Looking for the best Grand Canyon Bus Tour from Las Vegas? Here are the things to consider!
Las Vegas is a great starting point for some truly beautiful and iconic day trips like Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and of course, most famously, the Grand Canyon. One of my favorite annual trips to Las Vegas included a bus tour to the Grand Canyon, and it was a great way to check this item off of my bucket list!
Seeing the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on a bus tour was so easy and stress-free. No stressing over renting a car or driving through the intense desert heat that Las Vegas summers are known for.
If you’re planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, taking a bus tour is an amazing way to check it off your list without the hassle of navigating on your own. But with so many tour options to choose from, how do you know which one is the best? In this post, I’ll break down some helpful tips to make sure you book the perfect Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas, plus share my favorite bus tour experience of all time.
Short on time?
When booking the best Las Vegas to Grand Canyon bus tour, check the stops, duration, what’s included (and not), group size, cost, accessibility, and suitability. Don’t forget to read reviews, look at the cancellation policy, and near your tour date, check the weather and pack accordingly!
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Why Take a Bus Tour?
I love road trips, but when it comes to visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, a bus tour is one of the easiest and most comfortable options. Why? Well, for starters, you don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking at popular spots like Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon West. The bus tour takes care of all of that for you. Plus, it helps to have a knowledgeable tour guide onboard who shares all sorts of interesting facts and stories about the places you pass, which makes the trip even more memorable and educational.
Another great reason for taking a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon bus tour versus going yourself, especially during the summertime, is that the bus is equipped with modern amenities like air-conditioning and restrooms, which makes the long ride much more comfortable. Since the tour typically lasts around 10.5 hours, you really get your money’s worth in terms of sightseeing, food, and experiences that are all included.
The Best Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Bus Tour
My favorite experience by far was with this Grand Canyon West bus tour, which departs daily from Las Vegas around 6:30 AM. (Yes, it’s an early start, but surprisingly doable.) This tour has one of the highest ratings on Viator, with 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 10,000 reviews, and I completely understand why.
The itinerary is packed with iconic stops, including the Hoover Dam, the Joshua Tree Forest, and, of course, Grand Canyon West itself. You’re basically hitting several bucket-list destinations in one day, with everything included! It’s easy to knock out a lot of popular day trip destinations from Las Vegas on this tour.
What I loved most was how seamless and thoughtful the entire experience felt. The tour guides really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, and the added stops, like a delicious breakfast at Omelet House, make the journey feel like a well-curated adventure.
If you’re someone who wants to take in everything the area around Vegas has to offer, this tour is hard to beat. Stops include Guano Point, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Joshua Tree Forest, and Eagle Point (where you can see traditional housing built by tribes native to the Southwest). You also have the chance to buy handmade Native American crafts and jewelry.
➡️ Book the best Grand Canyon bus tour from Las Vegas here!
13 Things To Know When Booking Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Bus Tour
First, I’m going to dive into the highlights of the best Grand Canyon West tour from Las Vegas. Then, I’ll talk about some other considerations and things you can research in advance before you book a tour, or this tour!
Itinerary & Tour Highlights
This tour is jam-packed with some seriously incredible stops. Let me take you through some of the highlights:
Omelet House
Our first stop was at the Omelet House for a hot, made-to-order breakfast. It was the perfect way to fuel up before the day ahead. The breakfast was filling, and it was a great start to the day, especially having woken up before 6:30 AM! The food was delicious, and I liked that the restaurant was local. It’s always nice to support a family-owned spot.
Hoover Dam Bypass / Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
One of the highlights of the trip was stopping at the Hoover Dam Bypass. We had 45 minutes to take in the view from the Memorial Bridge, which offered some amazing panoramic photos of the dam and the Colorado River below. The views from here were incredible, and I was a little in awe of how massive and impressive the Hoover Dam is in person!
Joshua Tree Forest
We also made a brief stop at the Joshua Tree Forest. This desert landscape is home to some of the most unique trees I’ve ever seen, and the brief 10-minute stop was perfect for snapping a few pictures. It’s one of those spots that you might miss if you were driving on your own. My only regret is I wish we had spent some more time here, but since the main attraction is the Grand Canyon itself, it was understandable. Good to cross off the list!
Guano Point
Once we arrived at Grand Canyon West, we headed straight to Guano Point for a scenic BBQ lunch. I loved how relaxed the vibe was at the canyon, and it was such a peaceful experience to take in the views. The lunch itself was delicious, with vegetarian options available for those who need them.
The views of the Grand Canyon from Guano Point were breathtaking and definitely made for some of the best photos of the day! The Colorado River was a bit muddy when we visited, but it was still really impressive.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
This part of the tour takes you to the world-famous Skywalk at Eagle Point. You have to pay a little extra for this part of the tour, but I think it’s well worth it (walking on a glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor is not something you do every day!)
The Skywalk allows you to walk out onto a glass bridge that hovers over the canyon (don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe). The views are absolutely stunning, and while it’s not for the faint of heart (especially if you’re afraid of heights), it’s such a unique way to see the canyon!
A heads-up though: no phones, cameras, or bags are allowed on the Skywalk, as to protect the glass surface and prevent any potential falling debris. You’ll get booties for your shoes, go through a security scanner, and be escorted by photographers hoping to sell you souvenir photos. It’s a bit touristy, but still absolutely worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime views.
Eagle Point
At Eagle Point, in addition to the Skywalk, you can explore a traditional Native American Village. It’s both beautiful and educational, and you can learn about the culture and history of the area and the Hualapai Tribe that owns and operates the Grand Canyon West area. You also have the chance to purchase authentic, handmade Native American crafts and jewelry to support these tribes.
