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Costa Mesa, CA, USA to Grand Canyon, AZ, USA from $80: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Costa Mesa, United States of America
to
Grand Canyon, United States of America

How to Get from Costa Mesa to Grand Canyon: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$80 by busBest price
925 kmDistance
4h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Costa Mesa to Grand Canyon with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$197-399
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
17h  19m
Estimated price
$80-212
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 925 km
Duration: 4h 51m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
15h  24m
Estimated price
$158-208
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
16h  48m
Estimated price
$243-1970
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h  46m
Estimated price
$328-490
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
19h  54m
Estimated price
$1971-1972
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  58m
Estimated price
$1973-1974
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Traveling From Costa Mesa to Grand Canyon

Traveling from Costa Mesa to the Grand Canyon presents an exciting contrast from the coastal city’s vibrant beach culture to the breathtaking natural wonder of expansive landscapes and stunning rock formations.

Best Neighbourhoods in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon features neighborhoods that enhance your visit to this stunning destination.

Grand Canyon Village
• Close proximity to major park viewpoints.
• Offers various lodging and dining options.
Tusayan
• Gateway to the Grand Canyon with easy access.
• Home to the Grand Canyon IMAX theater.
Williams
• Historic Route 66 charm with vibrant shops.
• Excellent base for visiting the Grand Canyon.

Best Times To Visit Grand Canyon's Attractions

Planning your visit to Grand Canyon’s attractions at the right time enhances your experience and can help you avoid crowds.

South Rim
Visit early morning or late afternoon for stunning light and fewer visitors.
Grand Canyon West
Weekdays during spring and fall offer a quieter atmosphere and pleasant weather.
North Rim
Late spring and early fall provide the best chance for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage.

Grand Canyon Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

The Grand Canyon experiences a varied climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal times to visit for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Understanding the weather is crucial, as conditions can dramatically affect your hiking and sightseeing experience.

Dining Recommendation in Grand Canyon

For a distinctive dining experience, make sure to try the tender bison steak at El Tovar Dining Room, where the rustic ambiance enhances the flavors of locally-sourced ingredients. This meal contrasts with the beach-inspired cuisine of Costa Mesa, providing a taste of the region's rich history and vibrant culinary heritage.

Costa Mesa - Grand Canyon operators

Explore transport companies operating between Costa Mesa and Grand Canyon, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
+1 (951) 565-5002
Website
riversidetransit.com

Bus from Village of Orange Zone 5 to San Bernardino Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$2121-800

Bus from Katella FS Harbor to San Bernardino Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 53m
Estimated price
$2121-800
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$804-8025
Contact phone
+1-480-710-3441
Website
airportshuttleofphoenix.com

Bus from Sky Harbor International Airport to Grand Canyon Village

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$0-803
Contact phone
+1 702-718-5361
Website
nationalparkexpress.com

Bus from Treasure Island Hotel and Casino to Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$0-805

Bus from Treasure Island Hotel and Casino to Page

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$0-806

Bus from Page to GC Village Bright Angel Lodge

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$0-806
Train
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from Santa Ana station to San Bernardino - Downtown station

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$3997-3998
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$0-0
Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$1979-3990
Website
aa.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Flagstaff (FLG)

Average Duration
3h 59m
Estimated price
$3992-3993
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$3995-3996

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Costa Mesa to Grand Canyon.

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The distance between Costa Mesa and the Grand Canyon is approximately 400 miles. By car, the travel time typically ranges from 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. If flying, the nearest major airport is in Phoenix, and the flight time is about 1.5 hours, followed by a 3 to 4-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. For those considering a bus or train, travel times can vary widely, often exceeding 10 hours due to layovers and connections.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Costa Mesa to the Grand Canyon is likely to be driving, especially if you're traveling with multiple people who can share gas expenses. This allows for a flexible schedule and the opportunity to explore along the way. Alternatively, taking a budget airline to Phoenix can be time-efficient, with flights often being relatively inexpensive if booked in advance, followed by a rental car or shuttle to the Grand Canyon. However, for the most direct experience, driving remains the best mix of cost and time efficiency, allowing you to avoid lengthy layovers.
Travel prices from Costa Mesa to Grand Canyon can vary significantly based on your chosen mode of transportation. Driving typically incurs costs primarily for gas, which may range from $60 to $100 round trip, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. If you opt to fly, round-trip airfare to Phoenix can range from $100 to $300, plus additional costs for a rental car or shuttle service to the Grand Canyon, which may be around $50 to $100. Bus or train tickets can also vary, often falling between $60 and $150, but tend to take longer due to multiple stops and layovers.
To travel from Costa Mesa to the Grand Canyon without using public transportation, you can drive your own vehicle or rent a car for the trip. This allows for flexibility in your travel schedule, as well as the opportunity to explore scenic routes along the way. Alternatively, you could consider hiring a private driver or a rideshare service for the journey, although this can be more expensive. Another option is to organize a road trip with friends or family, which can make the journey more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Traveling from Costa Mesa to the Grand Canyon without a car can be done by booking a private shuttle service or using a rideshare app. You could also consider hiring a private driver for a more personalized experience. Another option is to take a combination of trains and buses; for instance, you can take a train to a major city like Las Vegas and then catch a bus or shuttle to the Grand Canyon. While it may require more planning and time, these alternatives can still lead you to this stunning destination.
There is no direct public transportation link between Costa Mesa and the Grand Canyon. Most travelers will need to connect through major cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix when using buses or trains. Airlines do operate flights from nearby airports to Flagstaff or Las Vegas, which are the closest airports to the Grand Canyon, but these are not direct flights from Costa Mesa. Therefore, additional ground transportation will be necessary after reaching the airport to get to the Grand Canyon.
The flight time between Costa Mesa and the Grand Canyon is about 1.5 hours, but it's important to note that there are no direct flights to the Grand Canyon itself. Most travelers will fly into nearby airports, like Flagstaff or Las Vegas, which can add to the total travel time due to layovers. Typical round-trip flight costs range from around $100 to $300, depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and the airline. Additionally, ground transportation from the airport to the Grand Canyon will incur extra costs.
There are several accommodation options near the Grand Canyon ranging from hotels to rustic lodges and campgrounds. The Grand Canyon Village offers popular lodging such as the El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge, which are conveniently located near the park's rim. For a more budget-friendly option, there are numerous motels and chain hotels in nearby towns like Williams and Tusayan. Additionally, camping is available within the park, providing a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty up close.

Trips to Grand Canyon