Grand Canyon Railway Hotel & RV Park

233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.

Williams, AZ 86046

1-800-THE-TRAIN (800-843-8724)

Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been taking passengers on a fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on caringly restored rail cars. Out your window, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie, prairie to pine and finally pine to the Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon will truly take your breath away!

Enjoy the Privilege of a Private Steam Train

This special train is chartered for the exclusive use by NMRA Members and guests.  Ride with your fellow railroading enthusiasts.  On your return to Williams, the train will stop for passengers to disembark and shoot photos of a run-by up a 4 percent grade.  Convention attendees may also participate in the Engine House tour on Friday.

 

What makes The Grand Canyon Special different from other trains out of Williams, AZ?

 

The Grand Canyon Railroad operates daily train service from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon.  On the first Saturday of each month, they offer a steam train as well, but it is actually a double headed train with both the steam engine and a diesel behind.  There are many factors that make the Grand Canyon Special a truly unique experience:

1.Truly all Steam powered train—just like the “old” days

2.Engine house tour prior to the train ride (on Friday) (Convention Attendees Only)

3.Exclusive to NMRA members and guests

4.Early morning departure for cooler temperatures-and beat the crowd at the Canyon.

5.Photo run by at Mile marker 4, “The Pumpkin Patch”

The train will be comprised of Mikado 4960 and tender on point, a Coach Car, a Pullman, a Cafe Car, a First Class Car Buickey O'Neal and a Luxury Car Santa Fe.

passenger train

Choose from Four Classes of Service

Pullman Class

Pullman Class

This is the "Steam Lovers" car. It is second behind the engine providing a better photo angle around the bends while providing the  sights, sounds and smells of the steam engine. Experience train travel circa 1923 in our classic rail cars that have bench style seating and windows that open for your enjoyment.

This is a Harriman Style car built by the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1923.  These cars served their entire career on the San Jose to San Francisco commuter run, before being retired to the Oakland California yards in 1984. It was acquired then by GCRR

 

Coach Class

Coach Class

This is the first car in our consist.  Travel to the canyon in streamlined cars made in the 1950's with big windows and air conditioning.  This car is ADA accessible.

This a Budd coach that started out with the Boston & Maine Railway and were called "Highliners."  It was converted to the current non-powered coach configuration in 1983 and used in the Metropolitan Boston Transit Authority then the Virginia Rail Express for commuter service out of Washington DC, before being acquired by the GCRR.

 

First Class

First Class (Sold Out)

The "Bucky O'Neil" is the first car in our consist is the which features over sized seats, big Windows and has A/C. There is a cash bar in the back of the car that will serve water, sodas  and alcoholic drinks to all passenger classes.  Pre-ordered lunches will be obtained here as well.

This car was delivered to the Southern Railway in 1949 where it served on the so-called "varnish" passenger trains like the Southerner, Tennessean, and the Royal Palm and went on to serve on the Alaskan Railroad before coming the GCR.  The name of this car honors the GCR original founder, Buckey O'Neil, who lobbied for many years to get train tracks laid to the Canyon.

 

Luxury Parlor

Luxury Parlor (Sold Out)

Travel like a rail baron in our plush parlor car, "Santa Fe." This car features sofa-like seating and a private cash bar serving refreshments throughout the trip.

The Santa Fe was built in 1948 for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad. The car was acquired in 1956 by the Rock Island line where it served until the end of passenger service in 1978. After nearly 10 years in storage, the Santa Fe was sold to the Roaring Fork Railway where it was remodeled as a luxury parlor lounge. It was the leased to Copper Canyon Tours, leased again in 2002 to the Acadian Railroad.   GCR became the proud owner in 2004, and it reentered service as Santa Fe shortly thereafter.

 Grand Canyon Railroad Policies

  • Passengers should arrive 30 minute prior to scheduled departure—Train leaves on schedule and does not wait for late arrivals!
  • Smoking is not permitted on the train at any time.
  • No pets are allowed with the exception of service animals.
  • Adults only (No youths or Infants) are permitted in the Luxury Car.

GCRR Train Fares

  • All passengers must be either an NMRA member or invited guest (a 9-month NMRA membershipis  available as part of this registration).
  • There is a cars show in Williams on Saturday, so arrive early for best parking.
  • All adult passengers (not youths or infants) must pay $15 park entrance fee or provide valid Park Card
  • Preordered Turkey sandwich box lunch is available for $20.
  • The First Class car is ADA Compliant, but not all areas of the Grand Canyon are ADA Compliant.