Have plans to visit Las Vegas, or the Grand Canyon soon? There are some outstanding deals on Grand Canyon bus tours, from Las Vegas, NV to the Grand Canyon and back again.
The Bus tour packages pick up passengers at most of the Las Vegas hotels, and offer economical tour packages to either the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, or the West Rim areas. The South Rim is the biggest, widest, and deepest part of the magnificent Grand Canyon. It is literally up to 21 miles across, and up to 8,400 feet deep! That's over one mile deep, amazing! The South Rim is also the National Park Service center of the Grand Canyon, and offers the best possible views, and photo opportunities. The South Rim also offers much educational information as well. South Rim tour packages allow people to walk on the trails along the top edge at Mather Point, Bright Angel lodge, the Grand Canyon Village, and Yavapai point. Walking trails are literally right along the edge of the canyon. Some good tours also take people directly to the National Geographic Center, where lunch may be included at a food court. There is also an IMAX movie, that normally has an optional fee.
The West Rim is the location of the "Skywalk" the glass bridge that has had much international publicity. The West Rim tours typically offer more activities, and diversions. The West Rim is the home of the Hualapai Indians. There is an Indian Village, small Indian Market, and a lunch buffet offered at the West Rim. Some tour packages include viewing of Indian dances as well. There is also an "Old West" cowboy ranch, and cowboy "gunfight show" offered as well, sometimes at an extra cost. Tourists are taken to Eagle Point, and Guano Point, the best overall viewing areas of the West Rim. The Skywalk is near Eagle point, and tour passengers are shuttled over to the nearby location where the Skywalk sits, allowing views of 4,000 feet straight down to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. The Haulapai Indians collect an "optional fee" of 35.00 per person to walk on the glass bridge. Unfortunately no cameras, or cell phones are allowed on the glass bridge itself. There is an Indian photographer who is available to snap instant photos of tourists, for a small fee. The West Rim may be more fun for families who are visiting with children!
South Rim Bus tours from Las Vegas, and back can sell anywhere from 179.99 down to discounted prices of 79.99. West Rim packages from 199.99 down to discounted prices of around 115.00. Be very cautious of Web Sites that add "hidden fees". Some companies may add 1-3 extra fees, which can add up to another 20.00 to 30.00 dollars. Be sure and look for ads, sales agents, or websites that indicate "no hidden fees".
Tours are commonly offered at "discounted prices, or rates" by both sales booths in Las Vegas, and numerous websites. I have heard problems with booking on-line, and about very confusing websites that confounded people. Other common problems included many of these on-line bookers adding "Hidden-fees", and customers not knowing who's taking them. Good detailed information about the Bus company providing the service should be indicated... Is the Bus company good, or bad? Are the buses new, or old? Do the buses have good air conditioning? Do the buses have restrooms on board? etc. So, basically look for a tour booker, or website that indicates no hidden fees, and newer tour buses/or luxury motor coaches in their tour description. Also look for an indication of the experience of the tour booking agency, how long have they been doing this? Understanding which bus company is providing the service should be part of choosing a good tour. Good service, and an explanation of how nice, and new the luxury motor coaches are should be part of a good tour description as well.
Bus Tours to both the South Rim, and the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, go 365 days a year. South Rim bus tours take 14-15 hours from Las Vegas,and back again- due to the distance involved. The South Rim is 5 hours driving one way from Las Vegas. The West Rim bus tours take approximately 11 hours round trip, from Las Vegas and back as the West Rim is 3 hours driving one way from Las Vegas. I have heard of numerous testimonials of people telling me how much they had enjoyed their tours, to both the Grand Canyon West Rim, and Grand Canyon South Rim. Choosing a company with the Newest, most comfortable luxury motor coaches (some have super comfortable 81 passenger double-decker tour buses!),can make the longer driving distances much more pleasurable & tolerable. Most buses are washed daily, have restrooms on-board, play DVD movies, and have individual air conditioning controls at the seats. Grand Canyon Bus Tour options, are the most affordable, and because of the simplicity can be booked easily on-line. Tours can be booked all hours, and the bus packages are very rarely ever sold out. If booking "on-line" look for a website that has a simple menu, and explains the company background, and experience. A simple website can make the "Buying Experience" very easy and less time-consuming also. It is also a good idea to get to bed early,as the bus tour packages depart around 6:00am, Las Vegas time.
People who drive on their own, frequently under-estimate driving distances, gas costs, entry fees, and costs for meals. The West Rim has a much higher entry fee than the South Rim, as the South Rim is operated by the National Park Service. The South Rim however, involves a driving distance of 270 miles ( 5 hours ) - one way, whereas the West Rim again is 155 miles ( 3 hours ), one way - from Las Vegas.
Even though tours are generally offered at "Substantial Discounts", but don't forget that there is an "optional fee" of 35.00 to walk on the new "Skywalk",at the West Rim - that goes directly to the Hualapais. Both the South Rim, and West Rim bus tours generally include breakfast and lunch, and a 20 minute photo stop at Hoover Dam on the way. Some West Rim tours also include activities; such as the Indian traditional dances, and an "Old West" cowboy gunfight show.
So,in summary -if you want to visit the Grand Canyon, and save money doing it, while in Las Vegas, (tours pick up at Las Vegas hotels)...First study, and choose whether you would prefer a "South Rim tour, or a West Rim tour. If booking on-line; look for a website that's easy to navigate, and check the companies experience (how long have they been doing this? ) Look for a company that represents good Tour Bus Companies, with newer tour buses (service providers), and offers discounted rates, but beware of the "hidden fees". Remember, the lowest price does not always equate to the best "Tour for your money". If you feel comfortable with your sales agency, paying .00 to 115.00 per person, is a pretty good deal for a great tour of the Majestic Grand Canyon.