You’ll also see the natural rock formation that gives the area its name. The giant eagle formation in the facing rocks is beautiful
Grand Canyon West
You’ll have about 3.5 hours total to explore Grand Canyon West, including time at Guano Point, Eagle Point, and the Skywalk area. That gives you plenty of opportunity to walk around, take photos, and soak in the views. The pace was perfect and not too rushed, but structured enough to keep the day flowing.
Tour Duration
The entire tour lasts about 10.5 hours, which is a long day, but I think it’s totally worth it. With all the stops along the way, it never felt rushed (except maybe for Joshua Tree State Park). The drive was comfortable, and overall, we had enough time at each spot.
Tour Inclusions
When I booked this tour, I was happy to see how many things were included. From the round-trip bus transfers to breakfast and lunch, everything was taken care of. Plus, you get VIP access to the Grand Canyon, which is a great perk that makes the experience feel even more special. The tour also includes bottled water, so you won’t have to worry about staying hydrated throughout the day. Still, it’s good to bring an extra bottle with you two ahead of time!
No matter which tour you book, it’s important to check out the optional upgrades and see what other travelers recommend in the reviews.
Tour Exclusions
There are a couple of additional costs not included in the base price, like gratuities, the Skywalk (if you choose to upgrade), and helicopter flights (another optional upgrade). These are completely optional, so it’s up to you if you want to enhance your experience with them.
Group Size
The group size on this tour is capped at 54 travelers, which I thought was perfect. The bus was large enough to be comfortable but small enough that you didn’t feel crowded. The guide could give personal attention to everyone, and the smaller group made the experience feel more intimate and relaxed.
Weather Forecast
The weather can vary depending on the time of year, but I recommend checking the forecast ahead of time. In the summer, temperatures at the Grand Canyon can soar, so be prepared for heat and pack plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and portable fans. In the winter, it can get quite cold, especially at the Canyon’s higher elevations. Las Vegas’ area in general can be unpredictable with its desert heat, so if you can, I recommend visiting in the spring or fall months.
Accessibility
The bus is fully air-conditioned, and there are restrooms on board, which is a big plus for long trips like this one. However, if you have mobility issues, it’s worth checking with the tour operator to ensure that all stops are accessible. The bus itself is accessibility friendly, even offering service animals onboard, but it’s good to check with the guide before booking the tour, just in case.
Age Appropriateness
This tour is perfect for all ages. I saw a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers on the tour, and everyone seemed to enjoy the trip. The pace is pretty easy-going and chill, so it’s suitable for both younger and older travelers.
Cost
The cost of the tour without the skywalk is about $165/person, and that includes the hot breakfast, BBQ lunch, pick up from your Las Vegas hotel, and admission to all of the stops on the tour. The VIP tour, which includes the skywalk (which I highly recommend) is about $195 per person, also includes the hot breakfast, lunch, and hotel pickup. If you really want to splurge, the tour also offers a helicopter flight at $459 / person, where you can get some incredible shots flying over the Grand Canyon.
I found this tour to be a great deal considering everything that’s included. The price covers a lot of activities, and when you consider how much you’d spend on gas, meals, and entrance fees if you did this trip yourself, it’s definitely worth it.
Check the Reviews and Ratings
With a 4.9/5 rating from over 10,000 reviews, this tour is highly rated by previous travelers, and I can see why. I had a fantastic time and felt that the value was excellent for the experience. For any tour you look at though, you want to read the latest reviews to see what travelers are saying, to help you choose the best tour that’s right for you!
Cancellation Policy
Before booking, I always make sure to check the cancellation policy, and I recommend doing the same. Many tours offer flexible cancellation options up to a few days before the trip, which gives you some peace of mind if your plans change. This tour offers free cancellation 24 hours before the tour start time, and you can reserve your tour free of charge, and then pay 2 days before the start of your tour. It’s also good to see how far in advance people are booking the tour – for this tour, it’s recommended to book about 38 days in advance.
What to Bring
I recommend packing light but bringing essentials like sunscreen, a camera, a portable fan (especially if you’re visiting in the summertime), and a water bottle or two. You’ll want to be prepared for the outdoor elements, so a hat and sunglasses are also good ideas.
What to Wear
Comfortable shoes are a must for this tour. There will be a bit of walking, especially at the Canyon, so make sure you wear something appropriate. I also suggest dressing in layers since the weather can vary between the desert and the canyon. In the summer, opt for more breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in lighter colors that reflect the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the bus have a restroom onboard?
Yes, the bus is equipped with a restroom!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely! I saw several families on the tour, and it’s a great way to experience the Grand Canyon with kids.
Are there vegetarian or other dietary options available for breakfast and dinner?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for both breakfast and lunch, and the staff is very accommodating with dietary restrictions.
Can I bring my own bag/cooler/luggage on board?
No, luggage and coolers are not allowed, but you can bring small bags, backpacks, and personal items.
Is a gratuity expected?
Gratuities are not included in the tour price but they do appreciate tips if you feel like the guide did a good job.
Are there any additional fees or surcharges?
Exploring the skywalk and helicopter ride comes with additional charges from the normal tour price. The skywalk is about $30 more than the regular tour price (which I think is a pretty good deal), while the helicopter tour is almost 3x the normal ticket price.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, fun, and informative way to see the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend booking a Grand Canyon bus tour from Vegas. It’s an excellent value for everything it includes, from breakfast and BBQ lunch to VIP access at the Canyon.
➡️ Book the best Grand Canyon bus tour from Las Vegas here!
The bus is comfortable, the guides are knowledgeable, and the stops are breathtaking. It’s really one of the best ways to explore one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, without worrying about things like rental cars, gas, etc. No matter what tour you end up booking, you’re sure to have a great time, but I really felt like this one gives the most bang for your buck. I highly recommend it to anyone considering combining a trip to Las Vegas with the Grand Canyon!
Happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
