Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Coast to the Canyon

Independent rail trip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Amtrak

Coast to the Canyon, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs Coast to the Canyon as a 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon National Park. The trip starts with a night in Los Angeles and a sightseeing tour that takes in Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and the Hollywood Hills, before travellers board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for an overnight ride to Williams, Arizona. From there, the Grand Canyon Railway carries travellers to the South Rim for a guided tour, followed by two nights at the Grand Canyon with free time to walk the rim or browse the shops and restaurants of Grand Canyon Village, before the overnight train back to Los Angeles. Because Amtrak Vacations sells this as an independent vacation rather than an escorted tour, travellers move between the included sightseeing and their own free time at their own pace. It suits travellers who want the Grand Canyon paired with a Los Angeles stopover and don't mind choosing their own hotel from a list of options in each city.

What to know before you look closer

  • Los Angeles accommodation is chosen from a list of hotel options, including the Regent Santa Monica, WOW InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Cameo Beverly Hills, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Checkers, so the actual hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • Only 2 meals are included across the 6 days (1 breakfast, 1 dinner); other meals are on your own.
  • The overnight train segments are in Coach seating; a private sleeping accommodation is only available as a paid optional upgrade.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Los Angeles

    Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles

    Welcome to Hollywood! Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hollywood, visiting Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood Sign, plus a tour through the Hollywood Hills to see the homes of the stars!

  2. Day 2overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Travel to Los Angeles Union Station and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief to Williams, AZ. Relax and enjoy your trip to one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Grand Canyon National Park

    Williams to Grand Canyon

    Welcome to Williams Junction! This morning your hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant is included before you board the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. Upon arriving you will enjoy a guided tour of the Canyon's South Rim.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Grand Canyon National Park

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    Today spend your free time basking in the great outdoors and breathing in the fresh canyon air. Enjoy a stroll around the rim, or check out the shops and restaurants in the Grand Canyon Village.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    After a good night's sleep, board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Then travel to the station and board your train back to Los Angeles.

    Meals: D

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A Hollywood sightseeing tour taking in Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and a drive through the Hollywood Hills past the homes of the stars.
  • Day 2An overnight journey aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Williams, Arizona.
  • Day 3A ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, followed by a guided tour of the rim.
  • Day 5Dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams before boarding the overnight train back to Los Angeles.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Williams on the Southwest Chief®
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
  • 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes roundtrip Amtrak Coach travel between Los Angeles and Williams, Arizona on the Southwest Chief, and roundtrip travel between Williams and the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Amtrak Vacations sells this as an independent rail vacation. Sightseeing tours in Los Angeles and at the Grand Canyon's South Rim are included, but there is no tour manager accompanying travellers throughout.
Which trains are used?
The Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Williams, Arizona, roundtrip) and the Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to Grand Canyon, roundtrip), both in Coach class.
What hotels are included?
Los Angeles accommodation is chosen from options that include the Regent Santa Monica, WOW InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame, Cameo Beverly Hills, DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, and Hilton Checkers Los Angeles. At the Grand Canyon, travellers stay at Yavapai Lodge.
What is not included?
Only 2 meals are included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner), and a private sleeping accommodation on the overnight trains is an optional paid upgrade.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $979 per person.

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