Help with Los Angeles - Grand Canyon - Phoenix route

Hi everyone

I am an Australian travelling in the US in October and I would love to see the grand canyon (south rim) for a few days.

I will be in LA and can leave at any time on Tuesday, 17 October (or I can make it the Monday, 16th, if need be). I then need to be in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday 20, October (ideally by noon/early afternoon). So this gives me roughly 3 or 4 (if I leave on the Monday) days to fit in the Grand Canyon.

The biggest hurdle is that I will not be driving. I am open to any other transportation methods and budget is not an issue. I have considered, but ruled out, (but am happy to be convinced otherwise) getting an Amtrak or bus from LA to Phoenix.

I think it may make the most sense to fly from LA to Flagstaff, Phoenix and then get the Arizona Shuttle to Tusayan and stay somewhere in Tusayan, from which I can then get a shuttle to the park - and just repeat this on a daily basis (going backwards and forwards from my accommodation to the park).

The flight and shuttle times are quite limited, so at present, I think I would have to get a flight from LA to Flagstaff at 6am - arriving 9.47am. Then get the shuttle at 1pm, arriving in Tusayan at 2.30pm.
On the departing leg, it looks like I can get the Arizona shuttle from Tusayan to Flagstaff and then a separate shuttle from Flagstaff to Phoenix.

Questions -
1. Are there any better ways to get from LA to the grand canyon - by plane/bus/train alone? Rather than what I've suggested above?
2. (if known) Do the Arizona shuttles tend to run to schedule / are they reliable?
3. Is staying in Tusayan and doing day trips to the Canyon a good idea / is it going to work?

Another option I thought about is flying LA to Phoenix and booking some kind of tour to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix. This would be easier, but I'd prefer not to do it, as I'd like to be in control of what I see. But if my plans above don't seem like they'll pan out, then I will defer to doing this.

Any other recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Laura

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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