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.
Here are my top finds for Grand Canyon National Park:
🏨Hotels: El Tovar, Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
📍Tours: 45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Park Alert: Several Park Locations closed from a Flash Flood That Occured on 8/31/26
- All Overnight Lodging inside the South Rim including: El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge (Ongoing Water infrastructure impacts).
- Limited Lodging might be available in Tusayan (Just outside the Parks South Entrance Gate) at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites.
- The NPS hopes to have water running again on November 16, 2026 and overnight loddging might begin a phased reopening around Tanksgiving (November 26, 2026) pending successful water system restoration.
- Trailer Village RV Park
- Phantom Ranch, Cabins, canteen, and facilities closed.
- Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground (inside the canyon)
- North Kaibab Trail is entirely closed from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
- River Crossings: The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorago River are closed
- Inner-Canyon Areas: Supai Tunnel, Manzanita Day Use Area, and Phantom Delta Areas remain Restreicted.
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.
Lodging Options in Grand Canyon National Park
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The El Tovar - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A National Historic Landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America, sitting just 20 feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon and widely regarded as the finest hotel inside any national park in America since opening its doors in 1905!
Designed as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa and built from local limestone and Oregon pine, the El Tovar has hosted Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. All 78 individually designed rooms and suites feature air conditioning, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms, with select canyon-view suites featuring private balconies perched directly above the rim. The El Tovar Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with canyon views, the lounge bar is perfect for post-hike cocktails, and a gift shop, curio shop, newsstand, and concierge round out the amenities. Free area shuttle, free parking, and room service available. No elevator, no pets, open year-round.
⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Yavapai Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Tucked in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest just a 10-minute walk from Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Rim Trail!
Split between two sections, Yavapai East offers air-conditioned rooms with ADA accessible options and family rooms with bunk beds sleeping up to 6, while Yavapai West features cozy ceiling fan rooms in single-story buildings with pet-friendly options and a Pets in the Park welcome package. Two restaurants serve breakfast through dinner, the Yavapai Tavern pours drinks from noon to 9 PM, and a Starbucks opens at 6 AM for early-rising hikers. Additional amenities include a lobby fireplace, gift shop, EV and Tesla charging stations, free area shuttle, free WiFi, and free parking. One of the most family and pet-friendly in-park lodges in the entire national park system!
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Bright Angel Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
A National Historic Landmark designed by the legendary Mary Colter in 1935, sitting directly on the South Rim at the top of the famous Bright Angel Trailhead with the most affordable rim-side lodging inside Grand Canyon!
The 90 rooms and cabins range from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared baths to charming private rim cabins featuring gas fireplaces and partial canyon views, making this the best value for money of any in-park lodge at the Grand Canyon. Three on-site dining options include the Harvey House Cafe serving diner classics all day in the Fred Harvey tradition, the Arizona Room with Southwestern cuisine, and the Canyon Coffee House for shade-grown organic espresso and cappuccino before hitting the trail. Evening drinks and seasonal live entertainment at the Bright Angel Bar round out the experience perfectly. Also on site: a small history museum, gift shop, ice cream fountain, tour and mule ride booking desk, free WiFi in public areas, and free parking. No elevator, no pets, no air conditioning in standard rooms, open year-round!
⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Kachina Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Thunderbird Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Two sister lodges built in 1968 as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program, sitting directly on the South Rim in the heart of Grand Canyon Village's Historic District, steps from the Bright Angel Trailhead and Rim Trail!
Their distinctive stair-stepped concrete facades were intentionally designed to mirror the layered rock formations of the canyon walls below, blending beautifully into the rim rather than competing with it. Both offer the same clean, comfortable modern rooms with Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen satellite TVs, in-room safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and free WiFi, with select canyon-side rooms at Kachina featuring partial Grand Canyon views. Free area shuttle and free parking included.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars -Maswik Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Tucked among several acres of ponderosa pine forest just a quarter mile from the South Rim with a free Village shuttle stop right at the lobby door!
Named after the Hopi Kachina spirit said to guard the Grand Canyon, Maswik features 280 rooms split between two sections. The newly renovated Maswik South, completed in 2022, features interior corridors, full elevator access, private patios and balconies, and spacious kitchenettes with a cooktop, microwave, apartment-sized fridge, coffee maker, and utensils, making it a great pick for families and extended stays. All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and free WiFi. The Maswik Food Court serves breakfast through dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the Pizza Pub pours cold beer and wood-fired pies. Also on site: gift shop, ATM, EV charging, RV parking, free area shuttle, and free self-parking.
Lodging in Tusayan, Arizona (Just outside Grand Canyon's south entrance)
⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availability
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.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - The Grand Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availabity
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.
Click on this link or 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: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (2,024+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability
No ground-level view prepares you for the scale of the Grand Canyon from the air. This 45-minute flight with Maverick Helicopters departs from Tusayan, crosses the Kaibab National Forest, follows the Colorado River upstream past the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower, and flies through the Dragon Corridor, the canyon's widest and deepest section, before returning south. More than 2,000 reviewers call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Multiple departure times available. Likely to sell out, especially in peak season.
3-Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to the Grand Canyon
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,000+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚙🌅 Check Rates and Availability
The most popular guided tour at the South Rim. A 4WD safari vehicle takes small groups through the back roads of the Kaibab National Forest, bypassing the crowded south entrance gate on permits held since 1993, with stops at Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Grandview Point for the sunset. Guides earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Blankets provided. Maximum 12 guests. Departs two hours before sunset. Booked an average of 44 days in advance.
Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳ 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.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!
Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Grand Canyon National Park Resources
- Complete Guide to exploring Grand Canyon National Park
- Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Canyon Winter Guide
- Grand Canyon Restaurants
- Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Guide
- Grand Canyon Lodging Guide
- Grand Canyon Camping Guide
Parks near National Park
- Wupatki National Monument
- Navajo National Monument
- Pipe Springs National Monument
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Hubbel Trading Post National Historic Site
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Tuzigoot National Monument
Check out all of the Arizona National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Utah, National Parks in New Mexico, California National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Nevada National Parks
Check out this list of US National Parks to count how many you have visited!
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