Williams calls itself the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”. It is a small town at 6,700 feet on the edge of the Kaibab National Forest, about 60 miles (an hour’s drive) south of Grand Canyon Village, and it was the last town on historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, in 1984. Its compact downtown still has the feel of the old road: neon signs, motels, diners, souvenir shops and classic cars.
Williams is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs vintage trains to the South Rim and back every day. Rooms here are often cheaper and easier to find than in Tusayan, which makes it a sensible base — see our where to stay guide.
What to see and do: Williams & Route 66
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
The train leaves Williams Depot in the morning, takes a little over two hours to reach the South Rim, and returns in the afternoon, leaving you a few hours at the canyon. Shows and musicians liven up the journey, and several classes of service are available. Book tickets ahead in summer.
Walk Route 66
The main streets of downtown form a one-way loop of Route 66, lined with historic buildings, a restored gas station museum and nostalgic diners.
Bearizona and the forest
A drive-through wildlife park on the edge of town is popular with families, and the surrounding Kaibab National Forest has hiking and lakes.
How to get to Williams & Route 66
- Williams is on Interstate 40, about 30 minutes west of Flagstaff, 3.5 hours from Las Vegas and 2.5–3 hours from Phoenix. From Williams, Highway 64 runs north to the South Rim.
Insider tips
- If you are taking the train, staying in Williams the night before makes the morning departure easy.
- Winters are cold and snowy at this altitude — the town also has a small ski area nearby.
Best tours & tickets for Williams & Route 66
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Williams & Route 66:
Heritage train ticket from US$117 From Williams: Grand Canyon Railway Round-Trip Train Ticket
The Grand Canyon Railway runs between Williams and the South Rim on a line that first opened in 1901. A round trip gives you a relaxed ride through pine forest and grassland, a few hours to explore Grand Canyon Village on foot, and no driving or parking at the busiest place in the park. Check what your ticket includes regarding the park entrance fee.
- Vintage train from Williams to Grand Canyon Village and back
- Free time at the South Rim before the return journey
- Wild West show before boarding and entertainers on board
Train ride and guided bus tour from US$148 Williams: Grand Canyon Railway Tickets with Guided Bus Tour
Combines the round-trip train ride with a guided bus tour on the rim, so you see more viewpoints than you could on foot in the time between trains. You can choose between two tours and two classes of seating.
- Round-trip train from Williams
- Guided bus tour of the South Rim on arrival
- Choice of tours and seating classes
Guided tour with train ride from US$383 Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Tour & First-Class Train Ride
A neat combination: ride the Grand Canyon Railway one way from Williams to the South Rim, then tour the rim viewpoints with a guide before returning by road. You get the train experience without the full round-trip schedule.
- One-way first-class train from Williams to the canyon
- Guided viewpoint stops on the South Rim
- Return by van
One-way shuttle from US$95 Las Vegas/Williams/Tusayan/Grand Canyon: One-Way Shuttle
A one-way shuttle connecting Las Vegas with Williams, Tusayan and Grand Canyon National Park. Useful if you want to stay a night or two at the canyon without renting a car — book one leg out and another back on a later day.
- One-way transfers between Las Vegas and the South Rim
- Stops in Williams and Tusayan
- Lets you stay overnight at the canyon without a car
