The Tusayan Route (Purple Route) runs from May 25. Highly recommended!
During the busy seasons, lines are long at the entrance station and parking is difficult to find on the South Rim. Why wait in lines and drive in circles looking for parking when you can park in the gateway community of Tusayan and ride a shuttle bus into the park. No lines, no hassles, no fuss. Park and ride; we’ll be your guide.
The Tusayan Route (Purple Route) operates every day from May 25 to September 6, 2024. Buses run every 45 minutes between 8 
a.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors can park anywhere in Tusayan to take the bus, including the IMAX Stop, and the park and ride lot on the north end of town (by the second roundabout). The park and ride lot is especially good for RVs and vehicle with trailers, which have limited parking options in the park.
In order to board a shuttle in Tusayan, visitors must have a valid park pass – this can be a seven-day vehicle, individual, or motorcycle pass. For example, one valid seven-day vehicle pass will get a family onto the bus. Passes can be purchased at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX.
After making four stops in Tusayan, the shuttle bus heads straight to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX. More information about the Tusayan Route and Grand Canyon’s transit system is available at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm. For parking and road conditions, go to @Grand Canyon NPS on Twitter.
Shuttle Routes inside the National Park
Shuttle Bus Routes in Operation
1) Village (Blue) Route
First bus is at 7 am, and the last bus is 9 pm.
(50 minutes round trip)
This loop route connects the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal with lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (supermarket, outdoor ATM, and post office). Canyon views are a short walk from some of the stops.
- 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM (every 15 minutes)
- 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM (every 10 minutes)
- 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM (every 20 minutes)
- Visitors dining in Grand Canyon Village need to be at a bus stop no later than 8:30 pm
2) Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route
First bus is at 6 am, and the last bus is one hour after sunset
(50 minutes round trip)
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (every 15 minutes)
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (every 12 minutes)
- 5:00 PM to one hour after sunset (every 15 minutes)
- Be at a bus stop no later then 30 minutes after sunset
Eastbound buses start at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, with direct service to South Kaibab Trailhead, continue to Yaki Point and Pipe Creek Overlook, then return to the Visitor Center.
Westbound buses start at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, travel to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum, then return to the Visitor Center.
3) Hermits Rest (Red) Route
The first bus is at 8 am, and the last bus is one hour after sunset.80 minute roundtrip (without getting off the bus).
From the Hermit Road Interchange, this route follows the 7 mile scenic road with outstanding views of Grand Canyon.
- 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (every 15 minutes)
- 11:00 AM to one hour after sunset (every 10 minutes)
- Be at a bus stop no later then 30 minutes after sunset
List of Bus Stops, Route Map and Schedule >
- Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1, through November 30 and the only motorized access is by shuttle bus or commercial tour.
Hikers’ Express Shuttle
An early morning bus with service from Grand Canyon Village to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Year-round service.
- The Hikers’ Express begins at the Bright Angel Lodge on the hour, then travels to the Backcountry Information Center, the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, then on to South Kaibab Trailhead.
- May times: 6 am, and 7 am.
