Help with Los Angeles - Grand Canyon - Phoenix route

Is there some reason you won't rent a car? I got tired just reading your itinerary.

I did feel a bit the same way! I was just trying to avoid it as I feel a bit uneasy at the thought of doing it on my own.
But if it's really recommended then I guess I can do this. Do you have any thoughts on whether it would be best to fly from LA to Flagstaff and rent a car from there? Or do you think there's a better way?
Thanks!

Without a car, staying in Tusayan will not be an option- the Purple Route shuttle bus ceases operation on September 30th.

One alternative would be to take a modified package offered by Amtrak Vacations. Using their train service out of Los Angeles, they offer the Rails to the Grand Canyon which will allow you to stay on the canyon rim. Contact them and they should be able to modify the package to include travel to Phoenix instead if Los Angeles at the end.

I see they offer accommodation at three locations: El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge and Maswik Lodge. The first two are right on the rim, and presumably would cost more. I would recommend Maswik which has a self serve food court offering several different eating choices, cafeteria style; it is a 5-10 minute walk from the rim. El Tovar has a very expensive dining room with, IMO, only so-so food (may also have a dress code), and to the best of my memory, Kachina Lodge does not have its own dining area, although all three are within a 10-15 minute walk from one another.

I did not realise that about the shuttle - thanks so much for bringing it to my attention.

And thank you kindly for your suggestion about Amtrak Vacations - I'm going to contact them to enquire.

Much appreciated!

You are missing some details and options.

First, the Arizona Shuttle from Flagstaff will drop you at the Maswick Lodge inside Grand Canyon Village. Even if you're not staying at the Maswick, its easy enough to get around once you're in the Village. The "Purple Route" shuttle from Tusayan mentioned above refers to the Grand Canyon National Park shuttle bus, which is entirely separate. So, point being, if you're taking the Arizona Shuttle and you have a reservation inside the park, you're all set.

Second, there is direct Amtrak train service to Flagstaff from LA. Last I checked, it drops off pretty late so you might have to get a room in Flagstaff and pick up the AZ Shuttle in the morning. Its not terribly complex, as these things go. Getting back to PHX, probably easiest to just take the AZ Shuttle all the way from GC.

Honestly, renting a car is going to be the logistically most simple, and might even be the cheapest, after all is said and done. I'd at least consider it. If you have to stay in Tusayan, then having your own car is almost a must.

One interesting option might be to take the train to Flagstaff, then rent a car just for the trip to GC, then take the shuttle to PHX. Its a bit of logistical hassle but spares you the agony of driving in LA and the long haul to Flagstaff, while still allowing you the freedom of your own transport at the park.

If the issue is driving on the other side of the road--I've always tried to follow sage advice I received many years ago for a trip to Ireland----don't drive it on the first full day of the trip, allow a day for acclimating to the different side of the road and, avoid congested urban areas esp. in the beginning. The best ways to actualize all of this would eitherbe the Amtrak/car rental option mentioned above and departing Flagstaff before/after morning rush hour or taking the Metrolink train to San Bernadino and renting a car there.

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