elk, rabbits and pronghorn from our windows. read more

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Definitely a fun day to get up and down from the Grand Canyon. We took the dome car up, and road coach back just to get a taste for the options. Coach was about as uncomfortable as you'd expect. I'll concentrate on our ride up in the dome car. The seats in the dome car were very comfy, and included a tray table. Nice touch. My bloody Mary did well on that tray. The bar was right below us, and very affordable. I could have gone to the cafe car on the way back in coach, but I'd have had to hold on to a drink or snack. Makes picture taking difficult. There was a fun western show before we left. And those same cowboys "robbed" us on the way home. They had the horses out there, and boarded the train. Super campy but lots of fun. I'd have to think kids would LOVE it. We had quite a few giggles. Cowboy singer with a guitar serenaded us for a few songs on the way up and back. Nice voice, and seemed to know all songs suggested by the passengers. Lots of great info from our hosts along the way, and it made the 2 hour trip seem less like 2 hours. We had about 3 hours at the Canyon, and got to see enough to satisfy us I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Lots of good, clean, campy fun. read more

Jennifer and Belle were awesome, loved the snacks, jokes, and extra attention to the kids. We saw elk, antelope, mustangs, Prairie Dogs, wild hogs...and more. The first class seats were super comfortable and we dosed a bit after the canyon. read more

Grand Canyon Railway - First class seats were awesome! - Trains Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

What a great experience! We took our 3 girls on the train and had a blast. Christina was our hostess and she was so great with the kids and fun overall. On the ride back she made a little fort for them between the seats so they could rest (although the little one fell asleep on the seats anyway). First class has comfy seats, nice snack selection, and cocktails. We will definitely do this again! Oh, and BRING CASH! We didn't have much with us, but I would have tipped Christina more had I thought about bringing more with us. You also want it for cocktails and for the staged train robbery! Great fun!! read more

Grand Canyon Railway - My little one and me with Christina! - Trains Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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Great way to get to the Grand Canyon. We road Coach with a big group of family & friends. The cafe cart was great on the way back for hot cocoa & snacks. It was a super windy day at the canyon. We were happy not to have to drive back. We were tired. Tarol told great stories on the way. The live music was our favorite part. Bring a lunch. We had about 3.5 hours at the canyon. Don't waste time looking for lunch. My only complaint would be the call center. They told us we couldn't leave anything on the train, but we could. I would have packed a nicer lunch in a soft cooler. read more

Christine our wagon guide was great, enthusiastic, full of energy and information. The snack boxes did not impressed me. read more

The staff was friendly. And the regular Dome ride was fabulous. But I had to give it a two star for the return trip because we went on they return AC coach class. Was the return coach was filthy. And needs a good thorough detail. The signs need to be replaced or cleaned. The center floor was full of dirt caked on scum. Needs paint touch up or refinishing on the walls. The light lenses need to be cleaned out because of all the dirt behind it. I realize that the restoration process that one of the light lenses need to be replaced with one that matches the others. If it is not available it should be transferred at the end where it's not observable and out of place. The ceilings need to be cleaned. Looked like something blew up inside the coach and hit the ceiling with some kind of liquid. Overall that return coach was disgusting I actually worried my date would be ill from it. read more

Had a great time riding the train to The Grand Canyon. My 3 year old son love it. I would recommend and definitely rode again. read more

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I have been to the Grand Canyon before, but not like this! The train is such a fun option if you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon! It leaves from Williams, AZ which is about 35 minutes west of Flagstaff. There is a hotel right next to the depot for convenience, or you can do what we did and stay in Flagstaff and drive over to Williams that morning. Due to COVID, the train required masks while on board and did an excellent job of social distancing, each train car was only about 50% full. We rode in the Pullman car, which is the least expensive but it is the only car where you can open the windows, so if you are going in the fall or spring I would highly recommend! You get to spend a little over 3 hours at the park, which was ideal and you are back in Williams before 6! We had a wonderful experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to visit the Grand Canyon to take the train! read more

This was an amazing experience seeing wild horses, antelopes, cows, giant rabbits, and getting to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Your day starts at 9am watching the "cowboy show" then all aboard at 9:15am. 9:30 you leave and you arrive at the grand canyon at 11:45am. You board to head back to Williams at 3:15pm and take off is 3:30pm. You arrive back in Williams at 5:45pm. The reason for not being 5 stars is our car PSA named Kimberly sucked the fun out of it for the kids. She told us "we're gonna get robbed, it happens everyday" and then when kids asked questions about the cowboys instead of playing along she told them "oh they are rushing to head to their cars since they gotta do it again tomorrow". She mentioned being new starting during spring break but it's not rocket science to make it fun for the kids and to play along. Besides her the rest was amazing. We had the Coach cab, the chairs do not face each other in that one so be aware. We heard a lot of people asking if the chairs can be turned. It does have AC and the windows do not open. They pass out water bottles at the beginning and end of your trip. They have live music from the cowboys. Both men that sang were amazing. Beautiful voices on both. We saw some animal skulls attached to spines out in the wild, some skulls of animals. There's a lot to see out in the wild during the ride so pay attention out those windows. I think everyone should do it at least once. read more

