Grand Canyon Entrance Fee: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

Visiting the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list adventure, but before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand the entrance fees, what they cover, and how you can make the most of your visit. Whether you’re road-tripping with family, backpacking solo, or exploring as part of a tour, this guide will help you navigate the current Grand Canyon entrance fee system with confidence.

Essential Highlights

Standard entrance fee for a private vehicle is $35, valid for 7 days, covering both the South and North Rims.
Individuals (on foot or bicycle) pay $20, while motorcycles are $30 for a 7-day pass.
Passes are card-only at all park entrance stations; cash is not accepted.
Several annual and lifetime pass options offer great value for frequent visitors, seniors, military personnel, and families.
No reservations or timed entries required for park access, but expect wait times during peak seasons.
Special discounts are available for U.S. military, seniors, and fourth-grade students.
Passes can be purchased at entrance gates or select locations in Tusayan; advanced reservations are not needed.

Grand Canyon Entrance Fees for 2025
Types of Passes and Discounts
Where and How to Buy Your Entrance Pass
Fee-Free Days and Special Programs
Additional Costs: Permits and Activity Fees
Tips to Save Time and Money
Planning Your Visit: Essential Info
FAQ: Grand Canyon Entrance Fees

Grand Canyon Entrance Fees for 2025

The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee structure is straightforward, with several options depending on your mode of entry.

Private Vehicle (Non-Commercial): $35 – Valid for one private vehicle and all passengers for 7 consecutive days[1][4][5].
Motorcycle: $30 per motorcycle, covers riders for 7 consecutive days[1].
Individual (Foot, Bicycle, or Organized Non-Profit Group): $20 per person, good for 7 days. Children 15 and under are admitted free[4].
Commercial Tours & Buses: Fees vary by vehicle size and passenger capacity. For specifics, see the official National Park Service fee chart.

Payment is by credit or debit card only at all entrance stations. If you wish to pay with cash, you must purchase your pass in advance at a select location in Tusayan, such as the IMAX theater or participating hotels[5].

Types of Passes and Discounts

Beyond the standard entry fees, several passes offer savings and convenience for repeat visitors and special groups.

Annual and Lifetime Passes

Grand Canyon Annual Pass: $70 – Unlimited entry for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single vehicle for one year[1].
America the Beautiful Pass: $80 – Valid for entrance to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation lands for one year[1][4].
Senior Pass: $20 annually, or $80 for a lifetime – Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and older[5].
Military Pass: Free for active-duty U.S. military members, dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families[5].
Access Pass: Free for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

Special Discounts

Every Kid Outdoors Pass: Free annual pass for fourth-grade students, granting entry to all federal parks and lands for the student and their family[5].
Children 15 and under enter for free with a paying adult[4].

Explore detailed pass options and eligibility at the official Grand Canyon National Park fee page.

Where and How to Buy Your Entrance Pass

Entrance passes are not available online for immediate entry and must be obtained before or upon arrival.

Buy at the gate: All major Grand Canyon entrance stations accept credit and debit cards only[1][5].
Purchase in Tusayan (if paying cash): Select locations just outside the park, including the IMAX theater, Canyon Plaza Resort, and Feather Lodge, sell entrance passes[5].
No reservations required: Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no timed entry slots or advance reservations needed as of 2025[1][5].

For a step-by-step guide on fee payments and park access, see Entrance Fee Co UK’s Grand Canyon information.

Fee-Free Days and Special Programs

Each year, the National Park Service designates several fee-free days where entry to the Grand Canyon is complimentary.

These often include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Park Week, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
For an updated list of upcoming fee-free dates, check the NPS Fee-Free Days page.

Additional Costs: Permits and Activity Fees

Certain activities in the Grand Canyon require extra permits and fees.

Backcountry Camping Permit: $10 per permit + $15 per person per night below the rim, $4 per person per night above the rim[4].
River Permits: $100 waiting list application fee for noncommercial trips[4].
Fishing License: Arizona state fishing license is required for those fishing within the park, available at select locations[4].
Special Use Permits: Additional permits may be needed for commercial filming, events, or large group activities.

For a full breakdown of permits and associated costs, visit Grand Canyon Fees & Permits page.

Tips to Save Time and Money

Plan ahead to avoid long waits and maximize savings:

Arrive early in the morning (before 10am) or later in the afternoon (after 2pm) to avoid peak entrance lines[5].
Visit outside summer months or on weekdays for lighter crowds.
Consider purchasing an annual or America the Beautiful pass if visiting multiple parks or staying longer.
Check eligibility for discounts (military, senior, Every Kid Outdoors).
Make sure to bring a credit or debit card, as cash is not accepted at park gates[1][5].

For more travel savings strategies, explore the Papillon Grand Canyon fee tips and Entrance Fee Co UK Grand Canyon tips.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Info

A successful Grand Canyon trip starts with informed preparation.

The South Rim is open year-round; the North Rim is open seasonally (typically May 15 to October 15)[8].
No reservations are needed for park entry, but campsites, lodges, and popular tours book up well in advance—reserve these as early as possible[1][8].
For official updates, news, and alerts, consult the Grand Canyon National Park official site and Entrance Fee Co UK’s Grand Canyon page.

FAQ: Grand Canyon Entrance Fees

1. Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance to enter the Grand Canyon?
No reservations or timed entry slots are required for Grand Canyon National Park as of 2025. Entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis[1][5].

2. Can I pay the entrance fee with cash?
No, all entrance stations only accept credit or debit cards. However, you can pay with cash at select businesses in Tusayan before reaching the entrance gate[5].

3. How long is the entrance pass valid?
A standard entry pass (vehicle, motorcycle, or individual) is valid for 7 consecutive days and grants access to both the South and North Rims[1][4].

4. Are there discounts for seniors, military, or students?
Yes, U.S. seniors (62+) can get an annual or lifetime pass. Active military, dependents, veterans, and fourth-grade students also qualify for free or discounted passes[5].

5. Is my America the Beautiful pass accepted?
Yes, the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass grants entry to the Grand Canyon and all participating national parks for one year[1][4].

6. What if I’m visiting with a commercial tour group?
Commercial tours pay fees based on vehicle capacity and type. Group members in non-profit or organized groups pay the individual entry rate[4].

7. Where can I find more information or get the latest updates?
Visit the official Grand Canyon National Park website, Entrance Fee Co UK’s Grand Canyon page, or the National Park Service entrance fee page for current details.

For further details on entrance fees across U.S. attractions, check Entrance Fee Co UK’s main site and entrance fee breakdowns. For authoritative park guidance, see National Park Service: Grand Canyon Fees, Recreation.gov, and the National Parks Conservation Association.

Grand Canyon Entrance Fee