The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder in Northern Arizona carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is located in the Grand Canyon National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The South Rim is the most popular and accessible part of the park, making it the best place to visit the Grand Canyon if you're going there for the first time or starting your journey from Los Angeles. There are several ways to get from Los Angeles, California, to the Grand Canyon, including by car, plane, bus, train, shuttle, or tour. The distance between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon is about 660 km if flying. Keep reading to learn more about how to get from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon.
By Car
Step 1. Rent a car in Los Angeles if you don't have one.
Rent a car in Los Angeles if you don't have one. You can rent a vehicle at the airport or at rental locations in the city or suburbs. A credit card will be required to rent the car.
Step 2. Find Interstate 40 (I-40) from your starting location.
Locate Interstate 40 (I-40) from your starting point. Get on I-40 and drive to Williams, Arizona. The distance will be about 676 km.
Step 3. Take Arizona State Route 64 (AZ-64) north of Williams, Arizona.
Take Arizona State Route 64 (AZ-64) north of Williams, Arizona. Drive about 96 km, and you'll reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The total travel time for this route is about 8 hours.
- This is the most direct route to the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles, as other modes of transport require passing through Flagstaff, Arizona.
- You can also continue on I-40 to Flagstaff and then take Route 180 to the Grand Canyon. Travel time for this route will be an additional hour.
By Train
Step 1. Visit Amtrak's website, amtrak.com, and book tickets from Los Angeles to Flagstaff.
Go to Amtrak's website, amtrak.com, and book tickets from Los Angeles to Flagstaff. The station codes are LAX and FLG. A debit or credit card will be needed to purchase tickets.
- Choose a date. The train from Los Angeles to Flagstaff usually runs daily, departing at 6:15 PM and arriving in Flagstaff the next morning around 5:30 AM.
Step 2. Book a bus tour or shuttle that runs from Flagstaff.
Book a bus tour or shuttle that operates from Flagstaff. Call the Grand Canyon shuttle service at 888-215-3105 to check the schedule or reserve a spot.
- "Open Road Tours" runs buses on this route most days. They also offer tours on historical trains or airplane tours. These tours can cost between $50 and $500, depending on the length of the tour and the mode of transport.
Step 3. Arrive at the station a day before your trip.
You should arrive at the station a day before your trip. The "Union Station" is located at 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Board the overnight train.
Step 4. Wait in Flagstaff until your tour begins.
Wait in Flagstaff until your tour begins. It’s a 128 km journey to the Grand Canyon from there. The train ride and tour will take about 10-15 hours of your time.
By Bus
Step 1. Visit the Greyhound website, Greyhound.com.
Visit the Greyhound website, Greyhound.com. Look for bus routes from Los Angeles to Flagstaff for your preferred travel date. There are about 6 buses on this route, so you can choose the one with the best price and most convenient schedule.
- The fare will range from $60 to $90. You can save money by booking your ticket online in advance.
Step 2. Book a tour or shuttle from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
Book a tour or shuttle from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Call the Grand Canyon shuttle service at 888-215-3105 to check the schedule or reserve a spot.
Step 3. Arrive at the Greyhound station in Los Angeles a day before your trip.
Arrive at the Greyhound station in Los Angeles a day before your trip begins. The station is located at 1716 East 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021. You will reach Flagstaff by bus in about 10-14 hours.
Step 4. Travel from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by either tour or shuttle.
By Plane
Step 1. Book a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Flagstaff (FLG).
Book a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Flagstaff (FLG). You may need to make a connection in Phoenix, Arizona. Flights to the Grand Canyon airport often come from Nevada.
- Flagstaff Airport is served by airlines including Mesa, US Airways, Ameriflight, and Empire Airlines.
- Flight times range from 4 to 6 hours. This seems to be the most expensive way to get from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon, with fares typically ranging from $400 to $600.
Step 2. Take a tour or shuttle from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
