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Grand Canyon Entrance Fee Guide 2026: Park Passes, Nonresident Rules & Skywalk Costs
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Looking for information on Grand Canyon entrance fees?
Short answer: Grand Canyon National Park entry usually costs US$20–US$35, depending on whether you enter by private vehicle, motorcycle, or on foot or bike. Non-US residents age 16+ may owe an additional US$100 per person unless they enter with an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk are separate from Grand Canyon National Park. A South Rim park pass does not cover Skywalk tickets or West Rim packages.
A private vehicle pass is US$35 and is valid for 7 days.
A motorcycle pass is US$30 and is valid for 7 days.
A per-person pass is US$20 for visitors age 16+ entering without vehicle coverage.
Non-US residents age 16+ may owe an extra US$100 per person unless covered by an eligible pass.
The Grand Canyon Annual Pass is US$70 and covers Grand Canyon National Park only.
The America the Beautiful Resident Annual Pass is US$80 for eligible US citizens and residents.
The America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass is US$250.
Basic Grand Canyon National Park entry does not currently require timed-entry reservations.
Park entrance stations are cashless, so plan to pay by credit/debit card or show a valid pass.
The official entrance fee is the cheapest way to visit the South Rim if you have a car and a simple plan. But it does not solve transport, parking, viewpoint timing, Skywalk access, or long drives from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, or Flagstaff.
If you want those logistics handled, compare the official fee with the practical tour options below.
This guide breaks down official Grand Canyon National Park fees, who each pass covers, annual pass eligibility, nonresident rules, group fees, commercial tour fees, cashless entrance stations, and the difference between South Rim entry and West Rim/Skywalk tickets.
It also shows when paying more for a guided tour can be worth it.
Late-day color reveals a maze of ridges across Grand Canyon National Park; Looking for information on Grand Canyon entrance fees?
How much is the Grand Canyon entrance fee in 2026?
Grand Canyon National Park standard entrance passes are valid for 7 days. They cover access to Grand Canyon National Park, including the South Rim and the North Rim when the North Rim is seasonally open.
The official fee does not include hotels, meals, guided tours, Skywalk tickets, backcountry permits, camping, or guaranteed parking.
Standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees
Official Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fees
Fee category
2026 cost
Who it covers
Eligibility / key rule
Private Vehicle
US$35
One private, non-commercial vehicle and passengers
Covers up to a 15-person passenger van; valid 7 days
Motorcycle
US$30
Up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles
Covers up to 4 total passengers; valid 7 days
Per Person
US$20
Bicyclists, hikers, pedestrians, and visitors entering without vehicle coverage
Applies to visitors age 16+; children under 16 do not need an individual entrance pass
Grand Canyon Annual Pass
US$70
Repeat Grand Canyon National Park visitors
Valid only at Grand Canyon National Park for one year from month of purchase
The US$35 private vehicle pass is the most common option for road trippers. It covers one private, non-commercial vehicle and the passengers inside, as long as the vehicle has capacity of 15 or fewer passengers.
The US$30 motorcycle pass covers up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
The US$20 per-person fee applies when you enter without vehicle coverage. This includes bicyclists, hikers, pedestrians, and some visitors arriving by shuttle, train, or other non-private-vehicle methods.
The US$70 Grand Canyon Annual Pass can make sense if you expect more than one Grand Canyon National Park visit within a year. It is not the same as the broader America the Beautiful pass.
What does the entrance fee include?
The standard entrance fee includes access to Grand Canyon National Park for 7 days.
Towering clouds rise above the striped formations of Grand Canyon National Park; The standard entrance fee includes access to Grand Canyon National Park for 7 days.
That usually means South Rim access, Desert View Drive access when open, Grand Canyon Village access, shuttle-route areas, and North Rim access during the North Rim season. Seasonal road closures, weather, shuttle operations, construction, and parking availability can still affect your visit.
The entrance fee does not include Grand Canyon West or the Skywalk. It also does not include guided tours, hotel rooms, meals, camping reservations, backcountry permits, mule trips, river trips, or special recreation fees.
