4 Closest Airports to Grand Canyon (+Tips)

Being one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon of Arizona is an ideal trip for those who want to enjoy camping, rafting, and hiking. The experience in person is no comparison to its virtual experience, and hence, knowledge of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon will help visitors plan their trip accordingly.

This article will touch upon the airports closest to the Grand Canyon, some tips for smooth travel, and the major attractions in this vacation spot.

4 Closest Airports to Grand Canyon

Some of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon are Grand Canyon Airport, Phoenix Airport, Las Vegas Airport, and Flagstaff Airport. Below are the details of each airport.

1. Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN)

The closest airport to Grand Canyon is Grand Canyon Airport. However, this airport does not host commercial flights, and flying from this airport would require travelers to fly on a private or chartered flight. 

• Distance from Grand Canyon: 8 miles (15 minutes)
• Taxi: An Uber can cost from 6 to 9 dollars and will be available at the pick-up point of this Airport.
• Shuttle: Arizona Shuttle (1-877-708-0008) can be contacted for shuttle services from the airport. 

2. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)

Coming up second, the closest airport to Grand Canyon is Flagstaff Airport. This is the closest commercial airport. This airport is easy to navigate, has swift baggage collection and it is easy to rent a car here as well.

• Distance from Grand Canyon: 81 miles (1.5 hours)
• Taxi: Renting an Uber would cost around 373-507 dollars, including a safe ride fee.
• Bus: Groom Transportation provides bus services that take 1 hour 45 minutes. After stopping at Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park is a 10-minute walk from here.

3. Las Vegas Airport (LAS)

The next closest airport to Grand Canyon is Las Vegas Airport also known as McCarran International Airport. This airport is closer to the West Rim, and most major airlines offer their services here including American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. 

• Distance from Grand Canyon: 121 miles (West Rim) or 278 miles (South Rim)
• Taxi: An Uber fare should be around 150 to 370 dollars depending on the vehicle you opt for. Since shuttles will take about 7 hours, hiring a cab would be the best option.

4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Lastly, Phoenix Airport is one of the closest airports to Grand Canyon National Park. This is the popular choice among travelers since this is the closest major international airport to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. From here, visitors can also take a 20-minute flight to Flagstaff.

• Distance from Grand Canyon: 231 miles (3.5 hours)
• Taxi: Ubers cost 260 dollars onwards. Visitors can opt for Uber Comfort Electric and Uber Green for a cheaper ride.
• Shuttle: Airport Shuttle of Phoenix can be booked in advance by contacting this number +1-480-710-3441. The journey will take about 4 hours.

Note: Traveling from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon is mentioned above.

With this, all the major closest airports to Grand Canyon have been listed above. Please note that the choice of airport may vary from person to person and it is advised that travellers book a hotel close to the National Park to avoid extra traveling. 

Tips for Travelling

Apart from knowing the closest airports to Grand Canyon,  the below-listed tips can help travelers make their travel hassle-free and book flights for a cheaper rate as well.

• Avoid visiting the Grand Canyon in July and August to avoid longer queues, waiting times, and an enjoyable hike due to the heat. If the trip is scheduled for the winter, avoid visiting the North Rim.
• For access to all the North Rim’s best lodging and restaurant options, plan your trip between May and October.
• National Park Free Days include Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday on January 16, the first day of National Park Week on April 22, the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act on August 4, and Veteran’s Day on November 11. During this time, there is no admission fee in the national park.
• Always compare flight fares through different travel-related search engines to find the cheapest and best option.
• Visitors are advised to book their in-city transport in advance to prevent any issues.
• Keep handy the local currency in case visiting from abroad. 

Major Attractions of Grand Canyon

Now that visitors have made it here by traveling from the closest airports to the Grand Canyon, here are a few things tourists can enjoy during their getaway:

• Hiking: Hike trails like South Kaibab Trail and Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa offer the best view of the park’s beauty.
• Mule Trips: This is usually for day trips available at the South Rim and North for trails and inner canyon rides. 
• View Points: The viewpoints are a must-visit for capturing the essence of this picturesque park. Some popular viewpoints are Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Yaki Point. 
• Biking: This is one of the best family-friendly things to do in the Grand Canyon. Without the hassle of finding a parking spot, this is the best way to visit the viewpoints at the convenience of the travelers.
• Museums: Some popular museums here include Hopi House and Tusayan Museum and Ruins. These museums provide the guests a peek into the lives of the ancestors who occupied the place several hundred years ago.

Also Read:

• 4 Closest Airports to St. Augustine (+Tips)
• 4 Closest Airports to Rosemary Beach (+Tips)

Conclusion

To conclude, the Grand Canyon is an unparalleled experience for all explorers alike. There are plenty of ways to go from the closest airports to Grand Canyon, ensuring a stress-free trip. As a quick reminder, Flagstaff Airport is the closest airport to Grand Canyon that offers commercial flights, while Grand Canyon Airport is the closest airport to Grand Canyon if a private plane is opted for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)