The problem waiting to buy your ticket is how do you compare prices. At least online you can check different sites and compare. Check at the bottom of this webpage for a short listing of tours. You can click on them and find a huge list of choices to fit any budget.
If you want to save $$$ drive yourself. The part of the GC that is most advertised bus tours is for an Indian Reservation at the extreme West of the canyon. If you want to see the real Grand Canyon go to the South Rim of the park. There are really lots of places that you can see easily on way to the South Rim. Lake Mead http://vegasnature.com/LakeMead.htm Hoover Dam http://vegasnature.com/HooverDam.htm Colorado River http://vegasnature.com/ColoradoRiver.htm Oatman http://vegasnature.com/Oatman.htm Grand Canyon http://vegasnature.com/GrandCanyon.htm on the way back stop in Laughlin http://vegasnature.com/Laughlin.htm http://www.vegasnature.com/ has videos of each area followed by maps showing how to get there
A bus trip only makes financial sense if you are travelling alone. If there are two of you, then rent a car. Go to the South Rim (it is further than West Canyon ). West Canyon is very expensive to do anything. ------------The smartest thing is to make it an overnight trip.
You will most likely get a better deal if you buy your tickets ahead of time than waiting till you get to Vegas. You are also guaranteed a seat for the time you want to go on the tour.http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/las-vegas��
My parents are headed down Dec. 6. My understanding is they re renting a car to get down to the Grand Canyon. You can probably get one pretty cheap... I d say it s worth looking into. Check out the site I m putting together too... http://vegas-hotel-reviews.com
It depends on your flexibility... You will get a cheaper price on the strip... Yet the time may interfere with your plans...
Buying the ticket ahead of time may not get a cheaper deal but you are guaranteed to go the time and day you want