No timed-entry reservation is currently required for basic Grand Canyon National Park entry.
You still need to pay the entrance fee or show a valid pass at the entrance station. Credit and debit cards are accepted, and valid America the Beautiful passes are accepted for eligible entry.
Cash is not accepted at Grand Canyon National Park entrance stations. If you need to plan around tours, lodging, or peak dates, read our Grand Canyon reservations guide.
Which Grand Canyon pass should you buy?
The best pass depends on residency, how many parks you plan to visit, and how many adults are traveling with you.
Dense rock bands trace the eroded walls of Grand Canyon National Park; The best pass depends on residency, how many parks you plan to visit, and how many adults are traveling with you.
For one simple South Rim visit, most US road-trippers will use the standard US$35 private vehicle pass. For multiple national parks, the math changes quickly.
Best pass for most US road-trippers
For a single Grand Canyon National Park visit, the US$35 private vehicle pass is usually the simplest choice.
It covers one private, non-commercial vehicle and its passengers for 7 days. That is usually enough for families, couples, and friends driving to the South Rim in one car.
Choose this if you are visiting Grand Canyon National Park once and do not plan to visit other national parks or federal recreation sites within the next year.
Best pass for repeat Grand Canyon visits
The US$70 Grand Canyon Annual Pass is best for travelers who expect multiple Grand Canyon National Park visits.
It is valid only at Grand Canyon National Park. It does not cover Grand Canyon West, the Skywalk, or other national parks.
If you are doing a broader US national parks trip, compare this pass with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass instead.
Best pass for multiple US national parks
Eligible US citizens and residents should compare the US$80 America the Beautiful Resident Annual Pass if they plan to visit more than one federal recreation site.
Non-US residents should compare the US$250 America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass. That pass can be useful for international visitors planning a multi-park road trip or traveling with several adults.
The Non-Resident Annual Pass can cover the entire private vehicle, 2 motorcycles, or the passholder plus 3 additional adults where per-person fees apply. Exact pass coverage matters, so check the rules before deciding.
Discounted and free America the Beautiful passes
America the Beautiful Pass Eligibility
The historic stone watchtower overlooks the winding Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park; The key detail: most discounted and free America the Beautiful passes are for US citizens and residents only.
Pass type
Cost
Available to
Key eligibility rule
Resident Annual Pass
US$80
US citizens and residents
Proof of US citizenship or residency may be required
Lifetime pass; must document age and citizenship/residency
Military Annual Pass
Free
Current US military and dependents
Annual pass
Military Lifetime Pass
Free
Gold Star Families and US veterans
Lifetime pass
Access Pass
Free
US citizens and residents with a permanent disability
Lifetime pass
4th Grade Pass
Free
US 4th graders
Covers eligible student’s family vehicle under program rules
Volunteer Pass
Free
Federal recreation volunteers with 250 service hours
Annual pass
The key detail: most discounted and free America the Beautiful passes are for US citizens and residents only.
Non-US visitors should not assume the US$80 Resident Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Military Pass, Access Pass, 4th Grade Pass, or Volunteer Pass applies to them unless they meet the specific eligibility rules.
What is the Grand Canyon nonresident fee?
In 2026, the nonresident fee is one of the biggest Grand Canyon cost details for Canadian and other international travelers.
The standard park entrance fee still applies, but non-US residents age 16+ may owe an additional US$100 per person unless admitted with an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Who has to pay the US$100 nonresident fee?
Non-US residents age 16 and older must pay the additional US$100 per-person nonresident fee at Grand Canyon National Park unless they are admitted with an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Intense magenta and blue color spreads across Grand Canyon National Park at twilight; Non-US residents age 16 and older must pay the additional US$100 per-person nonresident fee at Grand Canyon National Park unless they are admitted with an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Children under 16 are not subject to the nonresident per-person fee.
Canadian visitors are generally treated as non-US residents unless they have qualifying US residency. That means Canadian families should do the fee math before arriving.
Example 1: two Canadian adults and two children under 16 arriving in one private vehicle.
