A frequent question asked by sightseeing visitors is how to get to the Grand Canyo

n from Las Vegas. The answer depends on several things. Remember, the Grand Canyon is huge (277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide). Visitors can opt to visit its West, South or North Rims. The West Rim is the one that is closet to Las Vegas at 121 miles away. Although the South Rim is situated only 180 miles from Las Vegas, the highway distance is much greater. It’s actually 280 miles, which takes approximately six hours to drive. Similarly, the North Rim is located 275 miles from Las Vegas.
So what’s the best way for you to get to the Grand Canyon? There are several considerations visitors should keep in mind. Which rim do you want to go to? How much vacation time do you have available? What are the costs involved with getting there? And how willing or able you are to drive long distances.
Below we’ll highlight the most popular ways to get to the Grand Canyon along with some of their benefits and drawbacks.
Which rim?Here’s a little information to help you decide which Grand Canyon rim to visit:
The
West Rim, which is home to the famous Skywalk glass bridge, is nearest to Las Vegas. It is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park but lies on the Hualapai Indian reservation. There are many scenic viewpoints and other activities in the area that include whitewater rafting, wagon rides and cultural demonstrations.
The
North
Rim is far less crowded than the South Rim. Enhanced by extreme erosion, the views are thought to be better here. Many visitors who travel to the North Rim by car like to make a short detour and explore Zion National Park on the way. Note: The temperatures at the North Rim are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than those at the South Rim, and it is closed during the winter months due to snow.
The
South Rim and its visitor services and facilities are open year round. This is the most popular part of the Grand Canyon. The majority of the 5 million tourists who visit each year go here. There’s a free shuttle bus that provides transportation to a variety of overlooks as well as an easy mile-long trail that follows the rim. Plenty of options for accommodations are available in Grand Canyon Village, and visitors will enjoy the area’s historic landmarks, hiking opportunities and ranger-led programs.
Taking a Grand Canyon bus tour Numerous bus tours are offered from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim. They are convenient, especially for those who can’t or don’t want to drive. Be aware, however, that on average this type of ground tour takes about 14 hours—during which you’ll only spend two to three hours at your Grand Canyon destination. This is due to the long drive that is required to get there.
Driving to the Grand Canyon yourself by carDriving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas allows you more flexibility and privacy than other travel options. Plus, you can visit whichever rim you desire. It tends to be most affordable for those who want to bring large families along and is best when you have a couple of vacation days at your disposal. However, you can make the journey from Las Vegas in one day. This requires an early start and enough energy to spend 12 hours or more (if stops are made for bathroom and food breaks) in transit. Depending on how long you stay at the Grand Canyon South Rim to check out viewpoints, hike and take photos at the overlooks, you should arrive back in Las Vegas by late evening.
Going via Grand Canyon plane or helicopter tourAirplane transportation to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim and South Rim takes 20 and 40 minutes respectively—which is a huge time savings compared to the three- and six-hour drives required by bus or car. Surprisingly, this option is less expensive than you might expect, and it provides unique aerial viewing opportunities as well as increased sightseeing time at the Grand Canyon.
Maverick Airlines provides some wonderful opportunities for experiencing the Grand Canyon without the headache of driving yourself there. If you are interested in the South Rim and would like to enter the Grand Canyon National Park, check out the
Grand Canyon Explorer package for $319 (all inclusive). Maybe you’ll want to add on a helicopter tour and enjoy the bird’s-eye perspective of this natural wonder as well? Maverick Airlines’
Canyon Dream package includes air transportation to and from the South Rim, an awe-inspiring 25-minute helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon and plenty of time for sightseeing by foot.
If you’d prefer the see the nearby West Rim, consider the
Grand Canyon Western Territory tour. This magnificent package includ

es a stroll across the Skywalk, so you’ll have a chance to walk on air! It costs only $294 (all inclusive).
Both
Maverick Airlines and
Maverick Helicopters offer numerous deals to visitors who want to travel to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. It’s worth your time to research these different options and pick the mode of transportation that allows you the longest stretch at the Grand Canyon—so you’ll have enough time to create memories that will last a lifetime!
For more information on Grand Canyon tours and transportation options call our travel experts at 1-888-261-4414 or visit
Maverick Aviation Group.