Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit

06:00‑10:00 or 15:00‑18:00; March‑May & Sept‑Oct offer mild weather

Open

Open now · Open 24 hours

Price Range

$ (no airport entry fee)

Time Needed

Allow at least 1-2 hours for check-in and security.

Parking

Free short‑ & long‑term lots next to the terminal

Ideal For

Passenger terminal with seating, restrooms, café, gift shop, and free Wi‑Fi

Reviews from Google

4.5

(141 reviews)

Write a review

Johnny B1 year ago

Beautiful views and worth a visit, if a bit commercialized. The cost of entry is worth it but best views are at the second stop AFTER the skywalk. We paid for the skywalk and enjoyed it as walking on glass several thousand feet in the air is a thrill. They don’t allow you to take a phone or camera on the skywalk – this is because they take photos and want to sell them. We found the photos nice but we passed as they did not give a great sense of the grandeur of the backdrop and the price was steep. I’m glad we did as the second viewing location was just as impressive and provided more opportunities for photos and selfies. If you’re coming from Vegas, don’t forget to stop at the Joshua tree forest and learn about a unique tree and regional history.

Mike Spears6 years ago

One of the best experiences of my life. First time in a helicopter and it was scary at first but fun. The pilot did commentary along the way which made it even more interesting. If you have the opportunity, I’d definitely recommend it.

Casey Whalen6 years ago

10/10 experience! Even during the pandemic! We had the most amazing time. They checked our temperatures when we arrived, wore masks the whole time, and everything was clean as could be. Four of us were only joined by two others and had rows between us on the plane, and plenty of space to social distance. I felt safe there and prefer it to the crowds of people crammed on tiny hiking trails. This is an unbelievable way to experience the Grand Canyon! You even see the Little Colorado River, which only can be seen by boat or plane – only 1% of Grand Canyon visitors get to see it! I HIGHLY recommend! We will absolutely be back!

Boyd Horning2 years ago

We had a pretty awesome time flying over the Grand Canyon

Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) is the closest commercial airport to the South Rim, handling scenic flights, charter services, and limited scheduled service—making it the quickest air gateway to Grand Canyon National Park.

Highlights

Description

Opened in 1965, GCN is Arizona’s only state‑owned commercial airport. Sitting at 6,609 ft (2,014 m) above sea level, it covers 859 acres and operates a single 8,999-ft runway capable of handling Boeing 737-class aircraft. The terminal hosts helicopter and airplane tour companies, rental‑car counters, a café, gift shop, and free Wi‑Fi. More than 300,000 passengers a year board here for aerial sightseeing, day trips from Las Vegas, or quick connections to Phoenix and Page. Because of its elevation, summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, while winter mornings may see snow—check flight status accordingly.

History

1925

First Grand Canyon landing field approved by U.S. Forest Service.

1965

New state‑built airport opens south of Tusayan.

1967

Passenger terminal formally dedicated (Oct 20).

1974

Runway extended to 8,999 ft to handle jet aircraft.

1989

Papillon & Maverick Helicopters establish permanent bases.

2002

Annual enplanements top 500,000 during tourism boom.

2010

Terminal renovation adds ADA upgrades and Wi‑Fi.

2020

Temporary COVID‑19 closure; reopened with health protocols.

2024

New solar array installed, reducing grid demand by 30 %.

Features

Single asphalt runway (03/21), 8,999 × 150 ft

FAA‑controlled tower (seasonal hours)

Free public Wi‑Fi

Rental‑car desks (Enterprise, National, Alamo)

Helicopter & fixed‑wing tour counters (Papillon, Maverick, Grand Canyon Airlines, Westwind)

EV charging stations (Level 2)

ADA‑compliant ramps, restrooms, and elevators

Getting There

Car: Follow AZ‑64; the airport entrance is 1 mi south of Tusayan. Shuttle/Taxi: Tusayan‑based taxis and hotel shuttles run on demand (10‑15 min to park gate). Bus: Groome Transportation connects Flagstaff to Tusayan; request drop‑off at the terminal. Air: Seasonal scheduled flights from Phoenix (Westwind Air Service) and Boulder City/Las Vegas (Grand Canyon Airlines). Helicopter/Charter: Multiple operators offer direct charters from Phoenix, Sedona, and Page.

Insider Tips

Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.

01Good to know

Arrive 45 minutes before scenic flights for check‑in and weight‑balance procedures.

02Be prepared

High elevation means thinner air

stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity right after landing.

03Local tip

Afternoon summer thunderstorms can delay flights; morning slots are more reliable.

04Save time

Winter mornings may see ice or snow

check road and flight status.

05Stay connected

Cell coverage (Verizon/AT&T) is strong; free Wi‑Fi available inside the terminal.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

What to Expect

Expect high elevation weather conditions.
Be prepared for potential delays due to weather.
Enjoy scenic views during flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the airport have commercial airline service?

Yes. Westwind Air Service and Grand Canyon Airlines offer seasonal scheduled flights to Phoenix and Boulder City.

How early should I arrive for a helicopter tour?

Plan to be at the operator’s counter at least 45 minutes before departure for weigh‑in and safety briefing.

Is there long‑term parking?

Yes. A free long‑term lot is adjacent to the terminal; no reservations required.

Are there dining options inside the terminal?

A small café serves coffee, sandwiches, and snacks during flight hours; vending machines are available 24/7.

Can I rent a car at the airport?

Enterprise, National, and Alamo maintain desks inside the terminal. Advance reservations are recommended in peak season.

Quick Information

Hours

OpenOpen 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Hours may change. Please call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Best Time to Visit06:00‑10:00 or 15:00‑18:00; March‑May & Sept‑Oct offer mild weather

Recommended DurationAllow at least 1-2 hours for check-in and security.

ParkingFree short‑ & long‑term lots next to the terminal

FacilitiesPassenger terminal with seating, restrooms, café, gift shop, and free Wi‑Fi

What to BringHydration supplies and personal items for comfort during flights.

What to WearDress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.

Get Directions

Drive Now Walk Now

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Contact Information

1542 Liberator Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

Emergency Information

In case of emergency, contact airport personnel or local authorities.

References

Arizona DOT Airport Directory – GCN: https://azdot.gov/about/grand-canyon-airport FAA Airport Data (Form 5010): https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/services/ajv5/airportDisplay.jsp?airportId=GCN Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Airport

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Grand Canyon National Park Airport

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