Dad's big holiday is on June 16 so it is time to plane a unique gift to show him how much you care. How about taking him on one of the bus tours that visit the Grand Canyon? They're running on their regular schedules, and Dad would love one of these trips. Bus tours give you a lot of value for your money and they are a lot of fun.

The 16th is fast approaching so you want to book your seats as soon as possible. Don't wait too long because Father's Day bus tours frequently sell out.

Bus tours are on offer 365 days a year, and you can leave from Phoenix, Arizona or Las Vegas, Nevada. If you depart from Phoenix, you will go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and if you leave from Vegas, you can go to the South Rim or the West Rim.

Phoenix Bus Tours To The Grand Canyon

The bus trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is incredibly scenic and you will see a lot on your 3 hour ride. One awesome sight is in Sedona, which is noted for the amazing red rock buttes in the area. Your ultimate destination is Tusayan, Arizona, which is by the main gates at the South Rim. This is a tiny town but it is where the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, or GCA, is located.

You might want to opt for a semi-private van tour instead, but these only hold 12 people. These trips are ideal if you like personalized tours and a more comfortable ride.

Vegas Grand Canyon Bus Tours

There are many bus tours that depart from Vegas. The basic option tours the West Rim and the upgraded options let you add on a float tour of the Colorado River, a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or a chopper descent to the floor of the canyon.

The helicopter flight to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is awesome and the West Rim is the only place that is allowed. However, you can't miss out on seeing the Skywalk, which is the largest glass cantilevered bridge in the world either.

Motor coach tours to the South Rim are also extremely popular with Vegas travelers. It is a 5 hour bus ride to the South Rim, while the ride to the West Rim is about half that. It's worth it though, because the South Rim is generally considered to be the "real Grand Canyon." Many of the photos you have seen of the Grand Canyon were taken there.

If you can do it, take the rim-to-rim aerial tour while you are there. It starts at the South Rim, flies to the North Rim, and then comes back. It's an exhilarating experience, especially when you're flying through dramatic Dragoon Corridor, the canyon's deepest, widest section!

Booking and Discounts

If you plan to take dad there to celebrate his big day, book your tickets at least two weeks in advance if you can. You risk disappointment if you wait too long. You might be forced to take seats you don't want, or they might be sold out altogether.

The best rates are always offered online. When you buy your seats directly from the tour company and buy them online, you get to use the Internet-only special price. You'll save a ton of cash buying your seats this way instead of at a street kiosk or through a travel agent or hotel concierge!