Banff National Park’s many transit and shuttle options will take you out of your vehicle and quickly into nature – without missing a thing. Leave the car behind, relax and enjoy the incredible views as you travel by comfortable coach to the park, then on to your chosen adventure using one of Banff’s many transit options.
Download the full Banff National Park Transit Guide or explore below to find information about transit and shuttle options.
Banff National Park Transit Guide
Calgary to Banff National Park
Relax and enjoy the scenery, even before you reach the park, using several transit options.
CALGARY TO BANFF
On-It Regional Transit
Starting May 18, travel from Calgary to Banff on weekends for only $10 one-way. There are several departures from downtown Calgary, Crowfoot LRT, and Somerset-Bridlewood LRT to Canmore and Banff. Once you have arrived in Banff, you can transfer for free onto Roam Transit to travel around the town of Banff. Simply show your valid ticket to the Roam driver.
One-way prices:
- Adults (6+): $10
- Child (2-5): Free
*Children ages 2-5 must register for a free ticket to reserve a seat on the bus. Infants under the age of 2 ride on the lap of a passenger 15 years or older, no need to register. Reserve seats and purchase e-tickets in advance online. Travellers can buy tickets on the bus if seats are available, using credit or debit card.
Banff Express
Choose one of two daily departures to travel from Eau Claire Market or Foothills Hospital to Canmore or Banff.
One-way prices:
- Adults (13+): $30
- Child (12 and under): $17
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO BANFF, LAKE LOUISE, CANMORE, JASPER
Banff Airporter
The Banff Airporter provides frequent and reliable transportation with several guaranteed daily departures from Calgary Airport to Canmore and Banff. You can request a drop-off or pickup at home addresses or hotels in Banff, or the Coast Canmore Hotel.
One-way prices:
- Adult (18+): $67.99
- Senior (65+): $61.19
- Child (6-17): $33.99
- Infants (0-5): Free
Brewster Express
The Brewster Express connects Calgary to Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
- Adult: $72
- Child: $36
- Infants (under 6): Free
*fares from Calgary to Banff
Discover Banff Tours
Discover Banff Tours offers year-round transfers between Calgary Airport and Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.
Prices vary, booking required.
Luna Express
Luna Express provides regular scheduled transportation with door to door service from Calgary International Airport to Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise.
- Adult: $80
- Child: $30
Town of Banff Area
Getting around the town of Banff is now easier than ever! With several shuttle and Roam Transit options, find the easiest routes around Banff, Canmore, Lake Minnewanka, and Johnston Canyon.
BANFF GONDOLA SHUTTLE
The Banff Gondola shuttle picks up from Elk + Avenue Hotel (333 Banff Avenue) and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (405 Spray Avenue). The shuttles run every 20 to 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. from 18 May to 14 October.
The shuttle is free with admission to the gondola.
BANFF SUNSHINE SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA & CHAIRLIFT
The Sunshine Village shuttle bus operates between downtown Banff and Banff Sunshine. There are pick-up points convenient to all Banff hotels. The shuttle offers return trips to Banff throughout the day.
Shuttles run every hour from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 28 to September 8, 2019. Pick-up points in Banff include Rundlestone Lodge, Delta Royal Canadian Lodge, High Country Inn, Ptarmigan Inn, and Banff Train Station.
The shuttle is free and no reservations are required.
MT. NORQUAY SHUTTLE
This shuttle service offers transportation between downtown Banff (Banff Train Station, Banff Avenue at Elk Street, and Banff Park Lodge), the Juniper Hotel, and Mt. Norquay. From Mt. Norquay, you can explore the Sightseeing Chairlift, Via Ferrata, Cliffhouse Bistro, and hiking adventures.
ROAM TRANSIT ROUTES
Roam Transit operates several bus routes to many top attractions in Banff and Lake Louise. If you're visiting the sights, take a ride on one of the Roam Transit environment-friendly hybrid buses for a fun, convenient, and inexpensive way to get around and enjoy the views.
Route 1: Banff Avenue to Sulphur Mountain
This daily, year-round service departs every 20 minutes and runs from Banff Avenue and up Sulphur Mountain to the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs, Rimrock Resort Hotel, and Banff Gondola.
$2 Adult | $1 Senior (65+) | $1 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 2: Tunnel Mountain to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
This daily, year-round service departs every 30 minutes and runs from Tunnel Mountain Village 1 and Village 2 campgrounds to the town centre, and then on to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
$2 Adult | $1 Senior (65+) | $1 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 3: Banff to Canmore
This daily, year-round service departs every 30 to 60 minutes from Monday to Friday, and every 60 minutes on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
$6 Adult | $3 Senior (65+) | $3 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 4: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
This summer service travels from downtown Banff to Banff Park Museum, and Cave and Basin National Historic Site. The route operates on weekends and holidays from May 17 to June 16 and daily from June 17 to September 15.
$2 Adult | $1 Senior (65+) | $1 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 5: Canmore Local
This daily, year-round service departs every 30 to 60 minutes from Monday to Friday, every 40 minutes on Saturday, and every 75 minutes on Sunday and holidays. This route provides service throughout the town of Canmore, including downtown, Three Sisters, and Cougar Creek.
Route 6: Lake Minnewanka
This daily summer service departs every 30 to 60 minutes and travels from Banff High School to the scenic Lake Minnewanka Loop, with stops at Cascade Ponds, Minnewanka Park and Ride, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka.
$2 Adult | $1 Senior (65+) | $1 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 7: Banff Centre
This daily, year-round service departs every 30 minutes and runs from Banff Avenue up to the scenic Surprise Corner, and on to the Banff Centre.
$2 Adult | $1 Senior (65+) | $1 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
Route 8X: Banff to Lake Louise
This daily summer service offers an express route between Banff and Lake Louise via Highway 1.
