Amtrak Vacations
Essential Grand Canyon Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago
Roundtrip rail journey from Chicago to Williams and the Grand Canyon
5 daysfrom $909
80% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Rails to the Grand Canyon
Round-trip Amtrak rail trip from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon's South Rim
Amtrak Vacations runs this 5-day, 4-night round trip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, using two named trains: the Southwest Chief between Los Angeles and Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and the South Rim. Day 1 boards the Southwest Chief and threads through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, with the night spent onboard. Day 2 brings breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams before the Grand Canyon Railway climbs to the South Rim, where a guided sightseeing tour of the rim is included. Day 3 is left free, to stroll or hike the Grand Canyon's trails at your own pace. Day 4 returns by rail, with a farewell dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant before the overnight train back to Los Angeles. This suits travellers who want the Grand Canyon built entirely around train travel, with one full day to explore on foot and only two meals arranged for them.
What to know before you look closer
- Only 2 meals are included across the trip, one breakfast in Williams and one farewell dinner before the return train, so most meals are on your own.
- The evidence does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and schedule with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Los Angeles, CA
Your Grand Canyon rail adventure begins in Los Angeles, where you will transfer on your own to the Amtrak station and board the train to Williams. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride as your train makes its way to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. This majestic train route winds through canyon passages that are only a few feet wider than the train itself, so you will get a chance to see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from any interstate or highway.
- Day 2railovernight: Grand Canyon
Williams to Grand Canyon
Welcome to Williams! This morning, your breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant is included before you board the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A sightseeing tour of the rim is included on today's portion of the journey. You'll get a chance to see amazing views and scenic overlooks as you venture where no automobiles can go.
- Day 3overnight: Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Today is yours to spend basking in the great outdoors of the Grand Canyon. Stroll or hike along the Canyon's many trails. Breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy the nature and wildlife around you. Make sure you have your camera on hand as you take in this powerful and inspiring landscape.
- Day 4railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
After a good night's sleep, you will board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. This evening, you will celebrate the last night of your Grand Canyon journey with an included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. After dinner, board your transfer from the hotel to the Amtrak station and hop on the train back to Los Angeles.
- Day 5
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Southwest Chief threads through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself on the way to Williams, Arizona.
- Day 2After breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway climbs to the South Rim, where a guided sightseeing tour of the rim is included.
- Day 3A full free day at the Grand Canyon to stroll or hike its trails and take in the views.
- Day 4A farewell dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant precedes the overnight Grand Canyon Railway and Amtrak journey back to Los Angeles.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Williams on the Southwest Chief®
- 2 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
- Roundtrip in Coach accommodations on the Grand Canyon Railway
- Grand Canyon Freedom Tour
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes round-trip Coach travel on the Southwest Chief between Los Angeles and Williams, and round-trip Coach travel on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and the South Rim.
- Which trains are used?
- The Southwest Chief for the Los Angeles to Williams legs, and the Grand Canyon Railway for the Williams to South Rim legs.
- What hotel is included?
- Yavapai Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park, for 2 nights.
- How much walking is involved?
- Day 3 is a free day that the itinerary describes as time to stroll or hike the Grand Canyon's trails; no specific hike is required.
- What meals are included?
- 2 meals: a breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams and a dinner there on the last night before the return train.
