Grand Canyon Railroad train or drive up to GC South? (Williams: rental, hotels)

[ILikeEveryone]

We are looking at doing a day trip to GC South. We have been to GC West and the Skywalk when it first opened.

1. Has anyone done the train ride from Williams to the GC and back to PHX in one day? Did you get to see enough of GC South during that one day trek?

2. Or, would it be better to drive up to the GC in our rental early in the morning, and just see the GC by ourselves following the map and taking their on-site buses?

3. Or, would it be best to do this trip in an overnight? We are early birds (on EST) and probably will be on the road before sunup. Is the train trip more for kids and families than older adults? I would hate to spend a lot of money on the train and have it be filled with little kids running up and down the aisles. I should mention this would be a Monday day trip in the middle of July.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[ReadyFreddy]

I did the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams and back (and back to Phx) in one day once. It was plenty of time there for me but I'm nervous around that gaping hole, especially with a kid around. I'd love to do a bike or hiking tour, if I go without kids some time.

I think it's fun for adults. It's an actual steam train with windows that open and the scenery is pretty. Depends on if that's your thing. There were plenty of kids but it wasn't like Romper Room. They stage a train robbery that is kind of corny but some like that.

[ILikeEveryone]

Okay, thank you. I read my post over and realize I sound like a kid hater, lol. Didn't mean to come off like that. It looks like fun from the website.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by ILikeEveryone

We are looking at doing a day trip to GC South. We have been to GC West and the Skywalk when it first opened.

1. Has anyone done the train ride from Williams to the GC and back to PHX in one day? Did you get to see enough of GC South during that one day trek?

2. Or, would it be better to drive up to the GC in our rental early in the morning, and just see the GC by ourselves following the map and taking their on-site buses?

3. Or, would it be best to do this trip in an overnight? We are early birds (on EST) and probably will be on the road before sunup. Is the train trip more for kids and families than older adults? I would hate to spend a lot of money on the train and have it be filled with little kids running up and down the aisles. I should mention this would be a Monday day trip in the middle of July.

Thanks for any suggestions.

We made the train trip from Williams to Grand Canyon about three years ago, and I think it was worth it. I completely understand your wanting to be around adults rather than unruly kids, and there is a solution for that. It costs a lot more, but you can buy a first class ticket ... and that will not only seat you near a higher class of people, but you have access to a food bar & drinks if I remember right. Still no guarantee that will avoid the rugrat problem completely, but the chances of that are far less in first class. Like I said many times before: you get what you pay for.

[ILikeEveryone]

Yes, I did look at the first class option and thought the same thing. And yes, you certainly do get what you pay for. Thanks.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

We made the train trip from Williams to Grand Canyon about three years ago, and I think it was worth it. I completely understand your wanting to be around adults rather than unruly kids, and there is a solution for that. It costs a lot more, but you can buy a first class ticket ... and that will not only seat you near a higher class of people, but you have access to a food bar & drinks if I remember right. Still no guarantee that will avoid the rugrat problem completely, but the chances of that are far less in first class. Like I said many times before: you get what you pay for.

Originally Posted by ILikeEveryone

Yes, I did look at the first class option and thought the same thing. And yes, you certainly do get what you pay for. Thanks.

Personally . . . I LOVE THE TRAIN and have taken it a number of times.

Are you a Triple A Member? If so, they have some great packages with First Class Upgrades at a great value. Some packages even include a night at the Train Station Hotel in Williams and meals.

Check 'em out.

[wit-nit]

Take the train ride, it is for all ages. It could be a once in a lifetime trip for your family. Kids and adults are not allowed to run up and down the aisles. The train robbers will see to that. Lots of activity on the train and scenic views to keep you occupied.
Enjoy...

[azdr0710]

try to plan to stay overnight at the South Rim in the village (not in Tusayan)...the train is now owned by the same concessionaire as at the South Rim, so I think you can get a package that includes the train and a room (they vary widely, by the way) at the rim...very much worth it to relax at the canyon, walk around a bit, decompress, and enjoy the views (better at sunset and just before) and not worry about catching the train in a few minutes or having to load up and drive back to Phx that day....

Grand Canyon Railway - The Official Site

and, for packages, scroll down on this page:

http://www.thetrain.com/Hotel-Packages-5692.html

[ILikeEveryone]

Thank you so much for the info. I think we will do an overnight package. Too bad all the hotels inside the park area are completely sold out.

[ILikeEveryone]

Update: We did the overnight package staying at the GC Railway hotel in Williams and taking the train into the canyon in the first class car the next morning. We are glad we did this as we enjoyed it very much. It was worth the extra money to go first class as it was quieter. They served fruit, danishes, coffee, soda on the way to the GC. On the way back they also had cheese, crackers, fruit, beverages which were complimentary. Alcoholic beverages were also available but not complimentary. The staff at the hotel as well as those on the train were very helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. And the GC South was just awesome. No photos can capture the beauty. You have to see it for yourself in person.

However, if we go back to the GC South Rim by ourselves again, we will get up very early morning and drive to the canyon. The only downside to taking the train into the GC is that your time is limited to about 3 hours before you have to go back. Next time we visit I would like to spend the entire day at the GC.