When the glitz, the bright lights, the cacophony of bells and buzzers all just becomes too much, there is a place close to the edge of Las Vegas where the world opens up and nature reigns supreme. If you thought Las Vegas was the embodiment of humankind’s domination as a species, you haven’t seen what nature’s capable of at the Grand Canyon yet. It puts all of our constructs to shame. And it is possible to take a bus tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and back within a day quite comfortably.
Of the many Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, they all focus primarily on two regions of the canyon: the South Rim, which is perhaps the most developed of the tourist centres around the canyon and has some of the best views, and Grand Canyon West, which is closer to Las Vegas, allows for more time around the canyon and is still incredibly impressive. Here is a selection of the best three Grand Canyon bus tours, based on a variety of factors such as price, itinerary and previous guest reviews, which cover both of those options.
From $89/ per person
While the trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is rather long from Las Vegas, pushing this tour time to 15 hours, it’s the best way to appreciate the dramatic vistas offered by the great geological feature. Once at the South Rim, there is a chance to spend time at two separate scenic sites, as well as visiting the National Geographic Visitor’s Centre, where it’s possible to watch a half-hour film about the Grand Canyon in the on-site IMAX theatre. As with all tours on this list, please be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
From $119/ per person
For a shorter travel-time, Grand Canyon West is no-less spectacular. Plenty of time is allowed on this tour at the canyon’s two main lookout points, including Eagle Point, located right on the rim. Over at Guano Point, the views are completely different and there is a hiking trail down to the old guano mines, as well as offering views of the Colorado River below. Another inclusion on the itinerary of this bus tour from Las Vegas is a stop at Hoover Dam on the return journey, with around 20 minutes allocated to exploring the site and getting some photos.
FROM $368/per person
While the viewpoints on land along the Grand Canyon are impressive, nothing beats the aerial vistas on offer from a small plane. This tour brings you the best of both worlds, with a flight over the canyon cutting down travel time, but also making the journey the point of the trip, whilst also allowing three hours to explore the South Rim of the canyon on terra firma. You will be transported from a local airport to places like Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge along the South Rim by coach. Like all tours on this list, entry into the National Park is included in the price. A box lunch is also provided, as well as a return flight.
