One of the easiest ways to explore the Grand Canyon is by using the Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus! You can park your car in a central location and then use the free bus service to get out and explore the park.
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Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Guide
Parking can be an adventure during busy times in the park and this is a great way to save yourself the headache of driving up and down parking lines waiting for a spot to open.
When you arrive at the entrance to the park you should receive a South Rim Guide Map and Services pocket map and guide. This guide includes the current bus route map, bus information, and times that buses stop at each location.
Accessible Buses
Buses are equipped with ramps to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs smaller than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 by 122 cm). Most motorized scooters will not fit on the buses.
If your scooter or wheelchair does not fit on the bus or you have concerns about accessibility you can request a pass at the Back Country Office for driving access to some gated areas within the park.
You can also pick up an Accessibility Guide at the Verkamp's Visitor Center or the activity desks in the Bright Angel Lodge lobby and the Maswik Lodge Lobby.
The Rim Trail is wheelchair-accessible from Lookout Studio to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Helpful Tips
The Grand Canyon Shuttle Buses are white with a green stripe. The bus route will is displayed on the LED screen on the front and side of the bus.
No tickets are needed to get on the bus. You may have to wait in line for a spot on the bus.
Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes
The routes connect to each other but do not overlap. Make sure you know which bus you need to take.
There is no eating or drinking on the bus.
Service dogs are permitted (as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act) are allowed on the Grand Canyon Shuttle Buses. Pets are not allowed on board.
Shuttle bus stops are about a mile apart. You can enjoy Grand Canyon views along the rim of Grand Canyon then pick up the bus at the next stop.
If you are visiting during July and August which is the monsoon season you will want to be prepared for the weather!
Check out all of our Grand Canyon National Park travel posts for more information and help in planning your trip to Arizona!
Free Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Routes
The free shuttle bus provides transportation but is not a tour of the Grand Canyon. There are four routes that take you to different areas within Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring Tusayan.
Please note that even though the free shuttle bus routes are given color designations on the map the buses are not painted to match the routes. Make sure that you are hopping on the right bus!
The cost of the shuttle bus is part of the National Park Service fee that you pay at the entrance.
Village Route - Blue Route
The Village Route operates year-round from 1 hour before sunrise. The bus route ending time depends on the time of year you are visiting. The round trip Village Route takes 50 minutes to complete and provides transportation to the visitor facilities within the South Rim Village.
Blue Route Highlights
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center
- Market Plaza
- Shrine of the Ages/Park Headquarters
- El Tovar/Hopi House/Train Depot
- Village Amphitheater
- Verkamp’s Visitor Center
- Bright Angel and Maswik lodges
- Lookout Studio
- Kolb Studio
- Bright Angel Trail
- Backcountry Information Center
- Mather Campground/Trailer Village
Kaibab Rim Route - Orange Route
The Kaibab Trail Route operates year-round every 10 to 15 minutes from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunrise. The round trip Kaibab Trail Route takes 50 minutes. This free bus offers transportation to and from Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead off Desert View Drive which is closed to private vehicles.
Orange Route Highlights
- Mather Point
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- South Kaibab Trailhead
- Yaki Point
- Pipe Creek Vista
Hermit's Road/Rest Route - Red Route
The Hermit's Rest Route runs from March 1st to November 30th. There is no service from December 1st to February 28th. The buses run from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.
The round trip Hermit's Rest Route takes 80 minutes. The return route from Hermit's Rest only stops at Pima, Mohave and Powell Points. This route provides transportation to various overlooks along the West Rim Trail.
Red Route Highlights
- Canyon Rim Trail
- Greenway Trail
- Trailview Overlook
- Powell Memorial
- Mohave Point
- The Abyss
- Pima Point
- Hermits Rest
- Hermit Trail
Tusayan Route - Purple Route
The Tusayan Route provides the opportunity to travel to or from the park by bus to the gateway town of Tusayan located south of the park. If you are traveling from Tusayan into the park the route ends at the visitor center/ Grand Canyon Village where you can transfer to one of the other bus routes.
This route is available seasonally so make sure to check your South Rim Guide and Services pocket map for current times during your visit. The Tusayan Route takes 4o minutes round trip with several stops in Tusayan. The bus runs every 20 minutes with the first stop at the IMAX Theater in Tusayan at 8 am and the final bus at 9:45 pm.
The first bust leaving the Grand Canyon Visitor Center heading towards Tusayan leaves at 8:25 am and the final bus leaves at 9:30 pm.
You will need to show proof of entrance fee payment when boarding the bus. If you have not purchased a pass you will need to pay for one before boarding the Tusayan route.
Purple Route Stops
- IMAX Theater/ R.P.'s Stage Stop
- Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
- The Grand Hotel
- Big E Steakhouse and Saloon
Hiker Express Shuttle
The hiker express shuttle is an early morning shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead. The Hiker Express Shuttle leaves from the Bright Angel Lodge bus stop on the hour.
1st stop - Bright Angel Lodge
2nd stop - Backcountry Information Center
3rd stop - Grand Canyon Visitor Center
4th stop - South Kaibab Trailhead
Hiker Express Shuttle Bus Times
Bus leaves Bright Angel Lodge at:
7 am, 8 am, 9 am in March
6 am, 7 am, 8 am in April
5 am, 6 am, 7 am in May
4 am, 5 am, 6 am in June, July, August
5 am, 6 am, 7 am in September
6 am, 7 am, 8 am in October
7 am, 8 am, 9 am in November
8 am, 9 am in December, January, February
We hope that this Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus guide helps you have the best time in the Grand Canyon.
