Williams | Visit Arizona (2024)

FAQs

Is Williams, Arizona worth visiting? ›

A small town nestled in the pine country of Arizona, Williams offers countless things to see and do. The train enthusiast can ride the Grand Canyon Railway through Arizona's high country. Route 66 history buffs can explore more than six blocks of historic buildings and shops bursting with memorabilia.

The town of Williams, Arizona on Route 66 was the town that inspired Radiator Springs on Cars and I can see why! Its such a cute town and I recommend visiting on your next trip to the South Rim of The Grand Canyon!

The trip measures 65 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way—45 minutes faster than in 1901 when the train made its first trip. The train departs Grand Canyon Depot each afternoon for the return trip to the Williams Depot. All aboard!

Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” and for being the home of the famous Bill Williams Mountain Men; Williams, Ariz. is at an elevation of 6,770 feet, providing a moderate climate within Kaibab National Forest.

Williams and Flagstaff are pretty different. If you're into history and the Old West, choose Williams and stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, but if you're traveling with family, Flagstaff is the better town, and you can stay at the Little America Hotel.

It is the home of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and many of their closest friends. However, the town's peaceful existence was abruptly averted when the construction of a new interstate bypassed it entirely, causing significant decline.

Route 66 has not totally vanished, however. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, about 85 percent of the road is actually still drivable—it just exists under a variety of other official names and numbers, though sometimes marked with a “Historic Route 66” sign.

Route 66 is actually the real U.S. Route 66, as it caught the interest of John Lasseter and the production makers of the film. Not mentioned in the film, Route 66 is also known as "The Main Street of America".

Williams, AZ → Grand Canyon Village, AZ Train: from $51 | Amtrak | Busbud.

Grand Canyon National Park's SOUTH RIM (open all year) is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180).

How far is Flagstaff from William? ›

From Flagstaff

From I-40 and I-17 interchange in Flagstaff, it is a 33.4-mile drive to Williams.

How do Williams prices compare to other US cities? Williams is ranked 44 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Williams is 113.1% of the national average.

Midway between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, Williams' small-town charms invite lingering. This gateway to the Grand Canyon boasts a vibrant historic downtown district, plenty of lodging and dining options, and access to outdoor recreation.

Community Profile. Tourism accounts for the majority of economic activity for the City of Williams. The tourism industry continues to show steady growth. Williams is the home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which began operations in 1989.

Arizona may be best known as the home of Grand Canyon National Park—arguably the most famous attraction in the US.

The capital of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Supai is the only place in the United States where mail is still carried in and out by mules. Supai has been referred to as "the most remote community" in the contiguous United States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Just outside of Flagstaff are the Lava Tube Caves, Meteor Crater, and Walnut Canyon. Other attractions in the town include the Museum of Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, Riordan Mansion and as well as cultural events, festivals and art exhibitions. Check out our nearby attractions and explore beautiful Northern Arizona.