Love
VISITOR HELPTusayan, 1 mi/1.6 km south of Grand Canyon South Entrance

Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX

4.5 (3,457 Google reviews)

National Geographic’s Visitor Center in Tusayan pairs trip‑planning services with a six‑story IMAX® theater that screens “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time,” giving newcomers an immersive preview before they enter the park.

Fully Accessible

View Story

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
First two morning shows or after 18:00; Apr–May & Sep–Oct for mild weather
Open
Open now · 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price Range
$ (≈ US $14 for adults)
Parking
Four free surface lots (car, RV & bus) – approx. 300 spaces
Ideal For
487‑seat IMAX® theater, information & ticketing desks, National Geographic store, Explorer’s Café (coffee, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream), free Wi‑Fi & charging stations, restrooms & baby‑changing facilities, ATM & limited EV charging, wheelchair‑accessible entrances, seating and restrooms, free parking for cars, RVs and buses
Reviews from Google
4.5

(3,457 reviews)

Write a review

Why Visit Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX

National Geographic’s Visitor Center in Tusayan pairs trip‑planning services with a six‑story IMAX® theater that screens “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time,” giving newcomers an immersive preview before they enter the park.

Highlights

6‑story IMAX® screen with laser projection and 12‑channel surround sound
Central hub for maps, permits, real‑time canyon webcams and tour bookings
Explorer’s Café, gift shop and free parking minutes from the South Rim gate

Description

Opened in the mid‑1980s as one of the world’s first IMAX® theaters, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center has grown into a full‑service orientation hub operated with National Geographic. Hourly showings of the 35‑minute film “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time” deliver sweeping aerial footage and historical vignettes that set the stage for a park visit. Inside, travelers can pick up trail maps, reserve helicopter or jeep tours, browse interpretive exhibits and refuel at the Explorer’s Café and gift shop. Recent upgrades added IMAX with Laser projection, 12‑channel sound and public Wi‑Fi, making the center a comfortable first stop for any South Rim itinerary.

History

1984
Construction begins on the National Geographic Visitor Center & IMAX Theater.
1985
Theater opens, premiering “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.”
1995
Gift shop and tour‑ticketing counters added.
2001
Rebranded as National Geographic Visitor Center; exhibits installed.
2014
Lobby remodel introduces Explorer’s Café and expanded seating.
2023
IMAX with Laser projection and 12‑channel sound system installed.

Features

487‑seat IMAX® theater
Information & ticketing desks
National Geographic store
Explorer’s Café (coffee, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream)
Free Wi‑Fi & charging stations
Restrooms & baby‑changing facilities
ATM & limited EV charging
Wheelchair‑accessible entrances, seating and restrooms
Free parking for cars, RVs and buses

Getting There

Car: 60 mi/1 hr 15 min north of Flagstaff via US‑180 & AZ‑64. Shuttle: Seasonal Tusayan Route (Purple) runs every 20 min from the Visitor Center into Grand Canyon Village. Bus: Groome Transportation serve Flagstaff; connect via shuttle or rental car. Air: Fly into Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG) then drive or shuttle. Bike/Foot: A paved greenway links Tusayan with the South Entrance Station (6.5 mi round‑trip).

Insider Tips

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

01Good to know

Buy tickets online to skip lobby queues on busy days.

02Be prepared

Combine the IMAX film with the free Tusayan Shuttle to avoid parking stress inside the park.

03Local tip

Bring a light jacket

the theater is air‑conditioned year‑round.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMAX film included in my park entrance fee?

No. IMAX tickets are sold separately by the Visitor Center.

How long is the movie?

“Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time” runs about 35 minutes and plays every hour on the half‑hour.

Can I reserve seats?

Seating is first‑come, first‑served; arrive early for the best view.

Quick Information

Hours

Open9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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

Best Time to VisitFirst two morning shows or after 18:00; Apr–May & Sep–Oct for mild weather

ParkingFour free surface lots (car, RV & bus) – approx. 300 spaces

Facilities487‑seat IMAX® theater, information & ticketing desks, National Geographic store, Explorer’s Café (coffee, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream), free Wi‑Fi & charging stations, restrooms & baby‑changing facilities, ATM & limited EV charging, wheelchair‑accessible entrances, seating and restrooms, free parking for cars, RVs and buses
Contact Information
450 State Route 64, Tusayan, AZ 86023, USA
You are hereTusayan, 1 mi/1.6 km south of Grand Canyon South Entrance

Open full map

Explore Nearby

Discover attractions, viewpoints, restaurants and experiences within a short distance.

Centered on Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX · showing places within 1.9 mi

Check out other touring options

  • North Canyon Tour

    North Canyon Tour

    This Grand Canyon helicopter tour over the North Canyon sets off from the South Rim. Soar over the Grand Canyon National Park’s most astonishing rock formations and…

    Tour Duration:

    25-30 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    Booked 45 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: North Canyon Tour
  • Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

    Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

    Go Buck Wild over a Grand Canyon Sunset with our evening tour. This experience builds upon the 2 hour Signature Tour by adding more exposure to the Grand…

    Tour Duration:

    3 Hours

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    Booked 54 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
  • Grand Discovery Air Tour

    Grand Discovery Air Tour

    The Grand Discovery Air Tour is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders Grand Canyon has to offer with a scenic flight starting from…

    Tour Duration:

    40-45 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon

    Activities:

    • Airplane Tour
    • Multilingual narration
    Booked 44 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Grand Discovery Air Tour