Quick answer
You can visit Banff without a car. Take an airport shuttle (Banff Airporter or Brewster Express) from Calgary, then use Roam Transit buses around town and to Canmore and Lake Louise. In summer, book Parks Canada shuttles for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Some routes are seasonal, so check schedules for your dates.
From Calgary airport to Banff
Banff is about 144 km from Calgary International Airport (Travel Alberta).
| Shuttle | Details (checked Nov 2026) |
|---|---|
| Banff Airporter | Adult one way $88.90 or return $177.80 before GST. Departures increase to 14 a day from December 15, 2026. |
| Brewster Express | Winter schedule November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027; from CA$66.75 per adult one way. |
Prices change, so confirm when you book.
Roam Transit routes
Roam is the public bus in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Routes listed by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism:
| Route | Goes to | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sulphur Mountain (Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs) | Year-round |
| 2 | Tunnel Mountain | Year-round |
| 3 | Banff–Canmore | Year-round |
| 8X | Lake Louise Express | Year-round |
| 9 | Johnston Canyon | Daily May–October; weekends October–May |
| 4 | Cave and Basin | May–October |
| 6 | Lake Minnewanka | May–October |
Check fares and timetables on Roam Transit’s website. Note that Johnston Canyon itself is closed October 13 to December 11, 2026 for construction.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so most visitors use the Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed tour (Parks Canada). In 2026 the shuttle ran May 15 (Lake Louise) and June 1 (Moraine Lake) to October 12. Fares were $12.75 adult, $6 senior and $4 youth, plus a $3.50 online reservation fee (Parks Canada fees). See our shuttle guide.
Do you need a park pass without a car?
Yes. Everyone visiting Banff National Park needs a valid park pass, whether you arrive by car, shuttle or bus (some tours include it; check). See our Parks Canada pass guide.
Tips
- Stay in Banff town, close to bus stops.
- Book summer shuttles early; popular times sell out.
- For the Icefields Parkway, which has no public transit, join a licensed tour.
More Canadian Rockies guides
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
