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Arizona "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Williams!

Published: November 8, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Grand Canyon Railway is more than a means of getting to one of the world’s natural wonders—it’s an experience that transports you through time, landscape, and Americana. Operating between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, this 65-mile route blends history, hospitality, and sweeping views into a day trip that feels both effortless and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a classic visit to the canyon or seeking seasonal magic aboard the official “The Polar Express,” the railway delivers a memorable journey for families, couples, and railfans alike.

Grand Canyon Railway 2-8-2 #4960 is northbound near Willaha, Arizona's Kaibab Plateau on May 15, 2011. Drew Jacksich photo.

The line dates back to the golden era of railroading. Originally built by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, passenger service began in 1901 and quickly became the preferred way to reach the Grand Canyon. Fred Harvey hospitality, iconic park architecture, and the romance of rail drew travelers from across the world. By the late 1960s, changing travel habits ended regular service, and the line went quiet in 1968. In 1989, entrepreneurs Max and Thelma Biegert revived the railroad as a heritage passenger line, restoring the Williams Depot and bringing the route back to life. Today, it’s operated by Xanterra Travel Collection, which also manages several South Rim lodges, helping integrate rail travel with in-park experiences.

Part of the railway’s charm is its balanced embrace of history and sustainability. On select dates, the railroad runs steam excursions using Chicago, Burlington & Quincy locomotive no. 4960, a 2-8-2 “Mikado” meticulously restored and converted to burn waste vegetable oil. Paired with water conservation and other environmental initiatives, those steam days offer nostalgia with a modern conscience, drawing enthusiasts without compromising the fragile high-desert ecosystem.

The journey begins in Williams, a Route 66 town about an hour west of Flagstaff. The Williams Depot, steps from the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, sets the mood with period details and live entertainment. Once aboard, you’ll settle in for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes of gentle railroading across ponderosa forests, open prairies, and high-country vistas. The elevation climbs from roughly 6,800 feet in Williams to around 7,000 feet at the South Rim, so expect clear air, big skies, and abundant wildlife—elk, pronghorn, and birds of prey are frequent sights. At trip’s end, the train rolls into the historic Grand Canyon Depot—one of the only operating log depots in the United States—right in the heart of Grand Canyon Village.

Classes of service give you flexibility in budget and experience. Coach offers comfortable, family-friendly seating with large windows and attentive hosts. First Class upgrades the comfort with larger seats and complimentary soft drinks and light snacks. Observation Dome cars, with their curved glass ceilings, are favorites for photographers and anyone who wants an immersive view of the landscape. For adults seeking a refined touch, the Luxury Dome and Luxury Parlor (often 18+) feature premium seating, a bar, and, in some cases, access to an open-air rear platform—an unforgettable perch for savoring the approach to the canyon.

Entertainment on board is playful and distinctly Western. Musicians stroll the aisles with classic cowboy tunes, and, on many return trips, a staged “train robbery” by the Cataract Creek Gang brings laughter and lighthearted theatrics (you’ll see a lawman intervene, of course). It’s all designed to delight without detracting from the main event: the scenery and the anticipation of stepping out at the South Rim for your first look into the canyon’s vastness.

Convenience is a major reason travelers choose the railway over driving. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel sits across from the depot, making it easy to park your car and let the train handle the rest. Packages often include lodging in Williams, rail tickets, motorcoach connections inside the park, and, in some cases, accommodations at South Rim lodges like Maswik or Bright Angel. This integration streamlines planning, reduces the hassle of parking inside the national park, and ensures you maximize your time at the rim. The railway offers ADA-accessible options, and a pet resort near the depot can care for your animals while you’re at the canyon (service animals are welcome on board).

Each season brings a different flavor to the ride. Spring showcases fresh greens and cool breezes, with lingering snow on distant peaks. Summer offers long daylight hours and the possibility of dramatic monsoon clouds in July and August. Fall paints the high country in warm tones and crisp air. Winter can be magical—especially if snow dusts the ponderosas and the canyon rim—adding a serene quiet to the landscape. Regular trains often run daily in peak seasons, with reduced schedules in winter; check the timetable and build in time at the rim between the morning arrival and afternoon return.

From mid-November into December (and often through early January), the Grand Canyon Railway becomes home to the official “The Polar Express” train rides—a family favorite inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the beloved film. This licensed experience captures the spirit of the story while leveraging the railway’s expertise in hospitality and performance. Trains depart after dark, setting the stage for twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and the wonder of a nighttime adventure through the pines.

What happens on board The Polar Express? Pajama-clad families find their seats as chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. A reading of the book and music from the soundtrack bring the story to life while the train glides toward a festively lit “North Pole.” Outside your window, you’ll pass holiday scenes before Santa himself boards the train to visit each car. Children receive the iconic silver sleigh bell—a keepsake and a test of belief—while caroling and cheerful banter fill the aisles on the return trip. The journey lasts about 90 minutes roundtrip, perfect for young attention spans without feeling rushed.

Because The Polar Express is so popular, advance reservations are essential—many departures sell out early, especially on weekends and close to the holidays. Multiple classes of service are typically offered; Coach provides a great value, while upgraded classes may feature roomier seating and added amenities. Accessibility is a priority, but let the reservations team know your needs so they can place you in the right car. Arrive early to enjoy the decorated depot, take photos, and ease the boarding process. And yes, pajamas are strongly encouraged for kids and grown-ups alike—it heightens the magic and makes for adorable family photos.

A few planning tips will help you get the most from either experience. Book as early as you can, particularly if you want dome seating, a specific package, or holiday dates. Dress in layers; at 6,000–7,000 feet, temperatures swing quickly, and evenings can be chilly even in warmer months. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera—there are few better photo ops than your first glimpse over the rim. If you’re doing a day trip, know your return time and shuttle options; if you’re staying overnight, consider sunrise or sunset at the canyon, when colors are most dramatic. Finally, respect the park’s rules and distances—edges are not fences, and what looks close can be deceptively far at altitude.

The Grand Canyon Railway turns travel into storytelling. It connects the nostalgia of classic rail with the grandeur of the American West, then layers on thoughtful details—from live music to heritage equipment—that make the journey as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re gazing up through a dome car as tall pines scroll by, stepping onto the log-built depot in Grand Canyon Village, or clutching a silver bell under holiday lights, this is a rare kind of transportation: one that transports your imagination as well as your body. If you’re planning a Grand Canyon adventure—or seeking the seasonal sparkle of The Polar Express—the railway is a timeless way to get there.  To learn more about planning your experience at the railroad please click here to visit their website.