Place

Grand Canyon South Entrance Station

Multiple lines of cars wait in line at a two peaked wooden building that covers the lanes.
Be prepared for a wait most of the year at South Entrance Station - especially during midday.

NPS

Quick Facts
Significance:
Park Entrance Station

Entrance Passes for Sale, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present

Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park

The South Entrance Station is the entry point for most visitors. Located in the state of Arizona, it is 55 miles (89 km) north of Williams, Arizona via SR 64 from I-40; and 80 miles (129 km) north of Flagstaff, Arizona via US 180 from I-40 or I-17. This is the closest entrance station to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the park.

South Entrance Station is 1.6 miles (2.5 km) north of the gateway town of Tusayan, and 4.9 miles (7.8 km) south of Grand Canyon Visitor Center. 

During spring break and summer, plan on arriving before 9:30 am or after 4 pm. Lines can be long with up to two hour wait times between 9:30 am and 4 pm. 

If you are reading this while waiting in the line to enter the park, here's information about getting around, where to park, and suggested activities: South Rim 2024 - Helpful Tips >

  • Reservations are not required to enter Grand Canyon National Park.

  • We do not have timed entry.

Entrance Fees and Passes

Entrance passes to Grand Canyon National Park are valid for one to seven days. Entrance to both the South Rim and the North Rim of the park is included. (When the North Rim is open, May 15 through October 15.)

Which pass should you pick? A standard or an annual pass? How much do they cost? Do you qualify for a military, senior, or access pass? Visit this link for an interactive review of your options, or continue reading below. 

No refunds are given due to inclement weather.

  • At Grand Canyon National Park's Entrance Stations, credit and debit cards, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. Cash is no longer accepted.
     
  • It is possible to purchase an entrance pass with cash or credit/debit cards from some of the businesses in the gateway town of Tusayan. You will pass through Tusayan on your way to the park.

NOTE: We no longer sell digital passes online through Recreation.gov, in order to keep more visitor fees in the park to improve the visitor experience.

Standard Passes

Vehicle Pass: $35
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Motorcycle Pass: $30
Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

Individual Pass: $20 per person
Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway, and private rafting trip. Individuals 16 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge.

Annual Passes

There are several types of annual passes available at each of the park's three entrance stations:

America the Beautiful - Annual Pass ($80)
America the Beautiful - Annual Senior Pass ($20)
America the Beautiful - Lifetime Senior Pass ($80)

Grand Canyon National Park Pass ($70)

"Every Kid Outdoors" - 4th Grade Pass (Free with a voucher you get from their website.)
America the Beautiful - Lifetime Access Pass (Free)
America the Beautiful - Military Pass (Free)

Detailed information about these passes, and which one is right for you, here > 

Documentation and ID are required when presenting or acquiring a pass. 
 


Educational Groups and Commercial Tours

Educational Fee Waivers

Educational Fee Waivers are not issued automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the criteria to receive a fee waiver. Details >

Organized, Non-commercial Groups >
Organized, non-commercial groups include church groups, college or school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc.

Commercial Tours

Commercial Tour Fees >
Fees are based on vehicle capacity for all tour groups and bus companies that originate outside a 100-mile (160 km) radius of an entrance station to Grand Canyon National Park. Taxis are classified as commercial tours since they do not have regularly scheduled service.

Grand Canyon National Park

Last updated: October 10, 2024