Cost item
Amount
Standard private vehicle fee
US$35
Nonresident fee for 2 adults
US$200
Nonresident fee for 2 children under 16
US$0
Estimated total without eligible pass
US$235
Example 2: four Canadian adults arriving in one private vehicle.
Cost item
Amount
Standard private vehicle fee
US$35
Nonresident fee for 4 adults
US$400
Estimated total without eligible pass
US$435
For international travelers, the entrance fee can now be a much bigger part of the trip budget than it used to be.
When does the US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass make sense?
The US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass may make sense if you are visiting Grand Canyon plus other US national parks or federal recreation sites.
It can also make sense for multiple nonresident adults traveling together in one private vehicle, depending on pass coverage rules.
For two nonresident adults visiting only Grand Canyon, the math may be close:
Scenario
Estimated cost
Standard vehicle fee + 2 nonresident adult fees
US$235
Non-Resident Annual Pass
US$250
For a one-park trip with two adults, the pass may not save money. It may still help if you want to visit another federal recreation site within the year.
For three nonresident adults visiting Grand Canyon, the pass becomes more attractive:
Scenario
Estimated cost
Standard vehicle fee + 3 nonresident adult fees
US$335
Non-Resident Annual Pass
US$250
For one nonresident adult visiting multiple major parks, compare US$100 per park plus standard entry fees against the US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass.
The more parks you visit, the more the annual pass can make sense.
Do free entrance days apply to non-US residents?
Beginning in 2026, national park free entrance days apply to US citizens and residents.
Sunset brightens the sculpted pinnacles and deep side canyon of Grand Canyon National Park; Beginning in 2026, national park free entrance days apply to US citizens and residents.
Non-US residents still pay regular entrance fees and applicable nonresident fees unless admitted with an eligible Non-Resident Annual Pass.
That is an important planning detail for Canadian and overseas travelers. A “free entrance day” may not mean free entry for your group.
What about groups, tours, and commercial vehicles?
Group rules are separate from regular private-vehicle entry.
This matters for school groups, churches, clubs, youth groups, shuttle companies, and commercial tour operators.
Organized non-commercial groups
Organized non-commercial groups include school groups, church groups, youth groups, service organizations, clubs, and similar groups.
For vehicles with manufacturer capacity of 16 or fewer passengers, the group generally pays the US$35 vehicle permit.
For vehicles with manufacturer capacity of 16 or more passengers, the group generally pays US$8 per person.
Age and pass exemptions may apply. Qualifying academic institutions may be able to request an educational fee waiver, but that is not automatic and must be handled ahead of time.
Commercial tours and shuttle companies
Commercial tour companies, regional shuttle companies, and local transit companies follow separate rules.
Commercial operators need a Commercial Use Authorization and must show that authorization on each entry. Regular private-vehicle passes are not used to cover commercial tour vehicle fees.
Commercial tour fees are credit/debit only.
Commercial vehicle setup
Fee rule
Vehicle capacity 1–25
US$8 per person; age 15 and under exempt
Vehicle capacity 26+
US$300 flat fee
Clients entering in their own vehicle to meet a guide
Regular single-vehicle fee applies: US$35 vehicle or US$30 motorcycle; valid America the Beautiful pass may be accepted for one vehicle
Nonresident fees can still apply to non-US residents in commercial tour groups unless they are covered by an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Is the Grand Canyon Skywalk included in the entrance fee?
No. The Skywalk is not included with the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
A South Rim tree shades layered red cliffs in Grand Canyon National Park; The Skywalk is not included with the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
This is one of the most common Grand Canyon ticket mistakes.
South Rim entrance fee vs Grand Canyon West tickets
The South Rim is inside Grand Canyon National Park. It uses the national park entrance fee and pass system.
Grand Canyon West is operated separately by the Hualapai Tribe. It has its own tickets, packages, hours, shuttles, viewpoints, dining options, and Skywalk rules.
West Rim packages may include shuttle access between viewpoints, Eagle Point, Guano Point, Hualapai Point, cultural experiences, food or merchandise credits, and Skywalk access depending on the package.
