In 1901, before the Grand Canyon became a national park, a train based in Williams, Arizona, began taking travelers to the canyon that would go on to become one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
It’s a tradition that continues today, 125 years later. Each morning, the Grand Canyon Railway leaves the Williams train depot and makes its way over the vast Kaibab Plateau to the national park, giving travelers three hours to explore before making the return journey to Williams. Most trains are pulled by regular diesel-powered locomotives, but on select dates, travelers can experience what it’s like to ride behind a fully-restored vintage steam locomotive that dates back to the early 1900s.
This year, in celebration of the train’s 125th anniversary, more steam-powered departures have been added. From March to October, the steam train runs the first Saturday of the month, along with one other special operating day each month. The full 2026 schedule can be found here.
In addition, Xanterra Travel Collection, the railway operator, has announced a new onboard program designed to enhance the historic journey to and from the Grand Canyon. In Coach, railroad attendants use items like railroad spikes and timetables to bring the historic experience to life, while the cars themselves feature new interior graphics of the Grand Canyon.
The 65-mile trip departs from the Williams train depot and ends at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During the 2.5 hour journey, the train passes by sites like The Fray Marcos Hotel, a “Harvey House,” the San Francisco Peaks, and the Apex Station, which was the highest point on the Grand Canyon Railroad line. The train arrives in the Grand Canyon’s historic village on the South Rim where they can explore for just over three hours. The train departs the canyon in the afternoon, making the return trip back to Williams.
Since it is a full-day journey, most travelers spend the night at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, which is directly next door to the depot. The hotel opened alongside the railway in 1901 and continues to serve train travelers today. The hotel is located just off Route 66 and has special packages that include an overnight and train tickets.
Tickets for the special steam-powered train trips are limited and book out well in advance. Reservations can be made here, with tickets starting at just under $70 roundtrip.
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