How to get from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon (2024)

If you’re headed to the Grand Canyon for serenity, consider skipping the busy South Rim for the under-visited North Rim, a 350-mile, seven-hour drive from Phoenix. The trip starts out heading north on I-17 to Flagstaff, then east on I-40 before taking Exit 201 onto US 89. At Bitter Springs, head left on US 89A to Jacob Lake, then continue on SR 67 to the North Rim.

Amtrak’sclosest stop to Phoenix is Flagstaff, 145 miles to the north. But if you snag aGroome Transportationshuttle to the historic Flagstaff Train Depot on Route 66, you can hop on the train east. Amtrak only runs as far as Williams, 65 miles from the Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. There, transfer to the scenicGrand Canyon Railway, a charming 2-hour and 25-minute ride through the high desert to the edge of Grand Canyon National Park.

There are no regular direct bus routes from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, but if you’re traveling with a squad,National Bus Charter Phoenixwill book trips for between 18 and 56 passengers. If you’re going solo (or with a small group), your best bet is to take aGreyhoundorFlixBusfrom one of three bus stations in Phoenix to Flagstaff, a 2-and-a-half-hour ride up I-17. When you arrive in Flagstaff, take aGroome Transportationshuttle straight to Grand Canyon Village or walk next door to the train depot, where the Amtrak leaves daily on a 45-minute journey to Williams. From there, transfer to theGrand Canyon Railwayfor a gorgeous 2.25 trip to the national park.

Flagstaff Pulliam is the closest commercial airport to the Grand Canyon, but once you land, you’ll still have 75 miles to negotiate before reaching the South Rim. Luckily, finding transportation from Phoenix to the National Park isn’t a challenge. If you want your own transport in the national park, rent a car in Flagstaff. Several agencies have offices on site. If you prefer to remain car-free,Groome Transportationruns scheduled shuttles from Flagstaff to the town of Tusayan, about a mile south of the South Rim. For more flexibility (and a higher price tag),Grand Canyon Shuttleswill drive you to the South or North Rim at your convenience with an advance reservation. They’ll even drop backpackers off at a trailhead.Amtrakruns train service from Flagstaff to Williams, about 65 miles west of the South Rim. From there, hop the intensely scenicGrand Canyon Railwaystraight to the national park’s Grand Canyon Village.

TheGrand Canyon National Park Airport, located eight miles south of the park’s South Rim, is a more straightforward option for getting to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. But with only private and charter planes like those run byGrand Canyon Airlineslanding at the airport’s single runway, the convenience will cost you.

If your Grand Canyon #lifegoals don’t include hiking or backpacking its trails, consider a helicopter tour. For just under $1750/person,360 Adventuresruns a three-hour fly-over tour from Phoenix throughout the year. If you want time on the ground, they also offer a full-day option that combines a flight to the canyon with a hike below the rim for $1150-1550, depending on ability and age. Other companies, includingDETOURS of Arizona,Maverick Helicopters, andPapillon Grand Canyon Tours, offer similar quick-but-spectacular adventures.