Drop-down list of the Information On This Page Navigation
Park Visitors about to board the Village (Blue) Route bus at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal. This is the view seen walking east from the Visitor Center Plaza. The eastbound and westbound Kaibab (Orange) Route shuttle also stop here.
NPS/M. Quinn 8/1/2021
COVID-19 Safety Modifications to Shuttle Operations:
Passengers should have their own face mask/covering.
Hand sanitizer will be available for use.
Passengers must follow all CDC and public health physical distancing guidelines while in line and on the bus.
Sidewalk decals, tape, and signage has been installed at bus stops to promote physical distancing.
Buses will undergo daily cleaning according to CDC and public health guidance.
Shuttle bus staff will follow specific screening protocols when reporting to work each day.
Village (Blue) Route
Now In Service
This loop route provides transportation between the Visitor Center Plaza, lodges, restaurants, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center and Market Plaza (market, bank and post office).
The Village (Blue) Route shuttle at the train depot stop. El Tovar Hotel is in the background.
50 Minutes Round-trip
(without getting off the bus)
Spring Bus Schedule:
(March 1 through May 27, 2022)
Every 30 minutes: 4:30 to 6:30 am
Every 15 minutes: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Every 30 minutes: 7:30 to 10 pm
Last bus: 9:30 pm
Visitors dining in Grand Canyon Village need to be at a bus stop no later than 9 pm.
Village (Blue) Route - Need to Know
Canyon views are a short walk from some of the bus stops.
The Canyon Rim Trail and greenway trails can be accessed via this route – but be aware of ice and snow during winter months (and sometimes during spring) along these trails.
Map showing the Village Loop (blue) shuttle bus stops
Points of Interest
(also shown on the map below)
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Market Plaza
Shrine of the Ages/Park Headquarters
El Tovar/Hopi House/Train Depot
Village Amphitheater
Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Bright Angel and Maswik lodges
Lookout Studio
Kolb Studio
Bright Angel Trail
Backcountry Information Center
Mather Campground/Trailer Village
Canyon Views are a Short Walk from these Bus Stops:
(Locations are shown on the map below)
Train Depot - follow the paved footpath up the hill behind the bus stop.
Bright Angel Lodge - the canyon is just behind the bus stop, beyond the buildings.
Hermit Road Transfer Station - as you exit the bus, walk to your left to the overlook.
Spring 2022 — South Rim Shuttle Bus Route Map
Three shuttle bus routes in operation between March 1, and May 27, 2022, in the village developed area. The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, on the right, transports visitors to the S. Kaibab Trailhead and outstanding views at Yaki Point. The Village (Blue) Route, in the 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, travels a 7 mile scenic road for great views.
Possible Itineraries on the Village Blue Route
Beautiful Views and Early Park History
Leave the car in parking lot A near Park Headquarters walk the spur trail to the canyon rim, then turn west and walk along the Canyon Rim Trail, taking in spectacular canyon views. In approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will come to historic Grand Canyon Village, where you can visit Verkamp's Visitor Center, Hopi House, the historic hotels, the railroad depot, Lookout Studio, and Kolb Studio,
When you are done exploring the village area, ride the Village (Blue) Route shuttle back to parking lot A.
Discover the Canyon's Geologic Story
Leave the car in one of the parking areas at Grand Canyon Visitor Center, follow the canyon rim signs to Mather Point, and walk west along the Rim Trail taking in spectacular canyon views. In approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km), you will come to Yavapai Point Geology Museum, where you can learn about the canyon's geologic history.
From the museum, you can take the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route back to the visitor center or continue walking another 1.0 mile (1.6 km) along the Rim Trail to the Shrine of Ages, where you can ride the Village Route back to the visitor center or keep walking along the Rim Trail to Grand Canyon Village (see itinerary above).
When walking or cycling at the Grand Canyon, make sure to take your time and carry food and water with you. The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7,000 feet / 2,134 meters above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Exercising at this elevation can be strenuous.
