The South Rim’s free shuttle system has expanded to include three routes, covering Hermits Rest Road, Grand Canyon Village, and the Kaibab Trail (Yaki Point). Buses arrive at each shuttle stop every 15–30 minutes. Have faith—the wait is shorter than the time it would take to drive around in search of a parking place. During peak months, from June to August, shuttle buses operate from 4:30 a.m. until an hour after sunset.

Route maps are available online or in The Guide, the park’s newspaper. Color-coding makes finding the right route relatively simple. Look for a colored square by the shuttle’s door or the route name displayed on the front. Routes intersect near the Bright Angel Trailhead and at Canyon View Information Plaza.

The Village Route (blue) stops at lodges, restaurants, shops, campgrounds, and Market Plaza, and also travels to Canyon View Information Plaza. The round-trip takes an hour, but riders can get on or off at any stop to dine, shop, or stroll among the historic district. The Backcountry Information Center is on the Village Route.

The Hermits Rest Route (red) travels back and forth between the village and Hermits Rest, eight miles away. You can ride the loop, which takes 75 minutes and stops at eight overlooks; or leave the shuttle to spend some time photographing or hiking the Rim Trail, then board another bus. The return (eastbound) route stops only at Mohave and Hopi Points. From December through February, the Hermits Rest route is not in service. During these three months only, passenger cars can travel the Hermits Rest Road.

The Kaibab Trail Route (green) travels between Canyon View Information Plaza and Yaki Point, where the South Kaibab Trailhead is located. The bus stops en route at Pipe Creek Vista. This scenic round-trip takes 30 minutes.

The Hikers’ Express is an early-morning shuttle that picks up hikers at Bright Angel Lodge, the Backcountry Information Center, and Yavapai Lodge, traveling directly to the South Kaibab Trailhead. In May and September, the daily Hikers’ Express leaves at 5 a.m. , 6 a.m., and 7 a.m. From June through August, it departs at 4 a.m., 5 a.m., and 6 a.m. In winter, the Hikers’ Express leaves from Bright Angel Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Pets and bicycles are not allowed on shuttle buses. Most park shuttle buses are not equipped for wheelchairs. Accessible shuttle buses may be arranged by calling at least 24 hours in advance (928/638-0591).

Need transportation to and from Tusayan? CASSI Tours (928/638-0821) operates a fee-based shuttle service from several South Rim locations to Tusayan and the Grand Canyon Airport. Schedules are posted at the airport and the Backcountry Information Center.

The Trans Canyon Shuttle (P.O. Box 348, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 928/638-2820) offers daily round-trip van service between the South Rim and North Rim ($70 one-way, $130 round-trip) May 15–October 15. You can also take the shuttle to the Marble Canyon area ($55 one-way). The shuttle leaves the South Rim at 1:30 p.m., arriving at the North Rim at 6 p.m. Reservations are required.