Driving from Las Vegas to the western rim of the Grand Canyon

Distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

What is the driving distance from Las Vegas to the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon? It's closer than you think.

West Rim is the closest side of the canyon to Las Vegas and is the perfect day trip. From the West Rim, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon and its many majestic rock formations, as well as experience a variety of outdoor activities.

Discover the distance between the two destinations and how to get there by car. Or, board a helicopter, airplane, bus, or adventure tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West.

How Far is it from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West?

Grand Canyon West Rim is only about 2 hours driving time from Las Vegas! At approximately 125 miles, this rim is the closest side of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.

Papillon offers daily helicopter, airplane tours, bus, and adventure tours that run from Las Vegas to the West Rim. Discover just a few of the once-in-a-lifetime excursions offered on Papillon Grand Canyon West Rim tours.

West Rim Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas

Aboard the Sunset Grand Celebration with Vegas Strip tour, soar over world-famous landscapes such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River in a state-of-the-art helicopter.

Upon reaching the Grand Canyon, experience aerial views of famous lookout such as Guano Point and Eagle Point. Next, touch down and disembark on a private plateau 4,000 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon for exploration time, champagne, and a light picnic. Take to the skies once more for your return flight home at sunset. Your helicopter ride will conclude with a twilight flight over the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.

West Rim Adventure Tours from Las Vegas

Experience a fully-immersive 3-in-1 Skywalk Getaway with Heli and Boat adventure at the West Rim. Take a helicopter flight from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and land all the way down on the canyon floor where you will board a pontoon boat to cruise along the Colorado River. After your boat trip, re-board your helicopter to ascend back to the rim. Round out your adventure by exploring the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the most popular tourist attraction at the Grand Canyon. Discover all the incredible helicopter, airplane, bus, and Grand Canyon from Las Vegas tours.

Driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim & Drive Time

Follow these step-by-step directions to see how to drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon by car.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim Drive FAQs

Which part of the Grand Canyon is closest to Las Vegas?

The West Rim is the closest rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. This rim is approximately 125 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The other two tourable parts of the canyon, North and South, are both located over 270 miles from Las Vegas.

How many hours drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim?

The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim takes between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Is it worth visiting the Grand Canyon West Rim?

Visiting the Grand Canyon West Rim is definitely worth it! It is the closest access point to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. From the Western Rim, visitors can visit famous lookout points Eagle Point and Guano Point, walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, float down the Colorado River on a river tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon in all directions!

What is the closest town to the west rim of the Grand Canyon?

The closest town to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is Meadview,, Arizona. Visitors enroute from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim will also drive through Dolan Springs, Arizona.

Can you drive through the west rim of the Grand Canyon?

Unlike Grand Canyon National Park, private vehicles are not permitted to enter the Grand Canyon West entrance. If you are self-driving to this location, you will park at the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center and enter the various attractions via a free hop-on hop-off shuttle service bus that serves the various West Rim attractions. The Grand Canyon West Welcome Center is located at the West Rim Airport.

What is there to do at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Papillon offers helicopter, airplane, bus, and adventure tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim. A few of the most popular activities include:

With Papillon's world-class helicopter, airplane, or bus tours, you'll receive a pass to the West Rim. Plus you'll get to experience incredible views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon West Rim, and more. That's a price you just can't beat!

How much is the entrance fee to the Grand Canyon West Rim?

If you are not booking a tour through Papillon, you’ll have to pay an admission price to enter the West Rim. Current prices are listed here.

Are cameras allowed on the Skywalk Bridge?

No - cameras and cellphones are not permitted on the Skywalk Bridge. Visitors will be provided a locker free of charge to store their items before entering the bridge. This is to prevent any kind of damage to the glass panels from accidentally dropping an item. A professional photographer will be present for those interested in purchasing a souvenir photo.