GETTING TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Getting to Banff National Park is quite easy, however it is not cheap due to it’s proximity from Calgary. Banff National Park is located 1.5 hours west of Calgary, Alberta. Below we will explain how to get to the mountains from Calgary.
BY AIR
Getting to Banff National Park is quite easy, however it is not cheap due to it’s proximity from Calgary. Banff National Park is located 1.5 hours west of Calgary, Alberta. Below we will explain how to get to the mountains from Calgary.
BY BUS
There are a few companies who run to Banff from Calgary International Airport.
They run multiple times a day. To Book click on their logo. Prices below are based on single person to Banff in Summer 2025.
COST (One Way): $89.00
ORIGIN: Airport
COST (One Way): $69.00
ORIGIN: Airport
COST (One Way): $82.90
ORIGIN: Airport
COST (One Way): $12.50
ORIGIN: Calgary Downtown
BY CAR
Getting Around Banff Without A Car
Parks Canada runs shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from Lake Louise Village. The only way to get to Moraine Lake is via the Parks Canada Shuttle. Cars are no longer allowed up there. Reservations open April 16 at 8:00 AM MST. Additional last-minute seats are released daily at 8:00 AM MST and must be booked within two days of travel.
Roam Transit is Banff’s public transit. It is cheap and efficient. In town, Roam runs like any normal city bus with regular schedules and routes. Outside of town it runs like any commercial bus company and reservations are highly recommended.
Our Getting There Recommendations
EASIEST
While there are plenty of companies who will get you to and from Banff or Lake Louise, our recommendation is the easiest method is to rent a car at the airport. Getting to Banff is only half the problem. Getting around Banff National Park is another problem. Roam Transit, Banff’s local transit, is great and cheap, but then you are at the mercy of their schedule, and you can only go where they go. If you want to relax, go at your own pace and explore the park, rent a car. It may end up being cheaper as well, depending on the size of your group / family.
CHEAPEST
The cheapest way to get from Calgary International Airport to Banff and then around the park is going to require a few buses and an extra hour of travel time.
1
300 City Centre Calgary Transit Bus to the Red Arrow Ticket Centre from the airport.
Cost: $3.80 per person
2
Take the On-It Bus from Red Arrow Ticket Centre to Banff.
Cost: $12.50 per person
3
To get round Banff you’ll take Roam Transit. Cost depends on where you want to go.
Day Pass around Banff Townsite is $5.00 each.
Roundtrip to Lake Louise is $12.50 each.
They also have multi-day passes and monthly passes available.
Climate & Weather
What’s the weather going to be like on my trip?
January
Temp. (high/low): -3 /-13
Days of Precipitation: 8
Rain: 0 mm
Snow: 76cm
Humidity: 76%
April
Temp. (high/low): 6 / -8
Days of Precipitation: 12
Rain: 0 mm
Snow: 107cm
Humidity: 69%
July
Temp. (high/low): 21 / 7
Days of Precipitation: 18
Rain: 88 mm
Snow: 0 cm
Humidity: 60%
October
Temp. (high/low): 8 /-3
Days of Precipitation: 10
Rain: 16 mm
Snow: 36cm
Humidity: 71%
Public Safety information
Public safety is our highest priority, which is why we’ve created a dedicated page to keep you as informed as possible. Banff National Park is one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, but it also comes with real risks. Depending on the season, wildfires or avalanches may be a concern—and no matter the time of year, wildlife can pose a danger. The most important piece of safety gear you have is your brain.
Click any of the icons below to learn how to stay safe and make the most of your time in the park.
Currency, Taxes & Tipping
CURRENCY
Banff National Park uses the Canadian Dollar. To check your countries exchange rate click on the XE Currency Converter logo
TAXES
The retail tax rate is 5%, which is the standard federal tax called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Alberta is the only Province is the country without an Provincial Sales Tax.
TIPPING
Tipping is customary is Banff National Park, and throughout Canada. The custom is 15% for standard service, and 18-20% for exceptional service for
restaurants & bars, beauty & wellness services, and taxis. For hotel staff, $5-$10 per service is plenty (valet, bellhop/porter, concierge). For tour guides, 10-15% of the tour value.
Entry Requirments
62 Countries/ SARs / Territories do not require a visa to enter Canada. They require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which is filled out online and in most cases, the applicant receives it electronically within minutes. Take a quick survey to find out what you require by clicking below.
Goverment of Canada
Gouvernement du Canada
2025 Public Holidays
