I wonder if anybody had done this research - from San Francisco to the Canyon, which is the most economical way:

1) drive

2) fly to Phoenix, rent a car

3) fly to Vegas, rent a car

Duh! South Rim

Hi Faina---I haven't done the research, but I did the first part. Mapquest says it is just about 800 miles from San Francisco to the GC South Rim, using I-5, California 58, and I-15 to the turnoff at Williams.

So you'd have to figure the cost based on your car's MPG, and then get airfare and rental car prices (betweeen LV and Phoenix, it is probably cheaper to fly to LV, but we prefer the drive from Phoenix).

I'm thinking it's probably less expensive to drive, if you have the time.

Fly to Las Vegas.

Remember, to stay inside the park you MUST have reservations, if you can get them.

Otherwise, try getting reservations in Tusayan, which is just outside the park.

Also, not knowing what time of year the trip is planned, it could be a very long hot drive to GC from SF.

Oh, and look at flying Southwest from OAK to LAS. Looks like there is a mid-week special rate of $69 each way.

Oh, it's October.

I thought Phoenix is the airport for the Canyon, not Vegas, no?

There is no such say as an airport for the Canyon, fly to Phoenix or LAS then drive, not much difference in mileage, or long drive from SF.

Thank you, Shanghainese!

I thought Phoenix is the airport for the Canyon, not Vegas, no?

According to Mapquest it's about a 3 hour 50 minute drive from PHX to the GC, 4:27 from LAS ... probably cheaper for you to fly to LAS from the Bay area ... most likely cheaper to rent a car in LAS too since Phoenix has some of the highest rental car taxes in the country.

Thanks, Bill, I didn't know that!

Phoenix is such a pit to have to drive through. I'd chose Vegas any day.

I have never done it but if you don't want to fly nor drive, see below:

GotoBus.com

SF - Yosemite - LAS - Grand Canyon - SF 4 day/3 night roundtrip bus tour $258 double occupancy

Some tours look great! Not to the Canyon, but I got some great ideas to work on! Thanks a lot!

Phoenix is such a pit to have to drive through

This is only true during the morning rush hour (5 - 10 AM) and the afternoon rush hour (2 - 7 PM). And when an accident shuts down the freeway, or there's a major event jamming the roads.

The other 7% of the time it's fine!

Bill

I looked at flying from the Bay Area to LAS in mid October on a weekend, and the prices are running $220.- and up. It may be better on weekdays.

Close. Very close.

I looked up flying OAK - LAS RT on Southwest, flying late Friday back Sunday eve, Columbus weekend, $195.50 after tax.

On weekdays, not much cheaper - $188.50.

Re where to stay: even if you can't get reservations in the park when you first try, keep checking closer to departure because rooms often open up.

Thank you, All. I asked for my older son, they've decided to rent a car in Oakland, where they live, and drive. Not taking us along