This article breaks down the main ways to get to meeting locations for Grand Canyon rafting trips and how to get back from the end point. For the most part, people fly into Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff and then select transportation to their meeting point.

While we provide links to different Grand Canyon transportation companies, if you have a reservation with an outfitter for a 3 to 18 day trip they will be sending you specific information regarding which portions of the transportation they provide and which parts you will need to reserve on your own. Both one and two-day trips meet and end in Peach Springs, Arizona.

*** Please note that transportation companies have been changing dramatically during the pandemic. While we try to keep this list updated, there will probably be some changes to itineraries, prices and availability. 

Table of Contents

• Personal/Rental Cars
• Getting to the River
  • Las Vegas to Marble Canyon/Page
  • Las Vegas to South Rim
  • Phoenix to Flagstaff/Flagstaff to South Rim
• Getting Home
  • South Rim to Las Vegas
  • South Rim to Flagstaff to Phoenix
  • South Rim to Marble Canyon/Page
• Private Grand Canyon Shuttles

Map of Las Vegas/Grand Canyon/Phoenix

Personal/Rental Cars

It is possible to drive your own car or rent a car to drive from Las Vegas or Phoenix. However, many trips end at different places than where they start. Those using private vehicles need to pay an additional fee to have their vehicle shuttled if they are meeting in Page or Marble Canyon and ending at the South Rim.

Most Flexibility: Renting a car in Las Vegas and driving yourselves provides the most flexibility for exploring sights along the way.

Getting to the River

The majority of Grand Canyon rafters fly into Las Vegas. From Las Vegas the most common transportation is a small plane flight to Marble Canyon, Page, the South Rim of Grand Canyon, or Bar 10 Ranch in Western Grand Canyon. However, shuttle companies also offer buses to many of these destinations.

Las Vegas to Marble Canyon/Page

Shuttle

Bar 10 Transportation shuttles depart from Terminal 1 of the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The scenic drive though Southern Utah takes 5 hours. Bar 10 requires a payment of $152 + tax per person at the time of booking for the shuttle to Marble Canyon ($175 + tax for shuttle to Page).

Flight

Least Drive Time: Bar 10 Transportation’s Grand Canyon Airline flights from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon or Page cost $314 + tax per person, but they must have at least 9 passengers booked in order for either flight to fly. Pick up takes place at Terminal 1 of the McCarran International Airport at 1:00pm. From there a 30 minute drive takes you to Boulder City, Nevada where you board a fixed wing airplane that departs at 3:25pm.

Las Vegas to South Rim Transportation Options 

Rafters running the Lower Grand Canyon typically need to get themselves to the South Rim of Grand Canyon before a challenging hike down the Bright Angel Trail to the Colorado River.

Entering the South Rim of Grand Canyon requires an additional fee paid upon arrival at the Grand Canyon National Park or through your outfitter useless you have a National Park pass. 

Flight

Bar 10 Transportation’s Grand Canyon Airlines has a 70 minute flight from Las Vegas to the South Rim. Cost: $278 + tax per person. 435-628-4010

Ground Shuttle

Most Economical: Ground transportation provides the most economical and slowest route from Las Vegas to the South Rim. Companies don’t show these options on their websites, it is best to call for detailed information.

Grand Canyon Tour Company; 800-222-6966
Pick Up Time: 6:00AM and 7:00am at most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip 
Cost: $115 per person plus taxes and fees.

National Park Express;  (702) 707-5032

Phoenix to Flagstaff, Flagstaff to South Rim Grand Canyon

Groome Transportation is the most reliable ground shuttle company in Arizona at this time. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure seats on their shuttles. The earliest they take reservations is 4 months prior to the trip date.

Prices (as of 4/2023) are around $59 per person for the 3 hour and 10 minute shuttle between Phoenix and Flagstaff, and $44 per person for the 1 hour and 45 minute shuttle from Flagstaff to the South Rim. 

In order to get to the South Rim the same day as your flight. We recommend planning to arrive in Phoenix by 10:30am to give yourself a cushion in case your flight is delayed to catch the 12:00pm shuttle to the Amtrak Station in Flagstaff.

This is the last shuttle departing from Phoenix that will arrive in Flagstaff in time for the 3:45pm shuttle to the Maswik Lodge located within the South Rim National Park. If you miss this 3:45pm shuttle to the South Rim, no refunds will be issued by Groome Transportation and you will have to pay for a private shuttle which can cost an additional $230 to $500 total.  

Getting Home

Transportation South Rim to Las Vegas

Shuttle

Grand Canyon Tour Company offers one way bus transportation from the South Rim to any location in Las Vegas. The bus picks up at the Bright Angel Lodge at 4:00pm and it will be a 5 hour drive to Las Vegas. Full payment of $115 + tax and fees per person is required at the time of booking.

National Park Express;  (702) 707-5032

Flights

Bar 10 Transportation’s Grand Canyon Airline flights from the South Rim to Las Vegas departing at 1:55 pm or 4:55 pm. There are no minimums for this flight and a full payment of $278 +tax per person is required at the time of booking.

South Rim to Flagstaff to Phoenix

Groome Transportation is the best shuttle option from the South Rim to Flagstaff and Flagstaff to Phoenix. Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure seats on their shuttles.

As of April 2023 it costs around $44 per person for the 1 hour and 45 minute shuttle from the South Rim to Flagstaff.  Between Flagstaff and Phoenix it is $56 per person for the 3 hour and 10 minute shuttle.

South Rim to Marble Canyon/Page
(Rental Cars/Personal Vehicles)

Trans-Canyon Shuttle offers a daily shuttle at 1:30 pm from the South Rim to Marble Canyon for $120 per person. This shuttle is typically used after the trip to get back to a car at Marble Canyon. Some groups will drive to the South Rim prior to the trip and take the shuttle before their trip starts so they can hop in their car after hiking out of the canyon.

Alternatively, Lake Powell Shuttle transports vehicles from Marble Canyon or Page to the South Rim. They also shuttle people and are the best option to get to Page. Call to set up these options.

Private Grand Canyon Shuttles

Grand Canyon Shuttles offers private shuttles between many of these locations. You can submit request by email (john@grandcanyonshuttles.com) or give them a call at 888-215-3105.