ROUTE GUIDE: How to Get From Calgary to Banff (for 2022)

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last Updated on February 9, 2022

Simply put, getting from Calgary to Banff is quick and easy. No matter the method of your arrival in Calgary, once Alberta’s biggest city is in view, what lies to the west holds an immediate appeal for most. Off in the distance, the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains line the horizon. In winter, they are begging to be explored by ski or dogsled; by summer, hiking trails line their valleys and ridges.

And nestled at their base is the alluring resort town of Banff. While the stunning scenery and outdoor activities are the main draws, this town inside of a National Park of the same name holds appeal for everyone. Think soaking in hot springs, a deluge of fine dining options, museums displaying Banff’s unique history, and so much more.

While Calgary is a worthy destination in its own right, getting to Banff is what attracts the masses. Below you will find options on how to make the trip from Calgary to Banff and some fun options for what to do along the way.

Calgary to Banff Map

About the Route

The distance between Calgary and Banff varies if you’re taking the fast route or the scenic route.

• Fastest route – From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada (Highway 1). The distance to Banff on this route is 127km and driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.
• Slightly more scenic route – For your return trip from Banff to Calgary consider taking Highway 1A through to Canmore before rejoining Highway 1. The Calgary to Banff distance on this route is 134km and driving time is approximately 1 3/4 hours.

Note that these driving times are in optimal conditions and not necessarily representative of winter driving nor peak traffic. Weekends are always busy – if you are planning to get to Banff on a Friday night and back on Sunday, you should expect additional time on the road.

Banff National Park Pass

IMPORTANT: Note that Banff National Park requires a pass in order to enter the park.

The park gates are 100 kilometers west of Calgary on Highway 1, and passes can be purchased upon arrival. Alternatively, they can also be purchased online in advance. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.

Transportation to Banff

Assuming that you are arriving in Calgary via airplane (YYC), following are all of the options to get you to Banff.

Calgary to Banff National Park by Car

Fortunately, the drive to Banff National Park is scenic and full of surprising sights as the prairies give way to foothills and ultimately lead to the Rocky Mountains. Going by car allows you to make as many photo and other stops along the way as you like.

Please be mindful of driving conditions, especially in winter. While Alberta’s highways are in great shape and well-maintained, snowstorms can wreak havoc for days at a time, and construction can slow things down in summer. Learn more about Alberta’s road laws and driving guidelines. In addition, check current road reports before you leave.

The closest airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport which is located on the north end of Calgary. From the airport, the best way to get to Banff is via highway 2 north to Stoney Trail (201) which meets up with Highway 1 (also known as the Trans-Canada Highway) and takes you all the way to the town of Banff.

Fortunately, there are also plenty of car rental options at the Calgary airport. Book in advance to ensure less hassle:

• We recommend booking via RentalCars.com, to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.

If you are not interested in a traditional car rental through an agency, you can also rent cars through a website called Turo (think AirBnB for car rentals). The Calgary International Airport is a frequent pick up/drop off point.

Calgary to Banff by Bus or Shuttle

Taking the bus to Banff can actually be a great idea for those who want to sit back and enjoy the scenery. There are a number of options for a Calgary to Banff shuttle and the following companies offer the service:

Brewster Express – Brewster Express has been connecting Calgary to Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, and Jasper for 125 years. They offer departures from both the Calgary airport (YYC) and downtown Calgary right to your hotel door in Banff. As of January 1, 2022 there are 9 daily departures and the fares are:

• Adult $72 one way / $123 return trip
• Child (5 – 17) $36 / $62 return trip
• Children under 6 – FREE

Banff Airporter – The Banff Airporter provides the most extensive bus service between Calgary and Banff starting as early as 3 am from Banff and departing as late as midnight from Calgary International Airport. As of January 1, 2022 there are 7 departures daily and the fares are:

• Adults – $72.99 one way / $145.98 return
• Seniors (65+) – $65.99 one way / $131.38 return
• Child (6-17) – $36.50 one way / $72.99 return
• Children Under 5 – FREE

Discover Banff Tours – Travel safely and comfortably with Discover Banff Tours who offer a shuttle that is a quick and easy way to get from the Calgary Airport to Banff or from Calgary downtown to Banff. As of January 1, 2022 there are 9 departures daily from YYC, 3 daily departures from Calgary downtown and the rates are:

• Adults – $74 one way
• Child – $37 one way

RTB Tours – New to the shuttle scene is RTB Tours & Shuttles. They offer daily shuttle service from Calgary (from a number of downtown locations and the Brentwood Transit station), to Banff & Canmore. When arriving in Banff they stop at most hotels. As of January 1, 2022 their rates for shuttle service from Calgary to Banff is:

• From town:
  • Adult – $44 one way / $84 return
  • Child – $40 one way / $76 return

• From airport (YYC)
  • Adult – $62 one way / $110 return
  • Child – $58 one way / $102 return

On-It Transit Service – In the summer, On-It Transit bus service is an easy and affordable way to get from Calgary to Banff by bus on weekends and is only $10! It departs from several transit spots and in downtown Calgary (but does not stop at the airport).