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This was one of the most enjoyable vacations our family has taken. We upgraded to first class seating and enjoyed every minute. Our train car host Christine was a joy to talk to and can whip up some really awesome mixed drinks. (WooHoo, & AZ Sunsets). The train robbery was a joy and even got a picture with the bandit. Highly recommended. Thanks. read more

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Wow so much fun! And if you can, get the train with Amberrose as your guide. She was amazing and full of fun facts and info! Although I still don't believe the telegram poles were made shorter back then because of the short cowboys that had to fix them, I found all other facts interesting and intriguing! The train ride was rather boring but with her in our car it made it a lot more entertaining along with the musicians and robbers! I'd definitely go again but would stay at one of the hotels on the Rim! read more

Great fun train ride from Williams to the Canyon. Trains could be slightly more upgraded and Wi-Fi friendly or at least have chargers to charge your phone through the journey. Food served was just okay and pretty basic in the morning and afternoon. The upper observatory dome was freezing and couldn't sit there too much as it was so cold. The conductor was friendly, super helpful and gave us a good prep before we got to the Canyon. Food was a real problem when we reached there and long lines so could not get anything to eat. Seats could be more elevated and comfortable and that's where the upgrades to the train are recommended. Overall, a nice day spent. read more

We do the pumpkin patch train every year and always love it! The staff is incredibly nice, helpful and fun! We somehow booked our trip 3 times and Walter helped us change our reservations and get refunded for the accidental charges. Very impressed and would recommend to anyone! read more

We had a week long vacation with friends and family in Las Vegas and planned a day at the canyon. I have always wanted to do the train from Williams, Az and I am so glad we did. Our train had Amber Rose taking care of us for the trip there and back. She is an amazing person and filled with fun facts about the trip and the canyon. I hope to do this trip again and will hopefully be able to request the car with Amber Rose. Thank you so much for a relaxing trip to the Grand Canyon and a wonderful experience. Jeffrey would like to say hi as well. read more

Rode the train and back in the same day, with 3 hours to tour canyon sights. Great ride through the forest. Was in a coach car with Kathy with a K as the host. Top notch. Entertaining to say the least. Highly recommended. You can even ask for her car. read more

Rode in coach. Was a lot of fun. Also did the freedom bus tour which drops you off at some of the overlooks. Guides were great. Would highly recommend. read more

What a great experience to see the Grand Canyon! This was part of a AAA package and we stayed at the hotel, which we loved and the railway to the Canyon was exceptional. Annette was a super hostess in the observation dome. The entertainment, which initially I thought was going to be super corny, was super corny but a lot of fun and added to the experience!! Great vacation and what a great way to drive into the Canyon! read more

We chose this place as our summer vacation this year and we are so glad we did. The hotel is wonderful and the train ride was so much more than we expected!! The Wild West show before the train ride was great! I wont give away details of the train ride but just expect some great entertainment on the way to the Grand Canyon as well as on the way back. Christina was a great tour guide on the train ride. On the way back, her two sons waved at us and waved an American flag as we drove by. Then on the bus tour while at the Grand Canyon, Oscar was our guide. He was really funny. A sweet guy who knows a lot about the Grand Canyon except where Bobby and Cindy got lost on the Brady Bunch. Lol. The hotel staff was awesome as well! Patty is a sweetheart!! She recommended we visit Sedona while we were there and that place is gorgeous!! If you have a free day, take a drive to Sedona and enjoy the day there! The location of this hotel is great!! We even enjoyed some ziplining on Route 66. We also visited Bearizona which is only a few miles from the hotel. We loved it!! Take the tour bus instead of your car because they feed the animals so you get a closer look plus you get to hear a lot about the animals and how they ended up there. They rescue a lot of the animals and you will love visiting here! They also have a petting zoo and a Birds of prey show. The bears are so cute and cuddly but I recommend you just enjoy from afar. Lol. I also recommend Pine Country for a place to eat. Its within walking distance and has great service. I do not recommend the restaurant across from the hotel. Its a buffet style that is over priced and the food is not good. We did not try the food at the pub inside the hotel because we had kids. Overall, I 100% recommend Grand Canyon Railway hotel and train ride for your vacation!! Its a great place for families to create fun memories!! read more

We took the train ride to the Grand Canyon today on the Grand Canyon Railway. We did the whole package where we stayed at their hotel the night before and had dinner at the Grand Railway Cafe. We got up the next morning and had breakfast there also then went to the Wild West Show. After, we boarded the train and went to the Canyon. We chose the Pullman car which was the vintage car. It was the least expensive and we LOVED it!! We were able to open the windows and take in the fresh air. Sandy was our car hostess and she was FANTASTIC. She was full of information and incredibly friendly. They had entertainment and a train robbery that was lots of fun. We took a bus tour that was very informative, our bus drive knew his stuff. I can't remember his name but he had a big mustache and it was the freedom tour. Everyone, from the hotel staff to the restaurant staff and especially the train staff were super friendly and helpful. EXCELLENT customer service from ALL! What a great day! read more