We Took the Train to the Grand Canyon… Was It Worth It?

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We Took the Train to the Grand Canyon… Was It Actually Worth It?

Most people drive to the Grand Canyon.

We didn’t.

Instead… we decided to try something completely different — taking the train from Williams, Arizona.

And honestly… we weren’t sure what to expect.

Was this going to be one of those “touristy things” that sounds better than it actually is?

Or was this going to be one of those experiences that you walk away from thinking…

“Okay… that was actually really cool.”

Turns out… it was a little bit of both.

What Is the Grand Canyon Railway?

The Grand Canyon Railway is a historic train that runs from Williams, Arizona all the way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Instead of dealing with traffic, parking, and long lines…

You hop on the train… sit back… and let someone else do the driving.

Sounds simple.

But the experience is actually way more than just transportation.

Choosing Your Train Car (This Actually Matters)

One thing we didn’t fully appreciate going into this…

You’ve actually got different train car options, and they can really change your experience.

Depending on what you choose, you’re getting a very different vibe:

Pullman Class (Budget / Historic)
Classic 1920s-style rail cars with bench seating and windows that open (no A/C).
Coach Class (Most Popular)
1950s-era cars with large windows and air conditioning — comfortable and practical for most travelers.
First Class (Upgrade Experience)
Oversized seats, more space, bar service, and complimentary snacks.
Observation Dome (Best Views)
Glass-domed upper level with panoramic views, plus snacks and drinks included.
Luxury Dome Class (Premium + Views)
Combines dome views upstairs with a lounge downstairs, snacks, drinks, and a champagne toast.
Luxury Parlor Class (Top Tier Experience)
Private bar, plush seating, and access to an open-air rear platform — the most exclusive option.

For us, this is one of those “what kind of trip do you want?” decisions.

If you just want to get to the Grand Canyon — coach is totally fine.

But if you want the ride itself to be part of the experience… upgrading might be worth it.

We went with the Coach Class, which was very comfortable and affordable.

Staying Right Next to the Train (Huge Bonus for RVers)

Now this is where it gets really interesting for RVers…

You can stay at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, and it’s literally right next to the train.

Like… you can walk there.

No packing up the truck
No driving across town
No dealing with parking

Just wake up… grab your coffee… and walk over.

That alone makes this whole thing way easier than we expected.

A Really Cool Idea We Didn’t Expect (Family Meetup Spot)

This was something we didn’t think about until we were there…

This could be an awesome family meetup destination.

Here’s why:

You stay at the RV park
Family stays at the hotel next door
Everyone takes the train together

It works for:

RVers
Non-RVers
People flying in

Everyone gets their own setup… but you still share the experience.

And honestly… that’s kind of rare.

Keeping an Eye on Hugo While We Were on the Train

This is something we don’t always talk about… but it matters anytime you leave your RV.

That’s where Waggle came in clutch on this trip.

We were able to keep an eye on Hugo while we were on the train, which made it a whole lot easier to actually relax and enjoy the experience.

If you’ve ever left your pet in the RV, you know the feeling…
“Is it getting too hot in there?”
“Did the power go out?”
“Are they okay?”

Waggle takes that stress completely off your plate.

✔ Real-time temperature monitoring inside your RV
✔ Instant alerts if things get too hot or too cold
✔ Works off its own cellular connection (so you’re not relying on campground WiFi)
✔ Lets you check in from anywhere — even while you’re out exploring for the day

For us, it’s less about the tech… and more about the peace of mind.
Because when Hugo’s good… we’re good.

🐾 Waggle Pet Temperature Monitor (this is what we used to keep an eye on Hugo from the train):