I'm getting a lot of inquiries from foreign and domestic travelers alike about going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South by airplane. First, yes, it's the only way I'd do it - driving is just too painful IMHO. But there are few things you need to know to successfully plan this flight.

Let's back up a little and shed some light on the BASICS of this trip...

Name Game

There are a lot of names for this flight. I'm going to refer to it as the "Las Vegas-South Rim direct flight by plane." I know it sounds simplistic but I have to keep it that way because all the vendors out there give it a fancy name and I can't remember them all.

Typically, this flight leaves three times a day from LV. There's the early bird, which will always be the cheapest followed by a mid morning and early afternoon departures. For those considering the early bird, understand that you'll probably be picked up from your hotel sometime after 5 a.m. so make sure to get plenty of rest the night before.

Frankly, I prefer the mid-morning flight. Yes, it costs a few bucks more but it eliminates setting the alarm clock and crawling out of bed at some ghastly hour in the a.m. This time of the day also is best for catching views en route to the South Rim (early bird travelers travel east into the sun). Plus the air is typically smoother, especially during summer.

"Purple Haze"

I'm also a fan of the early afternoon flight. It gives you even more time to prepare in the a.m. Some will say "what about the views." To that I'll retort that they might not be as stellar as the mid-morning flights but you'll get some incredible "haze." I know that doesn't sound like fun but when the summer sun pierces haze the effect on the canyon is very dramatic.

Bottom line: Decide departure times based on what your objective is. That will clarify nearly all your questions. Or join me in live chat on right side of page and I'll assist.

Here's something most travel sites don't share: The flight over to South Rim is REALLY cool. In most cases, you'll fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam before using the Colorado River and the western portion of the Grand Canyon as a "guideline" to Grand Canyon Airport at South Rim. Thus by the time you touch down you'll already have seen 70 percent of the Canyon by air!

There are two versions of this trip. You have the basic, which includes a 2.5-hour bus ride inside the National Park, and the deluxe, which features a helicopter ride that goes from South Rim to North Rim and back. Both trips take the same amount of total time (about 7.5 hours max from hotel to hotel), so the basic is great if you're on a budget.

Go Big: Add a Helicopter!

That said, I'm a big fan of the deluxe. The helicopter to and from the rims is marvelous, especially the part where you fly through the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest section of the Canyon. Further, I'm also fascinated with the North Rim, which sits waiting some 18 miles from the South. The North is rugged, mysterious and beautiful and deserves to be on your list of sights.

Anyhow, both versions come with the 2.5-hour bus ride. This is an extremely effective way to experience the Canyon. The bus will take you to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, whereupon you'll exit the coach and go to Mather Point, the South's premier lookout. The views from here are spectacular and I urge you to snap as many pictures as possible because it's the one place where every photo will be stupendous.

There's plenty of time so make sure you check out Yaki Point and Yavapai Point, both of which give Mather a run for the money in terms of views and both of which are easily accessible from Mather. You'll conclude the in-park segment of the trip inside Grand Canyon Village and more specifically at Bright Angel Lodge. There are numerous restaurants and gift shops here. I recommend doing both the souvenir shop and sit-down restaurant inside the Lodge.

Unbeatable!

The drive back to Grand Canyon Airport takes all of 10-15 minutes and then it's back on the plane and back to Las Vegas. Personally, I think it's amazing how much this airplane tour lets you see and do in a day. In fact, there's no other air tour on the market that can hold a candle to it on these terms so really do give it serious consideration if you are visiting from Las Vegas.

Now, as you all know, we are entering high season and this means that more and more people begin to purchase Grand Canyon tours and in particular this flight. The result is that this tour gets extremely limited during the spring and summer months and so I urge your to book it at least ONE WEEK in advance. I know it sounds ridiculous but it's true and I want all my readers who want to do this flight to get a seat. So, please, heed this once piece of advice and you'll be fine.

Lastly, I get lots of questions about the aircraft. Folks, it's NOT a 4-seat Cessna. It's a 19-seat deHavilland Twin Otter and it's been totally customized form nose to tail for sightseeing. Specifically, the cabin has been enlarged for comfort and the wings affixed to the top so you can see the Canyon clearly (up, down and straight) from the aircraft's oversized viewing windows. These planes are incredibly safe and make for smooth flying. I've done this flight numerous times and have always remarked how comfortable they are.

Conclusion

So there's the latest about the Grand Canyon direct airplane flight to South Rim, Arizona. I truly believe this is the best option when it comes to getting to the National Park from Sin City, especially for those considering the bus or a rental car. Flight time over is just 60 minutes. To put that in perspective, it takes a bus 5.5 hours to make the trip. As for taking this flight up a notch, yes absolutely because the helicopter ride is spectacular. And finally, RSVP this trip at least a week prior. I do hope to see you up here and wish you the best and more as you prepare yourself for ultimate Grand Canyon experience.

Buy Tickets for Las Vegas Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane

Travel on!

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