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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure

Chicago to Grand Canyon on Amtrak and heritage railway, six days

Illustration of Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure

Vacations By Rail's six-day independent rail vacation combines two of America's most celebrated trains with one of the nation's top natural attractions. The journey starts at Chicago's Union Station with an overnight ride aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief, passing through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas into Arizona. After shuttle transfer to Williams, travellers board the Grand Canyon Railway, a heritage line operating since 1901, for the scenic route through Ponderosa pine forest to the South Rim. The package includes stays at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, a historic motor lodge built in 1927, and Maswik Lodge within Grand Canyon National Park. Day 3 features a guided motorcoach excursion to the rim's most visited viewpoints. Day 4 is free to explore independently, with options to visit museums, historic lodges, and hike the South Rim Trail. On Day 5, travellers return by train to Williams before concluding in the town's historic centre. The trip suits first-time rail travellers, independent explorers, and history lovers seeking a well-structured journey without a tour manager.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 1,095 covers the rail fare, hotels, and most travel within the package; flights to and from Chicago are not included.
  • Only one breakfast and one dinner are included; other meals must be purchased separately.
  • Upgrades to roomettes or bedrooms on the Southwest Chief, and to First Class, Observation Dome, Luxury Dome, or Parlor Class on the Grand Canyon Railway, are available at additional cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Depart Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief

    Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief at Chicago's Union Station for the overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, passing Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. Upgrades to Roomette/Bedroom available with meals included.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Williams (Grand Canyon Railway Hotel)

    Across the Southwest to Arizona

    Through Colorado's Purgatoire and Arkansas River Valleys and into New Mexico, arriving in Flagstaff this evening; shuttle transfer to Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Grand Canyon Village (Maswik Lodge)

    To the South Rim on the Grand Canyon Railway

    Board the Grand Canyon Railway (Standard Coach, with upgrades to First Class/Observation Dome/Luxury Dome/Parlor Class) to the South Rim; a Freedom Tour motorcoach excursion to Mohave Point, Pima Point, the Abyss and Hermits Rest; check into Maswik Lodge for two nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Grand Canyon Village (Maswik Lodge)

    The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Canyon

    Free day to explore the South Rim: Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, Hopi House, the Geology Museum at Yavapai Point, free shuttles or a bicycle rental (payable locally).

  5. Day 5railovernight: Williams (Grand Canyon Railway Hotel)

    Traveling to historic Williams

    Morning at leisure, optional hike on the South Rim Trail; reboard the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams and check back into the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

  6. Day 6

    Tour conclusion

    Free time in Williams before an included transfer to Flagstaff's airport (accommodates flights departing after 1:45 p.m.); optional add-on return to Chicago via the Southwest Chief.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief at Chicago's Union Station for an overnight journey through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.
  • Day 3Ride the Grand Canyon Railway through Ponderosa pine forest to the South Rim; a motorcoach excursion visits Mohave Point, Pima Point, the Abyss, and Hermits Rest.
  • Day 4Explore the South Rim independently: visit Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, Hopi House, and the Geology Museum at Yavapai Point.
  • Day 5Return to Williams aboard the Grand Canyon Railway; optional hike on the South Rim Trail in the morning.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in Coach aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief
  • Standard Class rail travel; all rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • 1 breakfast and 1 dinner
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

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

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 one night aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief in Coach and all rail and coach travel throughout the tour, including the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is this a guided tour?
No. Vacations By Rail operates this as an independent rail vacation with no tour manager. Day 3 includes a guided motorcoach excursion to South Rim viewpoints; Day 4 is free to explore on your own.
What is included in the price?
Four nights' hotel accommodation, one night in Coach aboard the Southwest Chief, all rail and coach travel, one breakfast and one dinner, and all guided tours and excursions including the South Rim motorcoach tour.
Which hotels are used?
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams for two nights and Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon Village for two nights.
What are the main attractions?
The Grand Canyon South Rim, viewed from Mohave Point, Pima Point, the Abyss, and Hermits Rest on the guided tour; the Geology Museum at Yavapai Point; Bright Angel Lodge and Lookout Studio; and Route 66 history in Williams.

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