Route 66 town and Grand Canyon Railway terminus on the edge of Kaibab National Forest.
Williams is a small town on Route 66 in northern Arizona, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." It sits on the edge of the Kaibab National Forest and is the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic steam and diesel train that runs north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon — about an hour each way and one of the most scenic ways to arrive.
The Route 66 main street has preserved much of its Route 66 character, with diners, motor lodges, and shops in buildings dating from the road's mid-century heyday. Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, in 1984, and it wears its Route 66 heritage with some pride. It sits at an elevation of around 2,000 metres, which means it can see snow in winter — the adjacent Arizona Snowbowl ski area is about 30 kilometres away near Flagstaff.
Guide
Getting There
Williams is on Interstate 40, about 60 kilometres west of Flagstaff and 85 kilometres south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Exit 163 leads directly into the town centre. By rail, the Grand Canyon Railway connects Williams Depot to Grand Canyon Village — but there is no conventional passenger train service to Williams itself; the nearest Amtrak station is Flagstaff.
Most visitors arrive by car. The drive from Flagstaff takes about 45 minutes; from Las Vegas it is roughly 4 hours via I-40. Phoenix is about 3 hours south on I-17 and I-40.
Guide
When to Go
Williams sits at around 2,000 metres elevation, which means hot summers are tempered compared to lower Arizona — highs in the low 30s rather than the brutal 40s of Phoenix. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant times, with mild temperatures and fewer Grand Canyon crowds. Winter brings real cold and occasional snow, which makes the ponderosa forest beautiful but can close mountain roads.
The Grand Canyon Railway runs year-round, including special Christmas trains that are popular with families. Summer sees the heaviest tourism; if visiting in July or August, book accommodation and railway tickets well in advance.
