Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Coach

It's no secret: The Grand Canyon bus from Las Vegas to the South Rim is one of Vegas' best day-trip values. If it's not yet on your list of things to do in Sin City, here are 5 reasons why this bus trip should be:

#1 - The scenery and views are phenomenal - The South Rim is the one that gets all the press in National Geographic. Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Station and more and more are here and give you unparalleled views of the canyon below.

#2 - The bus drivers are incredible tour guides - These driving professionals know the route better than anyone else. They also know the National Park like it's their own back yard. Their anecdotes and insights greatly enhance this tour.

#3 - It's fun to ride a motor coach - These are deluxe buses and come replete with plush seats, individual A/C stations, plasma TVs, and over-sized windows. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Ideal for families, groups, and special occasions.

#4 - Great souvenir shopping - The Bright Angel gift shop is the king of gift shops. Hats, t-shirts, minerals, DVDs, day packs, magnets, food specialties. You name, it's here.

#5 - It's affordable - The base trip can be had on the Internet for around $80 per person. It's all-inclusive and comes with a lite breakfast, box lunch, professional driver-guide, and up to three hours of rim time. Along the way, you also get to see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Most tours now include a photo-stop on the Arizona side of the Dam. Now that's a bargain!

The South Rim bus trip is an all-day adventure and takes about 15 hours. Trips, which come with free shuttle service to and from your Vegas hotel, leave at 7 a.m. From Vegas, the rim is 277 miles east and requires a 5.5-hour drive, which goes by pretty quick on these modern buses. Figure on returning to The Strip at around 9 p.m. Refrain from making dinner or show reservations after this trip. There's no guarantee that you'll make it on time.

Dress for the season. During the summer, wear light clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, brimmed hats, and running shoes are fine. Pack along some sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. If you intend to sample one of the trails that go into the canyon, limit it to 15 minutes down. That's more than enough time to see what it's like to be inside the canyon without over-exerting yourself.

Winter can be very cold at the South Rim. The best strategy is to dress in layers. Bring a hat and gloves and wear pants. I've seen Vegas travelers in shorts. Don't do it. The rim's elevation is nearly twice that of Vegas' and it’s a complete weather change.

There are three main tour operators that run bus trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: Papillon Tours, Grand Canyon Coaches, and Grayline. There are a lot of smaller bus tour companies and many are outstanding. From reviews I've read on some of the top travel forums, Grand Canyon Coaches gets a lot of kudos for its commitment to comfort, value, and safety. The up-and-comer is Paradise Found, which has one of the best all-inclusive tours I've ever taken.

I strongly suggest that you book this tour on the Web and in advance. This is an incredibly popular trip and it does sell out. If you want the best deal, buy direct online from the tour operator. These business compete hard for your travel dollar and constantly post great rates on their websites.

The Grand Canyon bus from Las Vegas is an excellent trip. From beginning to end, it's packed with things to do and see. Highlights include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Mather Point, Yaki Point, Bright Angel and more. If you are looking for a day trip that let's you say, "been there, done that," this bus tour's the one. See you up there!