Most of Route 66 in Arizona is a string of half-abandoned filling stations and the occasional faded mural. Williams is the exception — a still-functioning small town with a walkable historic main street, real neon signs that still light up, and one extremely good reason to visit on its own: the Grand Canyon Railway.
Williams sits 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim, 35 miles west of Flagstaff, and right on I-40. Most people pass through. This guide is for the ones who should stop.
Walk Historic Route 66 (a single block)
Williams' historic stretch of Route 66 is essentially one east-west block, plus a parallel block on Bill Williams Avenue. That's it — and that's part of the charm. In 90 minutes you can walk the whole thing, photograph the original neon, peek into Pete's Gas Station Museum (free), and pop into a half dozen independent shops that have been there since before I-40 was finished in 1984.
The Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway is the reason most people end up in Williams. It's a 2-hour-15-minute train ride from Williams Depot to the South Rim, departing daily at 9:30 AM and returning at 5:45 PM. It's not the fastest way to the Canyon (the drive is 60 minutes), but it solves the South Rim parking problem entirely and includes a 3+ hour layover at the Rim. Tickets run $67 coach to $200+ for the dome car.
If you're doing the railway, stay overnight in Williams the night before — early-morning departures are stressful from Flagstaff or Phoenix.
Where to eat
Pine Country Restaurant for breakfast (the pies are the local pride). Cruisers Cafe 66 for lunch — burger joint in a converted gas station with a beer garden out back. Red Raven Restaurant for a real dinner — surprisingly good farm-to-table in a building that looks like a saloon.
- Pine Country Restaurant — breakfast and 30+ kinds of pie
- Cruisers Cafe 66 — burgers, beer, and Route 66 nostalgia
- Red Raven — actual dinner, no kitsch
- Grand Canyon Brewery — local taproom on Route 66
- Twisters 50s Soda Fountain — milkshakes, pure tourist photo opp
Where to sleep if you stay over
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is the obvious choice if you're riding the train (it's adjacent to the depot). For more character, the Lodge on Route 66 is a restored 1940s motor lodge a block off the main strip. Avoid the chain hotels south of I-40 — they're cheaper but you lose the entire reason you came.
How long to stay
If you're just driving through: 90 minutes for a walk and a meal. If you're riding the railway: one overnight. If you're using Williams as a Grand Canyon base: two nights gives you the train day plus a flexible day at the Rim.
Frequently asked questions
Is Williams, Arizona worth visiting?
Yes — it's the most intact Route 66 town in Arizona and the best base for the Grand Canyon Railway.
How far is Williams from the Grand Canyon?
60 miles to the South Rim entrance — about a 1-hour drive or 2 hours 15 minutes on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is the Grand Canyon Railway worth it?
Yes if you want a no-stress, no-driving day at the Rim. It's a slower option than driving but solves parking and turns the trip into the experience.
