Last Updated on 9.3.2026 by Lukas Vondracek
Are you wondering how to get from Calgary to Banff and what transportation options are available? There are several ways to get there. Let’s take a look and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
You can travel by bus, shuttle services, taxi, car or share ride.
Do not forget – when travel to Banff National Park you need purchase a Park pass. More info in Parks Canada Pass article.
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to travel from Calgary to Banff by train. Although the railway from Calgary runs through Canmore and Banff, it is currently used only for cargo transport.
Not all transportation providers on the market are mentioned in this article.
Transportation from Calgary Airport to Banff
From the airport, you can get directly to Banff by taxi, bus, or a rental car.
Calgary Airport to Banff Without a Car
Getting Calgary to Banff without a car is easy thanks to several bus services. The trip takes about 1.5–2 hours, and prices start at around CAD 23. Prices may vary depending on the season and the bus company you choose.
Bus Companies
The cheapest option is usually FlixBus, but it offers only a limited number of departures from the airport. More departures are available from downtown Calgary.
The best combination of price and availability is offered by Banff Passenger Transport, with fares starting at CAD 27.
To find the best connection for your trip, you can use the Busbud.com.
Taxi
The most comfortable option is a taxi operating 24/7 with pick-up directly at the arrivals terminal. The trip to Banff takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Prices usually start around CAD 200 and up.
Calgary Airport to Banff by Car
At the airport, you will find several car rental companies. All rental offices are located in the same place, in a building called the Rental Car Center. The building is located opposite the airport terminal and can be reached on foot within a few minutes.
Car Rental Companies
The listed car rental companies offer vehicle pickup directly at the airport with the option to return the car in Banff. I recommend booking your car in advance, especially during the summer season. If you plan to return the car in Banff, make sure to enter the correct return branch address during the booking process.
I personally recommend booking directly on the rental company’s website. From experience, I know that some comparison websites offer insurance that may not be accepted by the rental company.
If you choose to rent a car without insurance, rental companies often block a damage deposit. This is a security deposit to ensure the car is returned in good condition. The amount depends on the type of vehicle and is usually a few thousand CAD.
I also recommend taking photos of the car from all sides and recording a short video when picking it up. This can help you avoid charges for damage that was already made.
If you are considering additional insurance, I recommend windshield coverage. There is a lot of loose gravel left on the highway after the winter season, and there is a high chance you will be driving on gravel roads in mountain area.
| Car Rental Company | Calgary Airport (YYC) | Banff – Branch Address | Return in Banff/Airport |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Yes | 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB (Caribou Lodge & Spa) | Yes |
| Avis Car Rental | Yes | 317 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A2 | Yes |
| Budget Car Rental | Yes | Cascade Shops, 317 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C1 | Yes |
| National Car Rental | Yes | 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB (Caribou Lodge & Spa) | Yes |
| Alamo Rent A Car | Yes | 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB (Caribou Lodge & Spa) | Yes |
| Hertz | Yes | 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel) | Yes |
Car rental prices depending on the tourist season and the number of rental days. The cheapest cars usually start at around CAD 60 per day.
If you are traveling from the EU, I recommend to get an International Driving License and verifying with the rental company that it is accepted.
After picking up the car, simply head west on Highway 1, which will take you directly from Calgary to Banff.
Transportation from Downtown Calgary to Banff
If you decide to spend some time in Calgary before heading to the Canadian Rockies, you will most likely be looking for transportation from downtown.
Most airport and shuttle bus companies also offer service from downtown Calgary. However, some providers operate only within the city and not from the airport. These include the following companies. I also listed FlixBus here, as it offers only a limited number of departures from the airport.
The cheapest option here is OnIt provider, which offers fares of CAD 12.50 for adults and CAD 10 for children aged 5–15 and seniors aged 65+.
The same information about taxi services and car rentals applies to trips from downtown Calgary. Prices do not change.
The last option, especially for adventurous travelers, is ride-sharing services such as Poparide or Kangaride. Drivers usually charge between CAD 15–30 per person for a one-way trip. The risk of cancellation or the driver not showing up is relatively high.
Best Ways How to Get from Calgary to Banff
Summary of transportation options from Calgary to Banff.
From the airport by bus, FlixBus is the best option if you manage to catch the departure time. If not, Banff Passenger Transport is the next best choice.
From the airport by rental car, make sure to check insurance coverage and your driver’s license, and consider windshield insurance. Returning the car in Banff can save money on days when you do not need a vehicle.
From downtown Calgary by bus, the cheapest option is OnIt, with fares of CAD 12.50 per trip.
The biggest adventure is using ride-sharing apps such as Poparide or Kangaride.
FAQ
How far is Banff from Calgary?
Banff is about 130 km west of Calgary. The trip takes just under 2 hours.
What transportation options are available from Calgary to Banff?
How do you get from Calgary Airport to Banff?
Common answer: Buses, rental car, taxi, and ride-sharing.
Is it better to take a bus or rent a car?
If you want to visit less touristy places and stay independent of schedules – rent a car.
If you are traveling only to Banff and nearby areas – buses are sufficient.
Is it possible to travel from Calgary to Banff by train?
No – there is no direct public train connection between Calgary and Banff.