Grand Canyon National Park entrance information, passes, & tickets
Grand Canyon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Arizona, is a premier tourist destination renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas and geological significance. Drawing millions of visitors annually, the park offers a myriad of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Tourists can explore its vast expanse through hiking, rafting, and scenic drives along the South Rim, which provides accessible views and visitor amenities. The North Rim, though less crowded, offers a more secluded experience with equally breathtaking panoramas. Ranger-led programs and interpretive centers enrich visitors’ understanding of the canyon’s history, ecology, and cultural heritage. Whether witnessing a sunrise over the canyon’s layered rock formations or embarking on a mule ride down its steep trails, Grand Canyon National Park promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the grandeur of one of Earth’s natural wonders.
Where To Buy Grand Canyon Park Passes
The National Park Service has Pay Stations located at the South Entrance and East Entrance to The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Frequently there are long lines of vehicles waiting to enter the Park, particularly during the peak tour season. Fast entry into the Park can now be accomplished by paying entry fees at the Official Pay Station located in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX. A special entry lane then allows vehicles to circumvent the heavy traffic lanes and to enter the Park with virtually no delay. There is no additional fee for using the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Pay Station. Entrance Fees: (7 day pass). US Parks Pass can also be purchased at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX.
Grand Canyon National Park Pass Prices
For more information on new international traveller Park Entrance Fees for the Grand Canyon National Park, click here.
- Private Vehicles – $35.00.
- Pedestrians/Cyclists – $20.00
- Local regularly scheduled transit – $8.00 per person. Age 16 and under Free
- Regional shuttle (within 100 miles distance) – $8.00 per person Age 16 and under Free.
- Commercial tours: (100 miles or more distance)
- Vehicles with 1-25 passenger capacity – $8.00 per person Age 16 and under Free.
- Vehicles with 26+ passenger capacity – $300.00 per vehicle. No discounted fees.
- Golden Access, Age, Eagle and Park Passports.
For more information on Entrance Fees for the Grand Canyon National Park, click here.
Park Hours
South Rim – Open year-around including holidays. Entrance stations opened 24 hours. The Park’s Visitor Center and many Park facilities open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and off-season 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-Park Shuttle Buses 3 free South Rim bus routes operate mid-March thru mid-October. You can access to North Rim by private vehicle only.
Park Access Tusayan Route Shuttle Bus
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. Click here for full details including purchase options.
Access to Inner Canyon
The Inner Canyon is accessible by 16 hiking trails, 3 of which are regularly maintained. Permits required. Scheduled mule trips and Colorado River boat trips also available, with reservations required well in advance. Contact Grand Canyon National Park Lodges at (303) 297-2757, or write Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, 6312 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.
POPULAR RIMS AT
GRAND CANYON
South Rim
The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular and accessible section of the Grand Canyon, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Open year-round, it features numerous iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the canyon’s vast expanse. The South Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX.
North Rim
The Grand Canyon North Rim offers a more secluded and tranquil experience compared to the busier South Rim. Located at a higher elevation, the North Rim provides cooler temperatures and lush forested landscapes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The North Rim is typically open from mid-May to mid-October due to heavy snowfall in winter.
East Rim
The Grand Canyon East Rim, though not officially designated by the National Park Service, is a remarkable area often referred to by locals. This region encompasses a variety of stunning natural sites and scenic viewpoints, some of which lie on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands and within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX’s premiere attraction is the new Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time movie. Our new IMAX® screen stands 6 stories tall with a reflective surface allowing for heightened realism drawing you into something as close to reality as you can possibly experience. The 12,000 watts of sound allow for heart-pounding audio with an endless sweet spot, there’s not a bad spot in the theatre. The IMAX® Laser projection system features a new optical engine that delivers increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors allowing the Grand Canyon to be shown like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Canyon Passes & Entrance Fees
How much does it cost to enter Grand Canyon National Park?
As of 2026, the standard entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park is typically $35 per private vehicle and is valid for 7 consecutive days. Motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle entry fees are also available. Annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
Where can I buy Grand Canyon entrance passes?
Visitors can purchase Grand Canyon National Park passes at entrance stations, online through the National Park Service, or at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX in Tusayan, located just outside the South Rim entrance. Purchasing passes before reaching the gate can help reduce wait times during busy travel periods.
Can I buy a Grand Canyon pass before arriving at the South Rim gate?
Yes. Visitors can purchase official Grand Canyon National Park entrance passes before arriving at the South Rim entrance station. Buying passes in advance at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX in Tusayan may help you avoid long entrance lines during peak visitation periods.
Does the America the Beautiful Pass work at Grand Canyon National Park?
Yes. The America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted at Grand Canyon National Park and covers entrance fees for all passengers in a private vehicle at participating federal recreation sites across the United States.
How long is a Grand Canyon National Park pass valid?
Most standard entrance passes for Grand Canyon National Park are valid for 7 consecutive days from the date of purchase. Annual passes remain valid for one year from the month of purchase.
Do I need reservations to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim?
At this time, reservations are generally not required for standard day visits to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. However, visitors should expect heavy traffic and parking congestion during holidays, spring break, and summer months.
What is the best time to enter Grand Canyon National Park?
Early morning is typically the best time to enter Grand Canyon National Park, especially during peak travel seasons. Entrance lines and parking delays tend to increase significantly between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Can I use the shuttle system after entering the South Rim?
Yes. Grand Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle bus system throughout much of the South Rim area. Many visitors park once and use the shuttle system to access viewpoints, hiking trails, and visitor services.
Where is Tusayan located in relation to Grand Canyon National Park?
Tusayan is located immediately outside the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It serves as a convenient gateway community offering hotels, restaurants, tours, shuttle access, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX.
Can I visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX without entering the national park?
Yes. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX in Tusayan is located outside the national park entrance and can be visited without paying the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