When a West Rim tour is easier than buying a pass yourself
From Las Vegas, a West Rim tour can be easier than piecing together transport, timing, Hoover Dam stops, lunch, and Skywalk decisions yourself.
Lavender sunset color stretches above a rocky ridge in Grand Canyon National Park; From Las Vegas, a West Rim tour can be easier than piecing together transport, timing, Hoover Dam stops, lunch, and Skywalk decisions yourself.
When is a Grand Canyon tour worth more than the entrance fee?
The official entrance fee is only one part of the real cost.
Backlit haze settles over an amphitheater of cliffs in Grand Canyon National Park; The official entrance fee is only one part of the real cost.
For self-drivers already near the South Rim, the fee may be the main expense. For travelers starting in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Scottsdale, transport and timing are often the bigger issue.
Choose self-driving if the fee is your main concern
Choose self-driving if you have a rental car, want the lowest possible entry cost, and are comfortable managing the day yourself.
This works best for US road-trippers, travelers staying in Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, or Sedona, and visitors who do not mind entrance lines, parking, shuttle routes, and viewpoint planning.
If you plan to drive, read our Grand Canyon parking guide before deciding where to stay and what time to arrive.
Choose a guided tour if the logistics are the bigger cost
Choose a guided tour if you are coming from Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Scottsdale, or if you do not want to rent a car.
Tours can also be better for first-time visitors, families, and travelers who want Skywalk access, Hoover Dam stops, sunset timing, air-tour views, or a no-parking South Rim experience.
You can buy entrance passes at the park, in selected gateway locations, or online.
Multiple mesas reveal the colorful geology of Grand Canyon National Park; You can buy entrance passes at the park, in selected gateway locations, or online.
The right option depends on how you plan to pay and whether you need a standard Grand Canyon pass or a broader America the Beautiful pass.
At park entrance stations
You can pay by credit or debit card at Grand Canyon entrance stations.
The main entrance points are:
South Entrance Station near Tusayan
East / Desert View Entrance Station
North Rim Entrance Station when the North Rim is open
Cash is not accepted at park entrance stations. Valid annual passes are accepted for eligible entry.
In Tusayan with cash or card
If you need to use cash near the South Rim, certain gateway businesses in Tusayan may sell passes.
Planning examples include the IMAX Visitor Center, Canyon Plaza Resort, Red Feather Lodge, Pink Jeep Tours inside the IMAX building, and Westwind Air at Grand Canyon Airport Main Terminal.
Availability can change, so treat this as a backup option, not your only plan.
Online before you go
You can buy some Grand Canyon entrance passes online before your trip.
Buying ahead can save time at the entrance station, but it does not guarantee parking or remove entrance-line waits during busy periods.
If you order a physical America the Beautiful pass by mail, allow enough time for delivery. Digital pass options may be available for some pass types.
Grand Canyon Tours from Phoenix
Grand Canyon entrance fee vs tour cost: what should you budget?
A cheap entrance fee can still lead to an expensive day if you are far from the canyon.
Use the official fee as your baseline, then add the real costs: gas, rental car, hotel location, parking time, meals, and your own energy.
Simple budget examples
Traveler scenario
Likely cost
Best fit
Watch out for
US family in one private vehicle visiting South Rim once
US$35
Cheapest simple national park visit
Parking and timing still matter
Two US adults entering on foot/bike
US$40
Individual entry
Age 16+ fee applies
Two Canadian adults in one private vehicle
US$235 if no eligible pass
One-park visit
Nonresident fee changes the math
Four nonresident adults in one private vehicle
US$435 if no eligible pass
Compare Non-Resident Annual Pass
Pass eligibility and coverage matter
US road-tripper visiting multiple national parks
US$80 Resident Annual Pass
Multiple federal sites
Must be US citizen/resident
Nonresident road-tripper visiting multiple major parks
US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass
Multiple parks or several adults in one vehicle
Verify ID and pass rules
Las Vegas traveler without rental car
Often US$100–US$250+ tour
West Rim / Hoover Dam / Skywalk tour
Tour inclusions vary
Splurge traveler from Las Vegas
Several hundred US$+ air tour
Helicopter or airplane view
Check flight length and landing details
For many US road-trippers, the fee is simple: US$35 for a private vehicle and a full week of park access.
