Want to return to the Old West? Then jump aboard the Grand Canyon Railway from the Williams Depot, like we did! Sure, we could’ve driven to the Grand Canyon on our own but to make it more unique and special, it’s always more comfortable to let someone do the driving. When in your life can you have an opportunity to experience a vintage train on a century-old rail line?

Photo by AAA

Don’t miss the 9:00am Wild West Shootout before boarding.

DID YOU KNOW: The train first arrived at the South Rim on September 17, 1901. – The Train

We decided on taking the Observation Dome to the Grand Canyon. There are 5 Classes of Passenger Service on The Train – Coach, First Class, Observation Dome, Luxury Parlor and Luxury Dome. Good news is that whatever you choose, you don’t have to do it round trip. For instance, if we kept our Observation Dome seats roundtrip it would’ve been $170/per person (without taxes and the discounts). But… by combining the Observation Dome to the Grand Canyon and experiencing Coach Class on the return trip both of us combined was only $219.15 (taxes and discounts applied)!

Looks like I’m passing First Class…

Found our seats in the Observation Dome: 17A and 17B

A nice touch… seems like the entire staff of this charming train depot were standing outside waving us off and holding up signs to have a great day!

Looking forward to the panoramic views and scenery on this vintage glass-enclosed streamliner car!! Most of the trip has little to no access to Wifi or cell service so it was a nice change of pace to see everyone enjoying the journey instead of their focus on their mobile or tablets. The only time they took out any electronics was to video tape or snap pictures. That’s the way to do it!

Here we have Jesse entertaining us with his banjo.

Time for some breakfast munchies – Complimentary fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice. You can also ask for advice on getting around once you arrive at the Grand Canyon. The staff are happy to help whether you’re going for the best views, for a bite to eat or take in a hike!

Snack at your seat…

or at the food parlor.

Next time, either request front seats of the Observation Dome or the very back seats for views like these:

Check out all the old telegraph poles!

Moo-mooos. Wow the terrain changed from pine to prairie, prairie to high desert…

Where the antelope play…

• 9:30am Depart Williams
• 11:45am Arrive Grand Canyon
• 3:30pm Depart Grand Canyon
• 5:45pm Arrive Williams

• Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Canyon Village, AZ) - 2013