Amtrak Vacations

Grand Canyon Explorer Roundtrip from Chicago

11-day roundtrip rail journey from Chicago to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Explorer Roundtrip from Chicago, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations operates this 11-day roundtrip rail vacation that starts and ends in Chicago, looping out to the Grand Canyon and back. The Southwest Chief carries travelers overnight from Chicago to Albuquerque, then on to Santa Fe and Williams, where the Grand Canyon Railway takes over for the ride into Grand Canyon National Park. The pace mixes travel days with time to explore: day 2 in Albuquerque is free time, day 4 brings a sightseeing walking tour of Santa Fe, and day 6 opens with breakfast before the train carries the group into the park. A full free day at the Grand Canyon follows, then a day trip from Flagstaff to Sedona for a Jeep tour of the red rocks before the Southwest Chief heads back overnight to Chicago. Two of the ten nights are spent onboard the train in Coach seating rather than a hotel bed, so this suits travelers comfortable with that and with making their own way between stations and hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 1 meal, a single breakfast, is included across the 11 days.
  • Final hotels depend on which of the 29 accommodation options and cities you choose, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
  • Two of the trip's 10 nights are spent onboard the train in Coach class rather than a hotel bed; there is no sleeper cabin included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today you will board the Southwest Chief in Chicago's Union Station for your trip down to Albuquerque. Settle in as you take a leisurely trip south!

  2. Day 2overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque, NM

    Welcome to Albuquerque, a truly gorgeous city full of stunning sights. Take advantage of your free time today to enjoy all this city has to offer.

  3. Day 3overnight: Santa Fe

    Albuquerque to Santa Fe

    Travel to the Amtrak station and board the Southwest Chief for a breathtaking ride to Lamy. From Lamy, you will board Amtrak's transfer service to Santa Fe.

  4. Day 4overnight: Santa Fe

    Santa Fe, NM

    Today, you will see all the sights of Santa Fe on a sightseeing walking tour of the city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Williams

    Santa Fe to Williams

    Travel to the Amtrak station and board the train to Williams. Upon arrival in Williams Junction, you will be transferred to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Grand Canyon

    Williams to Grand Canyon National Park

    This morning, enjoy your included hearty breakfast, and begin your Grand Canyon adventure! Then, board the Grand Canyon Railway, which will take you right into the heart of Grand Canyon National Park.

  7. Day 7overnight: Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    The entire day is yours to explore the Grand Canyon! There is no shortage of things to do here.

  8. Day 8overnight: Flagstaff

    Grand Canyon to Flagstaff

    This morning, you will have some more free time to explore the Grand Canyon before departing in the early afternoon for Flagstaff.

  9. Day 9overnight: Flagstaff

    Flagstaff to Sedona to Flagstaff

    Get up close and personal with the red rocks of Sedona on your included Jeep tour, featuring amazing views, adventure and historic landmarks.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Onboard Amtrak / Chicago

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    This morning, board the Southwest Chief for your trip back to Chicago. As the train winds its way north, relax and reflect on the wonderful experiences you had on your trip.

  11. Day 11

    Your Journey Ends in Chicago

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Southwest Chief departs Chicago's Union Station for an overnight journey to Albuquerque.
  • Day 4A sightseeing walking tour covers the sights of Santa Fe.
  • Day 6After an included breakfast, the Grand Canyon Railway carries the group from Williams into Grand Canyon National Park.
  • Day 9An included Jeep tour explores the red rocks of Sedona.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Albuquerque; Albuquerque to Santa Fe; Santa Fe to Williams, and Flagstaff to Chicago on the Southwest Chief®
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations, 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
  • One-way shuttle transfer from Maswik Lodge to Flagstaff hotel
  • Round-trip transfer from Flagstaff to Sedona
  • 1 meal (1 breakfast)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations covers Chicago to Albuquerque, Albuquerque to Santa Fe, Santa Fe to Williams, and Flagstaff back to Chicago on the Southwest Chief, plus a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway into the park.
Do I sleep on the train?
On two nights, days 1 and 10, you travel overnight onboard Amtrak in Coach class; the rest of the nights are in hotels.
What hotels are used?
8 nights of hotel stays selected from 29 accommodation options, including the Palmer House in Chicago, the Crowne Plaza in Albuquerque, and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams.
How many meals are included?
One breakfast.
Is it guided or independent?
It's a mix. Santa Fe includes a guided sightseeing walking tour and Sedona an included Jeep tour, but travelers make their own way to Amtrak stations between stops.

Similar journeys, different answers