For Canadian and other non-US adults, the nonresident fee can change the math fast. A US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass may be worth comparing before you arrive.
Local currency note for Canadian travelers
Grand Canyon fees are charged in US$.
Broken sunlight reaches the red formations of Grand Canyon National Park beneath dark clouds; Grand Canyon fees are charged in US$.
Canadian travelers should convert costs into CAD before comparing a one-day entrance fee, the US$100 per-person nonresident fee, the US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass, Grand Canyon West/Skywalk tickets, and guided tours.
Do the conversion close to your travel date. Exchange rates can change enough to affect the total, especially for families or multi-park road trips.
Why book Grand Canyon tours through Viator?
For fee-conscious travelers, tours are easiest to compare when the inclusions are clear.
Viator is especially useful for Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, the South Rim, and nearby Arizona bases.
The advantage is comparison. You can see the rim visited, pickup point, transport, meal inclusions, Skywalk access, cancellation terms, and tour duration before choosing.
Many products also offer free cancellation or reserve-now/pay-later options, depending on the tour. Always check the exact terms before booking.
Where to stay to keep Grand Canyon costs practical
Where you stay affects the real cost of your Grand Canyon visit.
Tusayan is closest and most convenient for the South Rim, but it can cost more. Williams and Flagstaff often give you more hotel choice, but they add driving.
Sedona and Phoenix/Scottsdale work better for broader Arizona trips than for the cheapest possible Grand Canyon entry day.
🌵 Desert Adventure: For a Phoenix/Scottsdale trip, Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset adds a totally different Arizona landscape after canyon country.
Golden light reaches the canyon walls as clouds gather over Grand Canyon National Park; The standard private-vehicle fee covers one noncommercial vehicle and its passengers.
If you want the cheapest South Rim visit, start with the official fee math and your parking plan.
South Rim trees surround a sunlit formation in Grand Canyon National Park beneath a deep blue sky; If you want the cheapest South Rim visit, start with the official fee math and your parking plan.
If you are traveling from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, or Williams, compare the fee-only approach against a guided tour. Sometimes the higher ticket price buys back a lot of time and hassle.
How much is the Grand Canyon entrance fee in 2026?
The standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is US$35 per private vehicle, US$30 per motorcycle, or US$20 per person entering without vehicle coverage. Non-US residents age 16+ may owe an additional US$100 per person unless admitted with an eligible pass.
Travelers follow railings between stone formations at a developed South Rim overlook in Grand Canyon National Park; The standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is US$35 per private vehicle, US$30 per motorcycle, or US$20 per person entering without vehicle coverage.
Does the Grand Canyon entrance fee cover everyone in the car?
Yes, the US$35 private vehicle pass covers one private, non-commercial vehicle and passengers, up to a 15-person passenger van. Commercial groups and organized large groups follow different rules.
Do Canadian visitors pay extra at the Grand Canyon?
Canadian visitors are non-US residents unless they have qualifying US residency. Non-US residents age 16+ may owe the US$100 nonresident fee unless covered by an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Is the Grand Canyon Skywalk included with the entrance fee?
No. The Skywalk is at Grand Canyon West and is not included with Grand Canyon National Park admission.
Do I need a reservation to enter Grand Canyon National Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required for basic park entry. You still need to pay the entrance fee or show a valid entrance pass.
Can I pay cash at the Grand Canyon entrance station?
No. Grand Canyon National Park entrance stations are credit/debit only, though some Tusayan gateway businesses may sell passes with cash or card.
Is America the Beautiful accepted at Grand Canyon?
Yes, eligible America the Beautiful passes are accepted for Grand Canyon National Park entry. They do not cover Grand Canyon West or the Skywalk.
Which pass is best for a non-US family visiting several national parks?
The US$250 Non-Resident Annual Pass is worth comparing against standard entrance fees plus the US$100 per-person nonresident fee at major parks. The best choice depends on the number of adults, parks visited, and travel setup.