Additional Grand Canyon National Park Information & Resources
Grand Canyon National Park Lodging
There are multiple National Park Lodges within the Grand Canyon National Park. Choosing which lodge to stay in depends mainly on the parts of the park you're hoping to explore!
South Rim Lodging Options
🏨Ready to Book the El Tovar -> Click Here
This Registered National Historic Landmark was first built in 1905 (when it welcomed President Theodore Roosevelt) and renovated in 2005.
With rooms that have a great view of the landscape, the rustic and charming architecture of the El Tovar became a blueprint for many lodges in National Parks across the US.
It is home to a concierge service, a fine-dining restaurant, a gift shop, and more.
🏨Ready to Book the Yavapai Lodge -> Click Here
It is one of the lodges in the Grand Canyon that looks unassuming but will surprise you in the best way possible.
You'll be accommodated with the best service, and if you get lucky (like we did), you might even spot an Elk on the grounds of the lodge itself.
🏨Ready to Book the Bright Angel Lodge -> Click Here
One of the top places to stay in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Bright Angel Lodge is home to the Arizona Room (a lovely fine-dining joint with a view) as well as an ice-cream parlor.
It is the closest lodging option close to the famous Bright Angel Trail, and here you can also rent one of the log cabins if you're looking for a fun romantic getaway.
Kachina Lodge & Thunderbird Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Kachina Lodge -> Click Here
🏨Ready to Book the Thunderbird Lodge -> Click Here
If you're in search of accommodation for big groups and families, the Kachina and Thunderbird lodges are the ones for you.
They're located near the edge of the South Rim within proximity of the El Tovar Hotel. With their central location, you'll have easy access to trails restaurants and even have scenic vistas of the Canyon in all its splendor.
🏨Ready to Book the Maswik Lodge -> Click Here
Located near the canyon edge in the Ponderosa Pine forest is a modern, motel-style cabin called Maswik Lodge.
With its rich history and culture, this lodge has in-house dining, a gift shop, and easy access to trails. Reservations are recommended to be made up to a year in advance.
Bottom of Grand Canyon Lodging
Phantom Ranch
Located north of the Bright Angel Campground, this lodge is a popular spot amongst overnight hikers, mule riders, river rafting groups, and more!
The Phantom Ranch, considered one of the nation's top National park lodges, is a favorite among tourists, so make your reservations in advance.
North Rim Lodging Options
Sadly, on July 12, 2025 The Grand Canyon Lodge on the north rim was completely lost as it caught fire in the Dragon Bravo Fire. Approximately 50 to 80 structures were lost and has led to the closure of the North Rim to all public access for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Closed in the winter, the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge is the only in-park accommodation in the North Rim part of the Grand Canyon.
It's well sought-out so book your rooms at least a year in advance. The cozy and rustic design, coupled with the limestone architecture, genuinely brings the canyons' natural beauty into the lodge itself.
Lodging near Grand Canyon National Park
For the South Rim, the closest lodging can be found in Tusayan, Arizona.
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel -> Click Here
Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar at Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at JJKs, the onsite family restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
Red Feather Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Red Feather Lodge -> Click Here
Take advantage of laundry facilities, a bar, and a gym at Red Feather Lodge. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Plaza Bonita, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
The Grand Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Grand Hotel -> Click Here
At The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to shopping on site, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Canyon Star Steakhouse, features American cuisine and happy hour. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.
Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG
🏨Ready to Book the Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG -> Click Here
Consider a stay at Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and take advantage of a coffee shop/café, a garden, and an arcade/game room. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Free in-room Wi-Fi, with speed of 25+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a fireplace in the lobby.
Click on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park Guided Tours
45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability
Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that whisks you from the Grand Canyon's South Rim to the North Rim. Through the ECO-Star helicopter's panoramic windows, see the world's largest Ponderosa Pines in Kaibab National Forest and the Mighty Colorado River. Snap photos of the Painted Desert, Decert View Watchtower, Marble Canyon, and Point Imperial before your return flight takes you through the dramatic backdrop of the Dragon Corridor.
Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner Included
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Unleash your inner explorer with veteran local Eric Albanese. Immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, rich history, and fascinating geology. You will embark on a scenic 20-mile tour tracing the South Rim of the canyon, stopping at 4-5 locations.
You can relax in luxury with WI-FI, snacks, and hot or cold drinks while listening to the great detail that your guide has learned during the 10 years of living in the Grand Canyon area. Get up close to the canyon's stunning views with high-powered Celestron binoculars. You will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at We Cook Pizza and Pasta.
Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour
⭐️ Rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3-4 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
Leave behind Grand Canyon National Park's hordes of tourists with this self-guided tour - all you need is your smartphone. You can explore exactly when you choose, you will be taken along 30+ stops, learning all about the UNESCO site's history, geology, flora, and fauna. Consider it to be like traveling with a pocket sized park expert.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!
Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
$8.00 per person for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$8.00 per person for vehicles with a capacity of 1-25
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Additional Resources
Things to do Grand Canyon - The top things to do in Grand Canyon that you don't want to miss during your trip!
Grand Canyon Restaurants - South Rim - Check out all the delicious places to enjoy a meal during your trip.
Grand Canyon Winter - If you are heading to the park in the winter make sure to plan ahead.
Arizona National Park - Check out all of the amazing National Parks in Arizona you can visit. So many are close to the Grand Canyon!
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