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Scenic Train Rides In Arizona: Grand Canyon & Verde Canyon

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 1, 2026.

Arizona's scenic train rides combine historic rail travel with some of the state's most memorable landscapes. Two of the best-known experiences are the Grand Canyon Railway, which travels from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and the Verde Canyon Railroad, which follows the Verde River through remote red-rock canyon country near Clarkdale. Each offers a very different way to experience Northern Arizona without spending the day behind the wheel.

Arizona Scenic Train Rides
Grand Canyon Railway
Verde Canyon Railroad
Compare The Train Rides
Planning Your Train Ride
FAQ

Arizona Scenic Train Rides

Northern and central Arizona offer two distinctive passenger rail excursions. The Grand Canyon Railway is a full-day Grand Canyon experience departing from Williams, while Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic wilderness excursion departing from Clarkdale in the Verde Valley. Both rides combine historic rail travel with scenery that is difficult to experience in the same way by automobile.

Grand Canyon Railway From Williams To The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Railway passenger train in Northern Arizona

Grand Canyon Railway provides a historic rail journey from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The train travels approximately 65 miles each way, with a rail journey of about 2 hours and 15 minutes in each direction. Passengers arrive near the Historic Village at the South Rim and have time to explore Grand Canyon viewpoints and attractions before the return trip to Williams.

The experience combines changing Northern Arizona scenery with vintage rail cars and onboard entertainment. The landscape transitions from high desert and open prairie to ponderosa pine forest before reaching the Grand Canyon. Regular passenger service operates throughout most of the year, with schedules and special-event trains varying by season.

Verde Canyon Railroad From Clarkdale

Red rock canyon walls along the Verde Canyon Railroad route in Arizona

Verde Canyon Railroad departs from Clarkdale, Arizona, for a scenic journey through remote Verde Canyon. The approximately 40-mile round trip follows the Verde River through red-rock cliffs, historic rail corridors and backcountry scenery that is largely inaccessible by automobile.

The excursion generally lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours and travels north from Clarkdale toward Perkinsville before returning along the same rail line. Passengers may see canyon geology, historic structures, wildlife and birds of prey while traveling through one of the Verde Valley's most secluded landscapes.

Grand Canyon Railway Vs. Verde Canyon Railroad

Grand Canyon Railway: Best for travelers who want to combine a scenic train journey with a visit to Grand Canyon National Park.
Verde Canyon Railroad: Best for travelers who want the train ride and remote canyon scenery to be the primary attraction.
Grand Canyon Railway departure: Williams, Arizona.
Verde Canyon Railroad departure: Clarkdale, Arizona.
Grand Canyon Railway scenery: High desert, prairie, ponderosa pine forest and Grand Canyon country.
Verde Canyon Railroad scenery: Verde River, red-rock cliffs, canyon walls and remote backcountry.
Grand Canyon Railway trip style: Full-day destination excursion with time at the South Rim.
Verde Canyon Railroad trip style: Approximately four-hour round-trip scenic rail excursion.

Planning An Arizona Scenic Train Ride

Reservations are recommended for Arizona's popular scenic rail excursions, particularly during holidays, fall travel periods and special events. Train schedules, departure times, fares and available passenger classes can change, so confirm current information before traveling.

Book ahead: Popular dates and special-event trains may sell out.
Arrive early: Allow enough time for parking, ticketing and boarding before departure.
Dress for the destination: Temperatures can differ considerably between Arizona's valleys, mountain communities and the Grand Canyon.
Bring a camera: Both railways provide extensive opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Check special events: Seasonal and themed train rides may be offered at different times of year.
Verify schedules: Departure times and operating schedules should be confirmed directly before your trip.

Which Arizona Scenic Train Ride Should You Choose?

Choose the Grand Canyon Railway if visiting Grand Canyon National Park is the main goal of your trip. The journey from Williams provides transportation directly to the South Rim while making the train ride part of the experience. Choose Verde Canyon Railroad if you primarily want a scenic rail excursion through remote Arizona backcountry, with the canyon, Verde River and railroad journey serving as the destination.

Arizona Scenic Train Rides FAQ

What Are The Best Scenic Train Rides In Arizona?

Two of Arizona's best-known scenic passenger rail experiences are the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams and the Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale.

Where Does The Grand Canyon Railway Go?

The Grand Canyon Railway travels from Williams, Arizona, approximately 65 miles north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

How Long Is The Grand Canyon Railway Trip?

The train ride takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Day-trip passengers also receive time at the South Rim before returning to Williams.

Where Does Verde Canyon Railroad Depart From?

Verde Canyon Railroad departs from its depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, in the Verde Valley near Cottonwood, Jerome and Sedona.

How Long Is The Verde Canyon Railroad Ride?

The Verde Canyon Railroad excursion generally lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours and covers approximately 40 miles round trip.

Does Verde Canyon Railroad Go To Sedona?

No. Verde Canyon Railroad departs from Clarkdale and travels through Verde Canyon toward Perkinsville before returning to Clarkdale. Sedona is a separate nearby destination.

Which Train Ride Is Better For Visiting The Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon Railway is the better choice for travelers whose primary goal is visiting Grand Canyon National Park because the train travels directly from Williams to the South Rim.

Which Arizona Train Ride Has The Best Canyon Scenery?

Both offer impressive scenery, but the experiences are very different. Verde Canyon Railroad focuses on red-rock canyon and Verde River scenery, while the Grand Canyon Railway passes through changing high-desert, prairie and forest landscapes before reaching Grand Canyon National Park.