Grand Canyon By Train

August 28, 5:21 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, AZ.

The ride out in the morning is decent, even in July. A little warm, but cool breezes blow through the cabins’ old-timey wooden windows. The seats themselves are uncomfortable. You can feel the old springs through the thin velvet cushins. They are also really crammed, especially for tall people. My husband, who is 6′4″ and dad who is 6′2″ were both crammed beyond belief in the seats. I am 5′5″ and thought the leg room was undesirable but okay.

On the ride back, the un-air conditioned cars are really too hot. I was sweating profusely and very uncomfortable. I was glad I had brought my MistyMate personal mister. (These are really a must for anywhere in Arizona in the summer. Click HERE for more on them). It made the ride better, but it was really miserable, though none of the children aboard (including my 2 year old and 10 month old and my 9 month old neice) complained. They were so tired, they took naps. Really, these un-air conditioned cars should not be used under any circumstances on summer afternoons. I’m surprised no one passed out from heat exhaustion.

I would not recommend riding Pullman coach when it’s hot. If however, you planned on staying in the Canyon or a hotel at the Rim and could arrange it so that you only traveled in the morning or evening, then the un-air conditioned cars would be just fine.

The next class up is the Budd Coach, which has air conditioning and only costs $5 more per person. They book up further in advance, but if you’re on a budget you’re not going to want to pay double the price for first class ($130 for adults, $100 for children). So it’s well worth your time to book as far in advance as possible so you can get an air-conditioned seat. Now if you have a little extra money, the first-class does come with some other upgrades in addition to air conditioning, including: reclining seats, larger windows for a better view, a light breakfast on the way to the Canyon and snacks and a champagne toast on the way back.

If money is no invalidObjectTag and you’re not traveling with children under 12, you should opt for either the Observation Dome or Luxury Parlor Class cars. The Observation Dome ($160) offers panoramic views. The Parlor cars ($170) have comfortable couch-like chairs plus access to an open-air rear platform. Both include all the amenities that the first class offers. Children under 12 are not allowed in either of these luxury cars.

The Grand Canyon Railway also offers packages including hotel either in Williams or the Grand Canyon. For more info on these packages or the Grand Canyon Railway itself, click HERE.