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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles

Five-day rail loop Los Angeles to Grand Canyon via Amtrak and Grand Canyon Railway

Illustration of Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles

Vacations By Rail's Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure combines two celebrated American trains on a 5-day independent rail journey from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon South Rim and back. You board Amtrak's Southwest Chief in Los Angeles on Day 1, traveling overnight to Flagstaff with views from the Sightseer Lounge. On Day 2, after a rest and breakfast in Williams at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, you ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim, arriving for a motorcoach tour of the canyon's best lookouts. Day 3 offers leisure time to explore the rim at your own pace before you return by rail to Williams for dinner and a night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Day 4 is free to enjoy the hotel's amenities before you transfer to Flagstaff for the overnight Southwest Chief back to Los Angeles, arriving Day 5. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking an independent, manageable adventure, budget-conscious explorers drawn to historic trains and canyon views, and history enthusiasts appreciating vintage rail cars and heritage lodges.

What to know before you look closer

  • Coach-class Amtrak seating is included in the from-price; roomette or bedroom upgrades are available with onboard meal service at additional cost.
  • The package is independent travel with no tour manager or group escort.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included but can be arranged through the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Depart Los Angeles aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief

    Board the Southwest Chief for Flagstaff, Arizona, with sunset views from the Sightseer Lounge.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Grand Canyon South Rim (Maswik Lodge)

    Early morning arrival in Flagstaff, Arizona

    Transfer to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for a few hours' rest and breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, then board the Grand Canyon Railway (9:30 am) to the South Rim for a Freedom Tour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Williams

    Grand Canyon at Leisure

    Morning at leisure at the South Rim (Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, Desert View Watchtower); board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams at 3:30 pm; dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Train

    Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

    Day at leisure at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (indoor pool, hot tub, horseshoe pit, volleyball/basketball court); transfer to Flagstaff station for the Southwest Chief bound for Los Angeles.

  5. Day 5

    Arrival in Los Angeles' Historic Union Station

    Arrival at Union Station, where the Rails to the Rim adventure concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief in Los Angeles for an overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, with sunset views from the Sightseer Lounge.
  • Day 2Transfer to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, then ride the vintage Grand Canyon Railway at 9:30 am to the South Rim and enjoy a motorcoach tour of the canyon.
  • Day 3Explore the South Rim at your own pace, visiting Buckey O'Neill's Cabin and Desert View Watchtower before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams at 3:30 pm.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights, including 1 night at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Roundtrip transportation aboard Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • Roundtrip train travel on the Grand Canyon Railway
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant
  • Meals onboard the train when upgrading to a roomette or bedroom
  • Motorcoach South Rim tour

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Flagstaff, returning to Los Angeles) and roundtrip travel on the Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to South Rim) are included. Coach-class seating is covered; roomette or bedroom upgrades are available at extra cost with meals onboard.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
This is independent travel. You follow a well-planned itinerary with no tour manager. You make your own way through the days at leisure.
Where do I stay?
You stay 3 nights in hotels: the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams (2 nights) and the Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park (1 night). Two nights are spent aboard Amtrak trains.
What meals are included?
The package includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Additional meals onboard the train are included only if you upgrade to a roomette or bedroom.
What activities are included at the Grand Canyon?
You receive a motorcoach tour of the South Rim with stops at lookouts and landmarks. You also have a morning at leisure to explore independently, visiting sites such as Buckey O'Neill's Cabin and Desert View Watchtower.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail publishes no departure calendar in the available materials. Contact the operator to confirm dates and availability.

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