For the first time ever this summer, the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) welcomes children ages two to 15 years old to its Observation Dome-class cars. In addition, the GCR debuts a sixth class of service in Pullman cars for an affordable $59 for adults and $29 for children round-trip.
From the day’s start to finish, guests will be captivated with the splendor of the passing landscapes of the Colorado Plateau and wildlife during a 65-mile journey to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Prior to boarding the train, an interactive Wild West show gives guests a taste of history and sets the stage for entertainment throughout the trip, which includes strolling musicians and knowledgeable train attendants. Children aboard the train will also enjoy coloring books and puzzles throughout the ride.
Guests may choose from six classes of service, from vintage 1920s Pullman class to varying levels of Coach, Observation Dome to Luxury Parlor. The Pullman class is the newest class of cars to be offered to guests of the Grand Canyon Railway. Fares are an affordable $59 for adults and $29 for children ages 15 and younger. On the first Saturday of each month through September, guests may experience the Grand Canyon Railway by a steam engine, which runs on recycled waste vegetable oil and offers all six classes of service. A special steam run on September 21 is also available to honor the train’s 112th birthday.
Observation Dome-class service allows passengers to ride in a 1950s era glass-enclosed streamliner with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside in the comfort of padded high-back chairs while enjoying light refreshments, snacks and a sparkling wine toast on the return trip. Should riders wish to experience a different class of service while riding the Grand Canyon Railway, upgrades are also available for one direction of travel. Upgrading to a different service must be scheduled prior to boarding the train.
Trains depart daily at 9:30 a.m. from the Railway’s historic 1908 depot in Williams, Arizona and return at 3:30 p.m. with a three-and-a-half-hour period to explore South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Overnight packages and in-park tours are also available featuring Maswik Lodge accommodations. From now through October fares for the Observation Dome-class round-trip rides are offered at $170 for adults and $140 for children ages 2 to 15 years old. These fares also apply to the steam locomotive excursions on the first Saturday.
