Polar Express | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel (2024)

How do we get to Williams?

Williams is located about 30 miles west of Flagstaff along Interstate 40. If you’re coming from Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. As you get close to the city you can take I-40 west to Williams. Look for Exit 163, exit and go south on Grand Canyon Blvd about a 1/2 mile. The property will be on the west side of the street. From Phoenix, the trip is about 2 and a half hours, but could take a little longer depending on weather conditions.To learn about current driving conditions, visit ADOT’s website with up-to-date conditions. If the roads are closed near Flagstaff, consider taking I-17 north and exit at Cherry Road on Highway 169 toward Prescott, which will eventually merge with Highway 69. Drive through Prescott and look for Highway 89 going north through Chino Valley. You’ll end up on I-40, just west of Williams. Simply make a right on I-40 and travel about 19 miles until you see Exit 163.

Once we arrive in Williams, where do we pick up our tickets?

If you booked a Polar Express package, you will receive your train tickets upon check-in at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel front desk. Will call train tickets will be distributed at the ticket counter inside the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, located next to the Fred Harvey Restaurant. The guest who was responsible for payment will need to present a photo I.D. to receive train tickets.

How far in advance of our departure should we arrive?

What can we bring with us on the train?

The passenger cars have luggage racks near the ceiling so feel free to bring coats, diaper bags, camera bags, backpacks and anything else you need. Even though the cars have luggage racks, we recommend only bringing what you really need on the train. Strollers can be parked outside the depot. There is a limited amount of space in the vestibules (between the cars) on the train, but we recommend parking strollers by the depot as there are plenty of covered areas. Also, all families are encouraged to bring their own copy of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg to read along to the story during the journey. Brand new copies are available for purchase at the Depot and Fred Harvey Restaurant Gift Shops.

What are the seating arrangements?

Seats on board The Polar Express are bench-style, with two passengers per bench. Booking seats in even numbers is strongly recommended. If your family is traveling with another family on a separate reservation and would like to be seated together, please contact Central Reservations at 1-888-848-3511. While we do our very best to honor all seating requests on board The Polar Express, we cannot always guarantee them.

What else is there to do in Williams?

Other activities at Grand Canyon Railway include story time with Mrs. Claus and pictures with Mr. C in the Polar Room. Also, have your kids stand on the patented Naughty or Nice Meter™ to see if they might be expecting a lump of coal in their stockings! Be sure to visit with our staff Elves and Hobo, who will be wandering around the Platform throughout the evening. In fact, if you’re around the Hobo’s campsite 45min prior to departure you might see him sharing some hobo wisdom with Polar Express passengers.

I have a package with meals - what are the hours of The Fred Harvey Restaurant?

During Polar Express, the restaurant will be open for dinner from 3:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. Breakfast will be open at 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The full buffet is available during Polar Express nights, as well as special desserts made just for the holidays! No alcoholic beverages are permitted aboard The Polar Express. Adult beverages are available at The Fred Harvey Restaurant and inside the hotel at Spenser’s Pub.

Where do we park?

Parking is free and is available around the hotel and depot complex. There is a parking lot east of Grand Canyon Blvd. as you enter the Railway’s complex as well as parking west of the hotel. You may want to budget a few minutes extra to find parking as there will be as many 3,000 people on property.

I have mobility restrictions. What are my options?

Due to the age of the equipment not all rail cars are ADA accessible. Please contact our Central Reservations Department for arrangements at least 7 days prior to arrive so we may make arrangements for your family.

What time zone is Arizona in?

Arizona is always in Mountain Standard Time.

Is alcohol allowed?

No alcoholic beverages are allowed onboard the Polar Express

Are the cookies and hot cocoa dairy/gluten/nut free?

No; however if guests would like to bring their own special items they may.

My question isn't answered above, can you help?

If you have additional questions, please contact us via email at [emailprotected]