COVID-19 Safety Modifications to Shuttle Operations:
Due to current LOW CDC Community Level in Coconino County —Face masks are not required this week in either indoor or outdoor locations, or on public transportation. However physical distancing is encouraged.Updated every Thursday.
As community levels may change from week to week, it is a good idea to bring face masks with you for your family or group.
Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.
Sidewalk decals, tape, and signage has been installed at bus stops to promote physical distancing.
Buses undergo daily cleaning according to CDC and public health guidance.
Between December 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023, The following shuttle routes are in operation. Village (Blue) Route, Kaibab (Orange) Route, and the Hikers' Express Shuttle. Details for each route are listed on this page. All shuttle service is free; the service is included in the park entrance fees.
Spring 2023 — Map of Free South Rim Shuttle Bus Routes
Three shuttle bus routes are in operation between March 1, and May 26, 2023, in the village developed area. The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, right, transports visitors to the S. Kaibab Trailhead and outstanding views at Yaki Point. The Village (Blue) Route, center, connects the Visitor Center with lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM, and post office). The Hermit Road (Red) Route, upper left, travels a 7 mile scenic road for great views.
Shuttle Bus Routes in Operation this Spring
Spring Bus Schedule: (March 1, through May 26, 2023)
1) Village (Blue) Route - Year-round
Service starts at 4:30 am, and the last bus is 9:30 pm. (50 mintes round trip)
This loop connects the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal with lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM, and post office).
Service starts at 4:30 am, and the last bus is 30 minutes after sunset. (50 minutes round trip)
Eastbound
Begins at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal with direct service to South Kaibab Trailhead. Then it continues to Yaki Point, and Pipe Creek Overlook, then returns to the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal.
Westbound
Begins at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, traveling to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum. Then it returns to the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal.
An early morning bus with service from Grand Canyon Village to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
The Hikers' Express begins at the Bright Angel Lodge, then travels to the Backcountry Information Center, the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, then on to South Kaibab Trailhead. During the month of March the bus leaves Bright Angel Lodge at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am.
Service starts at 4:30 am, and last bus is 30 minutes after sunset. (80 minutes round trip)
Between March 1 and November 30, This route begins at the Hermit Road Interchange, on the west side of the Village Historic District. This shuttle travels along a 7 mile scenic road with outstanding views of Grand Canyon. Round trip takes 80 minutes (without getting off the bus).
Between March 1, and November 30, Hermit Road can only be accessed by the free Hermit Road (Red) Route shuttle bus, on foot, bicycle, or by commercial tour. The road is closed to private vehicles.
Shuttle Bus Routes Not In Service
Tusayan (Purple Route)CLOSED - Summer Only
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Tusayan (Purple Route) provides shuttle bus service between the gateway community of Tusayan. After making four stops in Tusayan, the bus travels 6.8 miles/11 km to the South Rim Visitor Center inside the park. The buses run every 20 minutes between 8 am and 9:30 pm. A round trip takes 40 minutes.
General Things to Know When Riding Park Shuttle Buses
Visitors should expect lines causing delays to board a bus during busier times of the day.
Buses are white with a green stripe and display the route name on the front and the side.
No tickets are required; a portion of your entrance fee pays for this important service.
Buses arrive every 15-30 minutes.
Bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park.
The routes interconnect, but do not overlap.
Bus stops are also in proximity to great cycling opportunities. Bicycle the Greenway Trail to South Kaibab Trailhead or ride Hermit Road to Hermits Rest and then get on a shuttle bus to come back.
Service may be suspended during inclement weather.
Collapse strollers before entering the shuttle bus. No oversized or jogging strollers. Remove baby-back carriers when seated
Shuttle buses can accommodate two or three bicycles, but not tag alongs, baby trailers, or children's bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches (41 cm). Riders must load and unload their bicycles
Shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers inwheelchairs.Please note:wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 cm x 122 cm) cannot be accommodated on shuttle buses and mostmotorized scooterswill not fit
Shuttle buses only stop at designated bus stops
All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, however, the park does offer a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit, which allows entry for visitors with mobility issues to some areas closed to public traffic. The permit is available at entrance stations and National Park Service visitor centers.
What are Service Animals?
"Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.
The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition."
The National Park Service has provided free shuttle bus service on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for more than 40 years. All of the park's buses are fully accessible and run on compressed natural gas, which means fewer harmful emissions for people and the environment. And the roadways are far less crowded!
Grand Canyon's shuttle system provides a hassle free way to access South Rim trails, viewpoints, and other points of interest – some areas are only accessible by bus. The shuttle system is not an experience in and of itself, but a means to access all that the South Rim has to offer: hiking, cycling, scenic views and artistic endeavors; historical structures inspired by the regional landscape, and museums and information centers that highlight the park's unique cultural and natural resources. So, park your car and begin your Grand Canyon explorations!
South Rim - Tusayan Multimodal Transportation Action Plan (2.72 MB PDF File - 5/2019)
The purpose of this action plan is to enhance the quality, extent,and use of multimodal transportation options between Tusayan and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in a manner that benefits visitors, residents, service providers, community members,and park resources.
