subject: Las Vegas Bus to Grand Canyon: 5 Things You Need to Know [print this page] Las Vegas Bus to Grand Canyon: 5 Things You Need to Know
The secret's out: The bus tour to the Grand Canyon's South Rim is truly one of Las Vegas' hottest day trips. Not on your list of Sin City must-do's? Here are five solid reasons why it should be:
#1 - The scenery and views are phenomenal - The South Rim is the one that gets all the press in National Geographic. It's an all-star line-up: Yaki Point, Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station. Nothing matches up to the views you will get from these famous lookout points.
#2 - The bus drivers are incredible tour guides - These driving professionals know the route better than anyone else. They also know the National Park like it's their own back yard. Their anecdotes and insights greatly enhance this tour.
#3 - It's fun to ride a motor coach - These are deluxe buses and come replete with plush seats, individual A/C stations, plasma TVs, and over-sized windows. The drive over is super comfortable and effortless. This trip is perfect for groups, families, and special occasions.
#4 - The souvenir shopping is phenomenal - When it comes to gift shops, the one at the Bright Angel Lodge is where to go. You name it, they've got it. Local delicacies, hats, magnets, DVDs, t-shirts, postcards, hiking equipment, water bottles. The list is endless.
#5 - It's affordable - The base trip can be had on the Internet for around $80 per person. It's all-inclusive and comes with a lite breakfast, box lunch, professional driver-guide, and up to three hours of rim time. You also get to see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, where you pull over for a photo stop. That's one heck of a value!
The South Rim bus trip is an all-day adventure and takes about 15 hours. Trips, which come with free shuttle service to and from your Vegas hotel, leave at 7 a.m. From Vegas, the rim is 277 miles east and requires a 5.5-hour drive, which goes by pretty quick on these modern buses. Figure on returning to The Strip at around 9 p.m. Refrain from making dinner or show reservations after this trip. There's no guarantee that you'll make it on time.
Dress accordingly. During the summer, wear light clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, brimmed hats, and running shoes are fine. Pack along some sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. If you check out one of the rim's fabulous trails, I suggest limiting it to 15 minutes one way. That's more than enough time to see what it's like to be inside the canyon without over-exerting yourself. Winter can be very cold at the South Rim. The best strategy is to dress in layers. Take along a beanie, a pair of gloves. Come dressed in pants. I've seen too many travelers from Vegas arrive in shorts. Avoid that. The elevation of the rim is nearly twice that of Las Vegas' which amounts to a completely different weather environment.
There are three main tour operators that run bus trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: Papillon Tours, Grand Canyon Coaches, and Grayline. There's also a number of smaller, niche bus tour companies out there and many are excellent. From reviews I've read on some of the top travel forums, Grand Canyon Coaches gets a lot of kudos for its commitment to comfort, value, and safety. The up-and-comer is Paradise Found, which has one of the best all-inclusive tours I've ever taken.
It is best to book your Grand Canyon bus tour online and in advance as this is a popular trip that sells out. If you want the best deal, shop the Internet and keep your eye on what's being offered on the sites of the companies that operate the tours. These business compete hard for your travel dollar and constantly post great rates on their websites.
The Grand Canyon bus from Las Vegas is an excellent trip. From beginning to end, it's packed with things to do and see. Highlights include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Mather Point, Yaki Point, Bright Angel and more. If you are searching for a day trip that let's you say, "been there, done that," this bus tour's the one. See you up there!
