Taking a bus tour of the Grand Canyon is the least expensive way to tour the national park, but it is still an awesome experience. They're also more convenient than driving your own vehicle or a rental car to this magnificent natural wonder. No matter how you look at it, a National Park bus tour is a sightseeing option that makes a great deal of sense.

You can book a quality motor coach tour out of Las Vegas for a very good price. All of the bus tours are pretty much alike. The coaches are always modern and comfortable, and the drivers are polite and knowledgeable about the area. Plus, you will receive free pick-up and drop-off shuttle service to your hotel on the strip, and lunch is included too.

You can choose to take a bus tour to the West Rim or South Rim. The West Rim is actually part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation. It's about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas. It takes twice as long to get to the South Rim. However, many people consider the South Rim to be the real Grand Canyon.

It is difficult to decide which rim is considered the best. It really depends upon what you want to do and experience when you get there. When it comes down to it, though, I usually suggest the South Rim to people who are mostly interested in the canyon's natural beauty. If you don't have time to go to the South Rim, or if you want some adventure, then choose a West Rim tour. The base prices of the two types of tours are basically the same. Of course, if you add side trips and extra adventures, your cost will be higher.

It is an extremely good idea to book Grand Canyon bus tours well in advance of your departure date. That will save you a lot of money since you will be able to get some great deals. If you are going to the Grand Canyon during the summer, or peak travel season, then you want to book your trip during the off-season. Tickets cost less then. If you want a West Rim package that includes a chopper flight to the canyon floor, book in advance to make sure your travel party can all fly together (remember, though, that copters can only hold six people).

The best option is to get your tickets directly from your tour operator. You'll spend a lot more for your bus tour if you buy your tickets at a street kiosk or through a travel agent or hotel concierge. These third parties bump up the prices so they can make a profit.

Las Vegas has several choices when it comes to tour operators, so you should shop around to find the best deals on trips to the Grand Canyon. It's easiest to do this research online, and that's where you'll find the cheapest prices anyway. To get the best trip and price, take your time and look around so you make the best choice.

Once you decide, book your trip online. You'll be able to compare the prices on various tour operator websites before making your purchase. By visiting different websites, you'll be sure to find all the seasonal Grand Canyon bus discounts and other special deals. The internet specials are usually the lowest prices you will find. In order to qualify for the internet special though, you have to complete your transaction online.

These bus tour providers strive to deliver an amazing experience. They have to try and out do each other or they would lose business. You don't want to run out of money during your vacation, so don't book a Grand Canyon tour that's beyond your budget. Enjoying yourself while you're visiting the magnificent Grand Canyon is the important thing.