The train is not a bad way to visit the Grand Canyon, but we paid extra to be in the Club car. The Club car was not what we expected. The picture in the advertisement showed a nice wooden bar in the middle of the car. We had an old car with a small area for an attendant to fix drinks in the front. Nothing nice to look at at all in the car. The attendant was nice enough, but did not give us a narrative at all on the way to or back from the canyon. And another review is correct, we were told over the speaker system close to the end of the trip that the attendant would be coming around to personally greet each passenger -- of course, the time for another tip! The trip seemed long, as the entertainers were only in the car for 2-3 songs on the way up and on the way back. The train robbery was a joke. The attendant could have made the trip much more interesting.

I personally would drive instead of riding the train if I had it to do over again.

My best friend and I took the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the GC for the day. We sat in the observation car and had a great view of everything - but honestly - there isnt much to see. Once we got to the rim we had plenty of time to shop, eat lunch and walk along the rim. The views were spectacular! The trip back we were in the luxury car at the end of the train. If you can get a bench seat - do it! You will be tired and you can lay down on these seats and rest. Again not much to see on the way back. Its fun to stand out on the deck at the rear of the train. The entertainment was nice, especially Jessie the banjo player. The drinks at the bar were stiff and not too expensive. The "robbery" was fun too! The only downside was the photographer lady who kept talking about her family and how bad they were and asking if anyone wanted to take her kid. It was really a downer to hear about her druggie brother and other "loser" siblings. You could hear a pin drop in the car!
All in all, it was a fun trip!

We loved our ride on this train! If you can, go for dome observation seating. What a view! Well worth it. Otherwise the basic class would be fine. Yeah, the entertainers were a bit annoying but it added a bit of spice to the trip. Once there, the free shuttles are next to the tracks or it's a short walk (some stair climbing) to the rim. Be sure to bring your camera!

I was traveling with my husband and 15 year old daughter for my husband's 40th birthday. Everything was perfect. The weather was nice and we encountered a herd of elk on the return trip. We were in the luxury/parlor class. The very best part of paying the extra $$ is the observation deck. It's spectacular near the canyon, the snow covered pines were just beautiful.

This class is also VERY comfy, we had a large comfortable couch-my daughter stretched right out with her iPod. She loved the train.

The food at Max and Thelma's is not bad at all. There is effort here, at least. They do not serve the cheapest food possible, even though they probably could.

Our entire experience with Xanterra, both here and at the South Rim, was really excellent. Every member of the staff was friendly, helpful and knowlegeable. EVERY ONE! I don't know if they really care all that much, but they sure act like they do. That goes a long way in my book.