Jump to: Hiker Express Shuttle -- Village Route -- Kaibab Rim Route

This winter, free shuttle buses are operating on two routes.

• The routes interconnect, but do not overlap.
• No tickets are required, and bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park by signs.
• Buses are white with a green stripe.
• The buses display the route name on the front.
• Pets are not permitted on buses.
  
• Service may be suspended during inclement weather.
  
  
• Each shuttle bus is equipped with a 2 or 3-capacity bicycle rack on the front. Bicyclists are required to load and unload their own bikes, and are responsible for bike security. Bicycle one way and ride the shuttle the other.
  
  
• Shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers in wheelchairs. Please note: wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 by 122 cm) cannot be accommodated on shuttle buses.
• Most motorized scooters will not fit on the buses.
  
  
• The Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit allows entry for visitors with mobility issues to some areas closed to public traffic. The permit is available at entrance gates, National Park Service visitor centers, and hotel lobbies.
  

Download the S. Rim Transit Map. It shows Grand Canyon Village shuttle bus routes, bus stops, points of interest and parking lots.

Click here to download the map (690 kb PDF)

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Village Route (Blue) 50 minutes round trip

In service during the winter months

Buses provide transportation between: 

Visitor Center, Bookstore and Plaza,

Market Plaza:
General Store, Bank, Post Office

Historic District:
lodges, restaurants, gift shops

Campgrounds, parking lots,
ranger programs,
and other facilities in the Village area.

50 Minutes Round-trip 
(without getting off the bus)

This is not a scenic route, but rim views are available a short walk from some stops.

December, Jan. & Feb. buses run every:
30 minutes: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
15 minutes: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
30 minutes: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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Kaibab/Rim Route (Orange) 50 minutes round trip

In service during the winter months

Buses provide transportation between:

Grand Canyon Visitor Center,

South Kaibab Trailhead ------ Yaki Point ------ Pipe Creek Vista,

Mather Point, and Yavapai Geology Museum.

This is the shortest scenic route and the only access to Yaki Point, the South Kaibab Trailhead and the Yavapai Geology Museum.

50 Minutes Round-trip
(without getting off the bus)

December, Jan. & Feb. buses run every:
30 minutes: 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.
15 minutes: 6:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

Learn more about the:
Yavapai Museum of Geology
The South Kaibab Trail

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Hermit Road Route (Red) 75 minutes round trip

This service is not active during the winter.

Service will resume March 1, 2012.

Hermit Road is open to private vehicles December 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012.
Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles March 1 to November 30 annually.

When shuttle bus service on Hermit Road resumes on March 1, 2012, the buses provide will transportation between the Village Route Transfer Station and Hermits Rest (7 miles/ 11 km) with stops at nine canyon overlooks.

When service resumes on March 1, 2012, return trip, buses stop only at 4 stops: Hermits Rest, Pima, Mohave, and Powell Points.

80 Minutes Round-trip
(without getting off the bus) 

During the winter months, private vehicles may explore Hermit Road. This narrow road winds seven miles (11km) past numerous overlooks to Hermits Rest. It may be closed during inclement weather. Watch for hikers and bicyclists along the road.

The newly improved Hermit Road has some of the best Grand Canyon views that you can see anywhere. Read more...

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Tusayan Route (Purple) 40 minutes round trip:

Service Has Ended for the 2011 Season

Service Resumes mid-May 2012

When service resumes on the Tusayan Route (a part of Grand Canyon National Park's visitor transportation system on the South Rim) "park & ride" shuttle bus service will be provided between the gateway community of Tusayan/ Grand Canyon Airport, and the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center. (7 miles/ 11km south of the S. Rim village)

• The service will operate between mid-May and mid-September, 2012
  
  
• 20 minutes each way (riding time; no stop)
  
  
• Buses will run every 15 minutes
  

Visitors who will be entering the park from Tusayan via the shuttle bus must present a valid park entrance pass. Entrance passes may be purchased at park entrances or at various businesses in Tusayan.

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The Hiker's Express Shuttle Bus

An early morning bus with service to South Kaibab Trailhead.

Bus departs from Bright Angel Lodge bus stop on the hour; second stop at Backcountry Information Center; third stop at Grand Canyon Visitor Center; last stop at South Kaibab Trailhead.

December, January and February
8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

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Your phone provides a fun way to learn more about the Park. Listen to park rangers give 2 minute audio tours at various points of interest on the South Rim, from Hermit Road to Yaki Point, and the North Rim. Learn more...

The South Rim Shuttle Bus System

For more than 30 years the National Park Service has provided a free shuttle bus system on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors and residents have made 75,000,000 boardings.

Many of the buses use compressed or liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel. Shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers in wheelchairs. Please note: wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 by 122 cm) cannot be accommodated on shuttle buses. Most motorized scooters will not fit on buses.

Riding the shuttles makes your stay more enjoyable, while reducing pollution and decreasing traffic congestion.

News Releases

May 10, 2011
The National Park Service (NPS) will again offer shuttle bus service between Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring town of Tusayan. The service will be available from May 14 through September 9 and will run at 15 minute intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.

April 14, 2010
The National Park Service (NPS) will offer a shuttle bus route between Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring town of Tusayan again this summer season. The service will be available from May 15 through September 12 and will run at 15 minute intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.

April 2, 2009
National Park Service to offer pilot shuttle bus program between Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring town of Tusayan again this year.

November 19, 2008
National Park Service reopens historic Hermit Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the road and rehabilitation project

November 3, 2008
Grand Canyon National Park’s historic Hermit Road scheduled to reopen Saturday, November 15, 2008 with a dedication ceremony honoring the road and rehabilitation project

August 29, 2008
National Park Service to extend pilot shuttle bus program between Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring town of Tusayan

May 19, 2008
National Park Service to test a pilot shuttle bus program between Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring town of Tusayan

May 19th 2008
Grand Canyon National Park to begin operating a 100 percent dedicated fleet of compressed natural gas powered buses