Grand Canyon Tours from Williams

Located just 60 miles south of Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, Williams, Arizona is a classic Route 66 town and a popular gateway for visitors seeking a variety of Grand Canyon tour options. Whether you prefer a nostalgic train ride, scenic drive, guided hike, or aerial view, Williams has something for every traveler looking to explore the Grand Canyon with ease.

Popular Tours from Williams, AZ

1. Grand Canyon Railway: Classic Train Tours to the South Rim

The Grand Canyon Railway offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience from the historic Williams Depot to the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. This full-day roundtrip tour includes:

Daily departures from Williams, AZ (2.25 hours each way)
Old West entertainment and staged train robbery
Several hours to explore Grand Canyon viewpoints, shops, and museums
Multiple train classes including Pullman, Coach, First Class, Dome, and Luxury Parlor

Optional vacation packages include lodging in Williams and at the South Rim, dining, and rim tour add-ons. Great for families, couples, and seniors looking for comfort and charm.

2. Grand Canyon Bus Tours from Williams

Several local tour companies offer **guided bus and shuttle tours** from Williams to the Grand Canyon South Rim. These are ideal for visitors not taking the train or those who prefer door-to-door transportation. Features include:

Hotel pickup from select Williams properties
Air-conditioned vehicles with narration by expert guides
Stops at major overlooks like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower
Park entrance fee often included

Some full-day bus tours may also combine time at the canyon with a stop along historic Route 66 or a Navajo trading post.

3. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours (with Transfer from Williams)

While helicopters do not fly out of Williams itself, you can book a helicopter tour from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan and arrange your own transfer (via shuttle or self-drive). These flights offer:

Spectacular aerial views of the Colorado River, rock formations, and canyon depths
Tour durations between 25 and 50 minutes
Options for early morning or sunset flights

Ask about Williams-based shuttle services to Tusayan if you don’t want to drive yourself.

4. Grand Canyon Hiking & Adventure Tours from Williams

Several regional outfitters operate **guided hiking tours** and **multi-day backpacking trips** with pickup options from Williams or self-drive rendezvous at the South Rim. These may include:

Day hikes on Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails
Rim walks and photography tours
Multi-night backpacking trips with gear and permit assistance

These are perfect for active travelers seeking a deeper connection with the canyon’s geology and ecosystems.

5. Self-Drive Grand Canyon Tours from Williams

If you have your own vehicle, it’s an easy 1.25-hour scenic drive (about 60 miles) to Grand Canyon South Rim via AZ-64 North. Along the way, you can stop at:

Valle, AZ: Visit the Planes of Fame Air Museum or grab a bite
Grand Canyon Gateway towns: Tusayan has dining, IMAX theater, and park info
Visitor Centers and Overlooks: Start at Mather Point for a jaw-dropping intro

Park your car and take the free Grand Canyon Shuttle Buses to easily access rim trails, museums, and scenic points.

6. Combination Tour Packages from Williams

Some travel providers offer **combo tour packages** from Williams that mix different Grand Canyon experiences, such as:

Train + bus tour at the South Rim
Train ride + helicopter flight (with transfer)
Train ride + overnight hotel stay + rim tour with lunch

These bundled tours are a great way to maximize your time and convenience while saving money on park fees, lodging, and transportation.

Plan Your Grand Canyon Trip from Williams, AZ

Book Early: Train seats and hotel rooms fill up fast in peak seasons (spring to fall).
Check Train Schedules: Daily departures around 9:30 AM, returns around 5:45 PM.
Dress for the Season: South Rim weather ranges from freezing in winter to 90°F+ in summer.
Grand Canyon Park Fee: Often included in guided tour or train ticket — double check.
Don’t Miss: Sunset at Hopi Point, lunch at El Tovar, or walking part of the Rim Trail.

Whether you're riding the historic Grand Canyon Railway, hopping on a bus tour, or planning a self-guided adventure, Williams, Arizona is a charming and convenient hub for your Grand Canyon vacation.

Ready to plan your tour? Reserve your spot early and prepare for an unforgettable trip to one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN OR DEPART FROM WILLIAMS

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

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Leaves from Flagstaff | Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided

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Bearizona Wildlife Park

Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year-round. Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3-mile drive-thru and Fort Bearizona. In the drive-thru, you will take your own vehicle or our Wild Ride Bus through pristine Natural habitats for many North American Species. In these free-roaming areas, you will see wolves, bears, bison, and many other large species that can come right up to your car. Where the drive-thru ends Fort Bearizona begins. Park your car and come on in. This is where you will find our smaller animals like river otters and bobcats. The barnyard, which is our petting zoo and fun for all ages. The Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey fly right over your head. All Shows which include animal meet-n-greets and training presentations. Big Bear Gift shop, over 8,000 sq feet of treasures and also housing Arizona's largest model train, a historically accurate replica of the railroad from Williams depot to the grand canyon. For dining options, we have the Bearizona Grill for a quick snack or our themed Canyonlands restaurant where you can sit and have a hot meal and a cold beverage overlooking our remarkable jaguar enclosure. You can Hop on our website for all current show times and we hope you can come visit us soon. Not only will you learn about lots of Awesome North American animals but you will also have an amazing time while you're doing it.

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Family-Friendly

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Grand Canyon Railway

Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation … More

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Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams

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9.9

Fun 66 Tours

Your unforgettable Route 66 adventure begins in Williams, AZ, known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming town was once a bustling stop on the Mother Road before I-40 bypassed it, leaving the town to find new ways to survive. This unique story of small-town resilience is part of what makes your journey so special, and along the way, you’ll learn all about the real-life inspiration for the Disney movie Cars. Meet the beloved Tow Mater for a fun photo op and see where the magic of Radiator Springs was born. Still more you’ll See Grand Canyon Caverns, learn of the Natives still living in Grand Canyon and much more!

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Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams | Professionally Guided

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Grand Canyon UTV Tours

YOU DRIVE one of our UTVs as you follow one of our expert guides taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our cross country leading to Grand Canyon is a full-day ride and our Verde River Tour is a 4-hour ride. All of our rides are radio-dispatched with check-in points to assure your safety and well-being. Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be following one of our expert guides leading the way. Don’t worry about breaking down, we have staff standing by to come to the rescue. What we are trying to say is just don’t worry as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ll see ya on the trail.