Three ways to see the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
The canyon sits in Arizona, not near the Strip. You can drive to the West Rim, drive a much longer route to the South Rim, or fly. The West Rim is Grand Canyon West, run by the Hualapai. The South Rim is part of Grand Canyon National Park. They have separate tickets, separate rules and different rim views.
This page is an overview. For tour details and the full Arizona side, our sister site has the guides, including one on Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas.
West Rim and South Rim compared
Two destinations with the same name and little else in common.
| Grand Canyon West | South Rim | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | The Hualapai | Grand Canyon National Park |
| From Las Vegas | About 2 hours by car | 278 miles via US-93, I-40 and AZ-64 |
| Entry | Tickets from the operator; national park passes are not accepted | $35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days; cashless |
| Reservation | Not needed for a day visit with your own car; needed for transport tours and overnight stays | No timed-entry reservation needed |
| Skywalk | Included in the All-Access Pass | – |
| Open | Opens at 8 a.m., later closing in summer | Open all year |
Visitors who live outside the United States and are 16 or older pay an additional $100 per person at the national park, unless a valid pass covers them. An annual pass for non-residents costs $250 since 1 January 2026. Passes follow the park's own terms, so check what yours covers before you rely on it.
Our picks: Grand Canyon West Rim tours
Both options go to the West Rim, not the South Rim.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter landing
A helicopter flight to the West Rim past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, with 30 minutes on the canyon floor, champagne and a light picnic. Hotel transfer depends on the option you book; tips are extra.
Check availability →Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam by bus
A 10-hour day by air-conditioned coach to the West Rim, with Grand Canyon West entry, a Hoover Dam photo stop, breakfast and a BBQ lunch. The Skywalk and the free zipline come only with the Skywalk option.
Check availability →Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas
Coach tours, West Rim day trips, South Rim tours and flights, with live prices and availability.
Planning each option
What to settle before you pay.
West Rim
It is the closest option, but it is not a short trip. Count on a long day. The Skywalk and the viewpoints need tickets, and the All-Access Pass includes the Skywalk. Hours vary by season: the gate opens at 8 a.m., the last ticket is sold in the late afternoon and closing times differ in summer. Confirm the closing and last-entry time for your date before you set off.
South Rim
The South Rim is open all year, but 278 miles each way is a lot for one day. The route runs on US-93 toward Kingman, then I-40 toward Williams and AZ-64 north. An overnight stay or a guided tour is more practical. No entry reservation is required, and the $35 vehicle fee is paid cashless.
Flights
Helicopter and plane flights cover more of the canyon in less time than a drive. They have their own conditions and prices, which change with season and demand. For a short flight over the Strip instead, see our helicopter tour guide.
The clock
Grand Canyon West uses Arizona time, and Arizona and Nevada clocks do not always match through the year. Use the local time on your booking confirmation.
Which option suits you
A quick way to narrow it down.
If you want one day with a long drive but not the longest one, the West Rim is the closest choice, with the Skywalk as its signature stop. If you want the national park rim and are willing to spend more time and fuel, or an overnight stay, the South Rim is the right target. If time is short and you want the canyon from above, a flight uses the least of your day.
If you travel from outside the United States, add the extra national park fee to your budget at the South Rim. If you hold an annual pass, check that it covers the people in your car before you rely on it.
On the ground
Heat, distance and the trail down.
Do not plan a hike down to the river as a day trip from Las Vegas. The distance and the climb are too much for a single day with a long drive on both ends. For current trail notices, water points and wildlife rules, check the national park's own information and the sister site's guides before you go.
Summer days in this region are very hot, so carry water and plan the outdoor time for the cooler parts of the day. Our best time to visit guide shows how the seasons differ.
More day trips and flights
Other ways to leave the Strip.
Grand Canyon from Las Vegas: frequently asked questions
How far is the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?
Grand Canyon West is about 2 hours by car, without hotel pickup, traffic or sightseeing time. The South Rim is 278 miles by road, about 447 km, via US-93, I-40 and AZ-64.
Which rim is better for a day trip?
The West Rim is the closer option and fits a day trip. The South Rim is far for one day, so an overnight stay or a guided tour is more practical.
How much does it cost to enter the Grand Canyon?
At the South Rim, a private vehicle pays $35 for 7 days in 2026. Visitors aged 16 or older from outside the United States pay an additional $100 per person unless a valid pass covers them. Grand Canyon West sells its own tickets, and national park passes are not accepted there.
Do I need to book in advance?
The South Rim needs no entry reservation. Grand Canyon West allows day visits with your own car without a reservation, but transport tours and overnight stays need one. Booking ahead for tours and flights is sensible in busy seasons.
Does the All-Access Pass include the Skywalk?
Yes. The All-Access Pass at Grand Canyon West includes the Skywalk. Check what each tour package adds before you buy.