Comparing Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours

Las Vegas is the Mecca for Grand Canyon South Rim bus tours. The journey itself is full of excitement before topping out with a guided tour of the internationally famed South Rim. There are a small estimate of trip options, but the ones ready are more than sufficient to get the job done. Here's a quick look at what to expect.

South Rim Bus Tours

Bangkok Tour

Travel within the National Park is regulated. You need a permit for overnight backpack treks, helicopters can't land at the bottom and sightseeing airplanes must corollary a specific course. This is a good thing because it protects the integrity of the Park and it's why you have the following coach tours from which to choose:

Classic Bus Tour. This is the most beloved trip offered. Leaves every morning of the year from Vegas and arrives 5.5 hours later at the South Rim. Comes with complimentary hotel pick up and drop off, grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and a 2.5-hour guided ground tour of key points of interest.

Bus Tour w/ Helicopter Ride. Includes all elements of the classic bus tour plus a 30-minute, rim-to-rim flight that flies over the Kaibab Plateau, the Dragoon Corridor, the North Rim and the Temple of Ra. The return features a spectacular view of Grand Canyon Village.

The Route

All South Rim coach tours leave Las Vegas nearby 7:30 a.m. The drive skirts Lake Mead, the largest artificial stockroom in the U.S., before heading south over the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. The majority of bus tours will double back on the Arizona side for a 15-minute Hoover Dam photo stop.

Buses continue south to the Arizona town of Kingman. Here you'll take a rest break before bearing east to Williams, which bills itself the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." The final stretch is about 60 miles. Folks who have the bus-helicopter combo will be dropped off at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport before the bus enters the South Rim.

Guided Ground Tour

This segment of the trip includes stops at a minimum of two key guard points. In most cases, you'll do Mather Point and Yavapai observation Station, but this is branch to change. In all honesty, any guard you go to will be spectacular and makes for an perfect place to take pictures. There's also time to briefly hike a trail below the rim or browse the Grand Canyon information Center. This segment of the trip wraps up at Grand Canyon Village, the Park's commercial hub.

When to Rsvp

It's important to book your South Rim bus tour as far in expand as possible. Coach tours are all the rage these days and it's not uncommon for them to sell out. without fail Rsvp if you're a group of 4 our more travelers and you want to tour together. I tell friends and house to keep at least three days ahead of time. If you of course want to play it safe, lock down your seats a week prior to your desired departure date.

Buying a Bus Tour

Too many people fall under the assumption that purchasing bus tours at the destination will save them money. It won't. In fact, it will cost you more. Mark brokers and hotel concierges know you have fixed time in Vegas and prey upon that. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, these types of "last-minute" bookings mean you most likely wont get on the bus because it's full. Spare yourself the stress. keep your coach tour online in advance.

Road Trip!

Grand Canyon South Rim bus tours from Las Vegas are an absolute bargain. First, they come with everything, along with free hotel shuttle assistance and lunch. Next, they get you to the best U.S. National Park for under per person (cheaper for kids). This is an all-day trip. Expect it to take 12 hours plus. But it's so worth it, especially after you stand on the precipice that is Mather Point and gaze into a miraculous canyon that's a mile deep and no less than 10 miles wide!

Comparing Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours