"Feeder" Airports

#1. Commercial flight into Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (LAS). Transfer to a 19-seat Vistaliner plane for a 45-minute flight to the South Rim. Grand Canyon Airlines, Scenic Airlines, and Maverick Airlines fly direct to GCA. South Rim bus tours are also popular and make the 277-mile drive in 5.5 hours. If you have the budget, I strongly recommend you fly. It's faster and you arrive with a fresh set of legs. There's also a good chance that you'll catch a sunset on the way back.

#2. Commercial flight into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). Short hop from Phoenix and a realistic changeover if flying in from Los Angeles. The cost can be exorbitant as FLG is not a major hub. The South Rim is a quick 81-mile drive. Rental car is your best deal. Taxi and bus are also available. The town also has a decent assortment of accommodations. If you're not picky, you can get a good room with Internet access for about $50.

#3. Commercial flight into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Possibly cheaper than Las Vegas. South Rim is 231 miles northwest. Most rent a car and make the six-hour drive. Best to overnight. Fitting in a side trip to Sedona is popular. I don't recommend making it a day trip from Phoenix. It's a lot of driving. If you can, stay overnight in Sedona or in the National Park. If you can't, take this Grand Canyon airplane tour.

#4. Private or charter aircraft flight into Sedona Airport. Pricey. Self drive 119 miles to the South Rim. Road and signage is in good condition. There are also air tours to the Grand Canyon and back, as well as a flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk!

Perfect South Rim Location

The Grand Canyon Airport consists of a small but comfortable terminal and a series of heliports operated by Papillon Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and Grand Canyon Helicopters. Elevation is 6,609 feet. Summers are comfortable and winters can get cold. Snow is a possibility.

The Grand Canyon Airport consists of a small but comfortable terminal and a series of heliports operated by Papillon Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and Grand Canyon Helicopters. Elevation is 6,609 feet. Summers are comfortable and winters can get cold. Snow is a possibility.

The airport is located on the outskirts of the small town of Tusayan, which is about a 10-minute drive from entrance to the National Park (It's also home to the IMAX Theater). I estimate it takes about 15 or so minutes to drive there. If you do self-drive, remember to bring your Park Pass - you'll need to show it on the return.

Transportation from Grand Canyon Village

Most Grand Canyon air tour companies provide ground transportation to and from Grand Canyon Village inside the Park. The Village is the hub of the South Rim and home to all the in-park accommodations like El Tovar and Yavapai Lodge. If you don't have a vehicle, you can arrange transportation with the air tour company or at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk inside Bright Angel Lodge.

I'll be regularly updating this page about the Grand Canyon Airport as new information comes in.

Have a Grand Day,