$8 Adult | $4 Senior (65+) | $4 Youth (13-18) | Free (under 12)
ROAM TRANSIT FARES
Frequency and fares vary by route number, please see the section below for specific times and prices.
Unlimited Day Passes: Route 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
- Adults (19+): $5
- Senior (65+) or Youth (13-18): $2.50
- Children (under 12): Free
The easiest way to pay is to use the Token Transit app which you can use to purchase any of the Roam transit fares. Using the app, you can purchase passes using credit or debit cards and board the bus by showing the driver the unique pass displayed on your phone.
You can also purchase fares or passes and redeem vouchers at the Roam Transit customer service centre, participating partners, or on the bus with exact change.
Where to purchase Roam Transit passes and redeem change vouchers:
- Bow Valley Regional Transit Customer Service Centre
- Banff Town Hall
- Rundle Gift Shop
- Wild Rose
- Elk & Avenue Hotel
- Canmore Civic Centre
- Shoppers Drug Mart Canmore
- Rusticana Grocery
- The Market Bistro
- Trail Sports Inc.
- Fergies Bakery & Convenience
Find schedules, fares, maps, a trip planner, and live bus tracker at Roam Transit.
**All schedules are subject to change.
Banff to Lake Louise
Roam Transit makes it easy to move between Banff National Park’s two popular hubs, Banff and Lake Louise. From each hub, you can continue to popular attractions within the park.
ROAM TRANSIT ROUTES
Roam Transit operates several bus routes to many top attractions in Banff and Lake Louise. If you're visiting the sights, take a ride on one of the Roam Transit environment-friendly hybrid buses for a fun, convenient, and inexpensive way to get around and enjoy the views.
Route 8X: Banff to Lake Louise (Express)
Departing daily from downtown Banff and the Banff Train Station, this service travels directly to Lake Louise's lakefront with a quick stop at Samson Mall in the village of Lake Louise.
$8 Adult | $4 Senior (65+) | $4 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
Route 8S: Banff to Lake Louise (Scenic)
From June 21 to September 3, this service departs daily from downtown Banff and the Banff Train Station and will take you from Banff to Lake Louise along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, with stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain, and Baker Creek.
$8 Adult | $4 Senior (65+) | $4 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
Route 9: Banff to Johnston Canyon
From June 21 to September 15, a direct daily summer service between Banff and Johnston Canyon will be provided via the Bow Valley Parkway.
$4 Adult | $2 Senior (65+) | $2 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
More Information
Banff Visitor Centre 403-762-1550
Lake Louise Visitor Centre 403-522-3833
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
This summer, there are more transit options to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
LAKE LOUISE GONDOLA SHUTTLE
If you are driving to Lake Louise, consider parking at the Lake Louise Gondola, where you can also hike, sightsee, and enjoy one of the of restaurants. A free bus service transfers guests between Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise Gondola.
There are multiple daily departures with schedules subject to change according to gondola operating hours.
PARKS CANADA SHUTTLES
Lake Louise Lakeshore
From May 17 to October 14, Parks Canada will continue to offer shuttles to the Lake Louise lakeshore. The shuttles will depart every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Tickets for the Lake Louise shuttle will be available at the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
$4 Adult | $2 Senior (65+) | $2 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
*NEW IN 2019
Lake Louise Park and Ride
Previously known as the Lake Louise Overflow Parking Area (5.5km east of Lake Louise on Highway 1), the Lake Louise Park and Ride will help visitors easily access the Lake Louise area. Several shuttle services will offer access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Overflow camping will still be available.
Tickets for the Early Bird and Lake Louise shuttles will be available at the Park and Ride. Tickets may only be purchased by credit or debit. Cash will not be accepted.
Lake Louise Village and Campground Shuttle
Park your car or camper at the campground and take a free daily shuttle between the Lake Louise Park and Ride, Lake Louise Village, and Lake Louise Campground. Shuttles leave the Park and Ride every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shuttles are free.
Moraine Lake Shuttle
From May 24 to October 14, Parks Canada will offer daily shuttles from the Lake Louise lakeshore to Moraine Lake, departing every 20 minutes from 8:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with shuttles returning to the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Tickets are available at the Lake Louise lakeshore.
$6 Adult | $3 Senior (65+) | $3 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
Early Bird Shuttle to Moraine Lake
From June 24 to September 28, Parks Canada will offer daily morning shuttles from the Lake Louise Park and Ride to Moraine Lake. The shuttles will depart every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for visitors wanting to get an early start to their day.
Tickets are available at the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
$8 Adult | $4 Senior (65+) | $4 Youth (6-18) | Free (under 6)
For more information on shuttles in the Lake Louise area visit the Parks Canada website or contact the Lake Louise Visitor Centre 403-522-3833.
Sightseeing Tours
Guided tours are a great option if you would like to explore Banff National Park without having to make the bookings and arrangements yourself.
Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit
With a tour for everyone, visit the very best of the Rockies - choose your tour to places such as the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Icefields Parkway, and more.
Banff Walk
Embark on a walking tour of the Town of Banff with Banff Walk to learn more about the history of the beautiful town of Banff.
Discover Banff Tours
Discover Banff Tours offers a variety of daily interpretive sightseeing tours as well as adventure tours throughout Banff National Park.
Great Divide Nature Interpretation
Take a guided hike with Great Divide Nature Interpretation and discover the story behind the scenery.
HopOnBanff
From May 25 to September 29, HopOnBanff lets you experience the highlights of Banff National Park at your own pace. Book ahead and get everywhere you want to go easily within Banff National Park. Stops include Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Lake Louise village, Lake Louise lakeshore, and Moraine Lake.
White Mountain Adventures
Explore Banff National Park on a guided hike or custom tour with White Mountain Adventures.