Calgary to Banff by Private Transfer

Want to arrive in Banff in style? Private transfers from Calgary International Airport to Banff National Park are a convenient and relaxing way to get to the Rocky Mountains without waiting in lines or making multiple shuttle stops. Some private transfer options are below:

• Banff Transportation Group – Departing from Calgary airport to Banff or vice versa.
• Banff Sedan – Luxury never looked so good! Nor picked you up from the airport. This option does come with a hefty price tag but the stylish ride may be worth it.
• Limo To Go – This service has luxury sedans and SUVs, limos, and stretch limos to help you get from Calgary to Banff in style.

Calgary to Banff by Other Options

• Taxis are always an option, of course, and plenty will be waiting at the airport for your arrival! Note that it can cost approximately $250 for a one-way journey.
• Uber is in Calgary, however, consider that drivers may not be willing or capable to make the drive and the price is close to what a taxi would cost for just one way.
• Consider Poparide.com. There are options to select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are traveling with skis, bikes, etc. Poparide charges per seat so you have an opportunity to meet other visitors if you are traveling solo to Banff National Park. Currently, no seat appears to cost more than $20 for the ride from Calgary to Banff.
• At the moment, there is no train between Calgary to Banff, although there are plans to eventually build one. There is also no airport in Banff, the closest international airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Fun Things to do Along the Way

If you arrive in Calgary early and decide to travel by car, there are so many things to do on the way to Banff. Here are a few of our favourites:

Calaway Park

If your travels bring you through during summer and you have the kiddos in tow, consider a stop at Calaway Park to blow-off some pent up energy from a long flight. The park has 32 rides, 24 games, and exciting live shows to enjoy. The different rides are good for children of different ages, so everyone can have fun. 

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Located on the way to Banff off of Highway 1A, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a fantastic place to visit. It is one of the only sanctuaries in Canada to pair successful rehabilitation and re-homing of wolfdogs with public education. There are three possible tours offered: A sanctuary walk, an intro tour, and an interactive tour. The first two are drop-in friendly but the interactive tour requires booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

A little off the path and located near Canmore is the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. It’s the first of its kind in Alberta, bringing traditional Scandanavian wellness practices to a stunning mountain setting.

Stop in Canmore

You can’t just drive by the whole town of Canmore without a stop! This is a great place to grab something to eat, stretch your legs, and get your first taste of the Rockies by marveling at the famous Three Sisters mountains. Treat your sweet-tooth at the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, enjoy local photographers and artists work at the Canmore Art Guild Gallery, or explore the nearby Canmore Nordic Centre. There are plenty of local restaurants for avid foodies (or hungry people) – check out the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company for great burgers, BLAKE for great everything else, or PD3 for the unique experience of eating out of a double-decker bus! Read our complete guide of things to do in Canmore.

Upon Arrival in Banff

You made it!

Where to Eat in Banff

Hungry? Then you will have no problem finding a restaurant in Banff. There are so many options from casual to fine dining. Read our guide on Banff restaurants to know where to go.

What to Do in Banff

If you would like to get some useful information on Banff attractions, hiking trails, and much more, check out our 2022 Banff Destination Guide, but also pay a visit to the two Visitor Information Centres in Banff National Park:

• Banff Visitor Centre at 224 Banff Ave
• Banff Visitor Information Kiosk at the Banff Railway Station

Where to Stay – Find a Hotel in Banff

The accommodations in Banff are plentiful and most are centrally located and close to the main downtown area. While the locations of the accommodations are quite similar, the main difference is the price points.

• Fairmont Banff Springs (Luxury) – We cannot mention hotels in Banff National Park without presenting the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type stay that is totally worth the experience. (We’ve stayed once, so can say that!) This beautiful and historic hotel is full of shops, a world-class spa, and amazing restaurants that offer breathtaking views of notable peaks. 
• Canalta Lodge (Mid-Range) – As the Fairmont can run many hundreds of dollars a night, a more budget-friendly option is the Canalta Lodge. Recently renovated, we really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. With a hot tub, free breakfast, and underground parking, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.
• Banff International Hostel (Budget) – If your budget is better spent exploring all that Banff has to offer and don’t want to splurge on any form on accommodations, then look no further than the Banff International Hostel. It’s located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre, has a fully equipped kitchen for all to use, free breakfast, and is highly rated.
• Home away from home. There is a selection of Banff Airbnb options in and around the town to choose from. If you can’t find anything in Banff, we recommended looking for a Canmore Airbnb which is just next door to Banff.