Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion Review

The Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion promises an unforgettable journey from Sedona to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Travelers rave about the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who enhance the experience with engaging narratives. While some noted minor discomforts, the overall atmosphere is enjoyable. Rated 4.8/5, this tour offers a fantastic way to witness the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. But what else can this excursion offer that makes it so highly praised?

Good To Know

• The Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion offers a unique single-day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, including a one-way train ride and a guided tour of the South Rim.
• The tour receives an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on positive reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides, such as Andrea and Sheldon.
• Concerns have been raised about the comfort of the train seating and the quality of the food court, but the scenic journey to the Grand Canyon is still enjoyed by most guests.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and guests must provide their own car/booster seats for children 8 years and younger, as per Arizona law.
• The tour duration is approximately 11 hours, with daily departures from Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and Flagstaff hotels, ensuring an organized travel experience.

Tour Overview

The Grand Canyon Coach Railroad Experience from Sedona offers a unique single-day tour option.

The tour includes a 1-way coach class train ride, either northbound from January to October or southbound from November to December. Guests will enjoy a fully narrated tour of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and a scenic train ride with seasonal direction changes.

Round-trip transport from Sedona is included. The tour operates in a comfortable vehicle with a maximum of 14 passengers and a professional guide.

Guests can also shop at the Cameron Trading Post during the tour.

Inclusions

The Grand Canyon Coach Railroad Experience from Sedona includes a coach class one-way train ride.

The tour also provides multiple stops along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim via a touring van. Guests travel in a comfortable vehicle that accommodates up to 14 passengers.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a professional guide, are included. Visitors have time for souvenir shopping at the Cameron Trading Post, though lunch isn’t provided.

A gratuity of 15-20% for the guide is recommended. The tour duration is approximately 11 hours, with daily departures from Sedona, Oak Creek, and Flagstaff hotels.

Safety and Accessibility

Arizona law requires children 8 years and younger to use car/booster seats for this tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate. Guests must provide their own car/booster seats. The tour company can’t accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Travelers should consider their physical abilities before booking. While the tour may not be suitable for all, it offers a unique experience for those able to participate.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour company guarantees guests can explore the Grand Canyon comfortably and without incident.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the Grand Canyon Coach Railroad Experience is available at all Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, and Flagstaff hotels within the city limits. Departures occur daily from 7-7:30 am, with a return time of 6:00-6:30 pm. During the months of November and December, the departure is earlier, from 6-6:30 am, and the return is from 5-5:30 pm. The entire tour lasts 11 hours. A minimum of 4 guests is required for the tour to operate, and hotel information must be provided 72 hours prior to the tour date.

Pickup	Departure	Return
Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Flagstaff (within city limits)	7-7:30 am (Nov-Dec: 6-6:30 am)	6:00-6:30 pm (Nov-Dec: 5-5:30 pm)
Duration: 11 hours	Minimum 4 guests required	Hotel info needed 72 hours prior

Reviews and Ratings

With 4 reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, the Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Travelers praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides, such as Andrea and Sheldon. However, some noted the train ride could be uncomfortable, with complaints about certain seats.

Recommendations were made to avoid the food court, as the quality was lacking. The experience is memorable, with a fun group atmosphere.

While not perfect, the tour offers a scenic journey to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim that most guests thoroughly enjoyed.

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced from $350.42 per person. Booking is non-refundable, with no refunds for cancellations. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

This pricing accounts for the coach class one-way train ride, multiple stops along the South Rim via touring van, and round-trip transport from Sedona hotels. While the tour includes various inclusions, such as a professional guide and souvenir shopping, lunch isn’t provided, and a 15-20% gratuity is recommended.

Guests should book early to secure their spot on this popular Grand Canyon excursion from Sedona.

Scenic Train Ride

Although the train ride is a one-way journey, passengers can enjoy seasonal views of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

The northbound route, operating January through October, offers striking vistas of the canyon’s eastern expanse. In contrast, the southbound direction, available November through December, provides a different perspective of the western rim.

While some reviewers noted the train’s seating could be uncomfortable, the sights along the route make up for any minor discomforts.

The narrated tour further enhances the experience, ensuring travelers gain valuable insights throughout the scenic train ride.

Exploring the South Rim

After the scenic train ride, the tour shifts its focus to exploring the Grand Canyon’s iconic South Rim. Travelers are transported via a comfortable touring van to multiple stops along the South Rim, allowing ample time to take in the breathtaking views. The guided tour provides a wealth of information about the canyon’s geology, history, and wildlife. Visitors can gaze upon the vast expanse, snap photos, and even visit the Cameron Trading Post for souvenir shopping. The tour strikes a balance between structured activities and personal exploration, creating a memorable South Rim experience.

Stop	Highlights
Mather Point	Panoramic views of the canyon
Yavapai Geology Museum	Exhibits on the canyon’s formation
Hermit’s Rest	Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Pima Point	Sweeping vistas of the canyon’s interior
Maswik Lodge	Lunch break and free time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Train Car for the Journey?

Unfortunately, customers can’t request specific train cars on this tour. The tour company assigns seating on the train, and they don’t offer any options to select particular cars or seats. The experience is a fixed package with no customization available.

Is Food and Drink Allowed on the Train?

Food and drink are allowed on the train, though lunch is not included in the tour. Guests are provided time to purchase their own lunch during the stops along the South Rim.

What Types of Wildlife Can I Expect to See During the Tour?

While the tour focuses on the Grand Canyon’s natural wonders, sightings of wildlife are not guaranteed. Visitors may catch glimpses of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and various bird species along the South Rim, but wildlife encounters are unpredictable.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The Grand Canyon Coach Railroad Experience from Sedona is a single-day tour with a fixed 11-hour itinerary, including the round-trip transport and train ride.

Can I Bring My Own Binoculars or Camera Equipment?

Yes, guests can bring their own binoculars and camera equipment on the tour. The transportation and stops along the South Rim allow ample opportunities to capture scenic views and wildlife with personal photography gear.

The Sum Up

The Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion offers an enchanting journey from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. While there were minor concerns about seating and food, the tour’s knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and 4.8/5 rating make it a fantastic way to explore the South Rim. Travelers rave about the memorable experience, cementing this excursion as a must-do for anyone visiting the area.