Travelers to the Grand Canyon anticipate a journey filled with thrill and adventure through the rocky terrain. To accommodate the large number of tourists, several airports provide flights and transportation facilities to this landscape. Some airports are mainly for touring and charter plane purposes, providing travelers with scenic views. Additionally, the airports have transportation services like shuttles, buses, and car rentals to make the traveler’s journey to the Canyon easier. Travelers can choose to fly commercially or through private planes, as both can be accommodated at the airports nearest to the Grand Canyon.
Which are the closest airports to the Grand Canyon?
Grand Canyon, with its picturesque view and activities hub, attracts a huge tourist crowd all year long. Several airports provide flights to and from the Grand Canyon. Travelers can choose any particular airport based on their destination and the proximity of the airport to the same. For visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, travelers can fly to Phoenix or Flagstaff Airport. Passengers can fly into the Las Vegas Airport to reach the West or North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Airport (GCN)
Located in Tusayana, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Airport is a state-owned and public-use airport. GCN airport does not facilitate any commercial flights. Furthermore, only travelers with private or charter planes can fly from this airport to enjoy scenic tours. This airport is at a distance of 7 miles from the South Rim and 2 miles from the national park entrance.
- Papillon Airways is the only airline flying directly to the Grand Canyon Airport.
- GCN is a 15-minute drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Xanterra Taxi operates in the Grand Canyon National Park, which can be contacted and requested for a ride from the airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
The closest international airport to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, PHX Airport, is the primary choice of travelers. Situated at a distance of 181 miles from the Grand Canyon, this airport has flights from all over the world.
- Travelers can take the Groome shuttle from Phoenix Airport to Williams, then travel through the Grand Canyon Railway to reach the Southern Rim.
- The shuttle service from the airport picks up passengers at 4:45 am on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday- 7:45 pm
- Passengers can also travel to Flagstaff through Phoenix Airport, either by bus or by taking a 20-minute flight to Flagstaff Airport. From here, travelers can take the Amtrak train.
- Travelers can also rent a car at the Sky Harbor airport, which is a more feasible option. Traveling by car takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has several car rental companies, like Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, and Easirent Car Rentals, to provide rental services to travelers.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport, previously known as Las Vegas McCaren Airport, is the nearest airport to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. For visitors to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and the Hoover Dam, LAS is the most convenient airport to fly into. This airport offers commercial flights from around the globe. It is at a distance of 278 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Travelers can book direct flights from Las Vegas Airport to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport or the West Rim.
- A bus ride to Flagstaff and then the Groome shuttle to the Grand Canyon Village is also a feasible option.
- Travelers can also drive a rental car, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to the West Rim and 4 hours and 34 minutes to the South Rim.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the nearest commercial airport to the Grand Canyon. It is a small airport that offers multiple flights to and from Phoenix International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The distance between Flagstaff Airport and the Grand Canyon is 68 miles. Travelers can fly through this airport by connecting through the PHX or DFW airport. It is the cheapest airport near the Grand Canyon.
- Travelers can take the Groome transportation shuttle from Flagstaff to reach the Grand Canyon. The transportation shuttle has a fare of $46-$49, including an additional $8 parking fee.
- To travel by the Grand Canyon Railway, travelers can take a bus to Williams and board the train.
- A car ride from the Airport to Flagstaff is also a timely option, reaching the destination in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
To rent a car, fliers can contact the car rental agencies like Alamo, National Car Rental, and Hertz, which operate from the airport.
Prescott Regional Airport, Ernest A. Love Field (PRC)
8 miles north of Prescott, PRC Airport is one of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon National Park. The 18th busiest airport in the nation, this airport connects commercial flights from Los Angeles and Denver. The Grand Canyon is at a distance of 114 miles from the Prescott Airport.
- Travelers can take a shuttle from Prescott Airport to Flagstaff or Williams for the bus and train facility. From Flagstaff, travelers can then board the bus to the Grand Canyon. From Williams, flyers of Prescott can board the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Renting a car and driving to the Grand Canyon is a comfortable option, taking only 1 hour and 51 minutes.
Sedona Airport
A small airport, Sedona is one of the nearest airports to the Grand Canyon. This airport has no commercial flights and is used for private and charter planes. Approximately 109 miles away from the Grand Canyon, this airport provides a scenic road journey for the traveler.
- For travelers flying private planes or arranging a charter plane, this airport is the best spot near the Grand Canyon.
- Travelers from Sedona Airport can reach the Grand Canyon in approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes by car.
- Shuttle services are available from the airport to the Grand Canyon.
What Airport Is Closest to the Grand Canyon? – Comparison Table
| Airport | Distance in miles | Travel time (Car) | Other modes of transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon Airport | 2 miles from Grand Canyon National Park | 15 minutes | Xanterra Taxi |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | 181 miles | 3 hours and 35 minutes | Groom shuttle, flight and bus to Flagstaff |
| Las Vegas McCarran International Airport | 278 miles | 4 hours and 34 minutes | Flight to GCN Airport, bus to Flagstaff and then a shuttle |
| Flagstaff Pulliam Airport | 68 miles | 1 hour and 35 minutes | Groom Transportation shuttle, bus to Williams for the Grand Canyon Railway |
| Prescott Regional Airport | 114 miles | 1 hour and 51 minutes | Shuttle service to Flagstaff, Williams |
| Sedona Airport | 109 miles | 1 hour and 56 minutes | Shuttles |
Note: To contact Groome Transportation to reach the Grand Canyon, travelers can contact this number: 928-350-8466
Tips for Travelers to the Grand Canyon
- Check all the close airports to the Grand Canyon and choose the one closest to your destination.
- If traveling by private or charter planes, ensure to make arrangements for ground transportation priorly.
- Contact the car rental agencies beforehand to confirm your reservation and pick-up details.
- Compare all the transportation options based on time, distance, and cost to choose the best route.
Conclusion
Travelers to the Grand Canyon have several options to choose from while traveling to view the geological wonders. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the cheapest and nearest commercial airport to the Grand Canyon. Whether the traveler’s destination is in the South, North, or the West Rim, airports are located in proximity to each of them. While some airports handle only private or charter planes, travelers can fly from major airports like PHX, PRC, LAS, and Flagstaff.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can fly into the Grand Canyon National Park Airport on a private or charter plane.
The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the major airport closest to the Grand Canyon.
American Airlines flies into the airport, connecting Flagstaff to Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth International airports.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
You can board the railway from Williams, Arizona, to reach the National Park.
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