Getting Around Banff | Banff, AB (2024)

FAQs

Is it easy to get around Banff without a car? ›

The Banff townsite is just 3.94 square kilometres in area, which means it's fairly easy to get around. Locals like to walk and cycle everywhere, or Roam on Banff's great public transit system.

Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs & Sulphur Mountain

Free Banff Gondola Shuttle: Running daily in the summer, with convenient pickup points in town and regular departures, the free shuttle makes getting to the Banff Gondola easy in the summer months!

There is no Uber or Lyft service in Banff. Banff does have taxi services, however. Arriving from Calgary International Airport? Check out the Banff Airporter or the Brewster Express.

The Town of Banff is just 3.94 sq. kilometres, which means it's easier to get around by walking or biking—which is the best way to avoid traffic congestion. Long-term car/RV parking is tough to find, but you can almost always find a parking spot for your bike. Roam is an easy and affordable way to get around.

How many days do you need in Banff National Park? We recommend spending between two and five days visiting Banff and its surrounding area. Our tours of Banff will give you ample time to explore the park at your leisure, while still showing you all its major sights (as well as its hidden gems).

If you hate crowds, the peak summer months of July and August could be the worst time to visit Banff. Travellers who dislike the cold should avoid December through March.

The ride up the Banff Gondola is approximately 8-minutes long in each direction. The track is about 1 mile long. How do I get to the Banff Gondola? The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre.

Visit the Lake Louise Summer Gondola with a free return shuttle from the village of Lake Louise, the Lake Louise Campground, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Want to see Moraine Lake or visit the Lake Louise Lakeshore? There are shuttles for that too!

Parking lots fill up before sunrise and remain full until sunset. Taking transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is easy, stress-free and the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes. Booking your shuttle in advance is required. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year round.

The fastest way to get from Lake Louise to Banff is to taxi which takes 43 min and costs $100 - $130.

How long is it from Banff to Lake Louise? ›

Distances to Banff:

Lake Louise: 57km / 45min drive. Calgary: 130km / 1.5hrs drive.

The average price for this trip is CA$209. Open the Uber app and input Banff in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what's available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.

Cons: high costs, low wages, endless tourists, remote location, very hard to secure housing and often housing is tied to your employment, ignored by your province unless it's marketing material, lack of businesses focused on residents, high turnover of transient population.

Explore Banff without a Car

To explore Banff National Park, Roam Transit offers both local and regional bus services in the area. Roam Transit travels throughout the Town of Banff, as well as Canmore and Lake Minnewanka, with one way adult fares for $2.00 or purchase a one day pass for $5.00.

The best time to visit Banff is during peak summer season, July and August, with warm, but not sweltering temperatures. It's perfect for exploring the pristine lakes and wilderness in this part of the Canadian Rockies. Alberta's Banff National Park is marked by mountain weather, which can be erratic.

All visitors to Banff National Park and the surrounding parks must have a park pass, regardless of transportation. That means even if you walk into the park from Calgary, you still need a park pass.

Take advantage of the Banff ROAM Public Transit Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola (one way cash fare: $2 per person).

No you cannot catch an Uber in either Banff or Lake Louise. There are taxis/private drivers in Banff that will take you anywhere in the area or whatever custom tour you want but you need to book in advance. Also you can take the bus (info in the post above) which is actually very convenient.

Our most recommended Banff Solo travelers' tours. Climb aboard this iconic 4-person gondola cabin with large windows and relax. During the 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, take in the views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and six different mountain ranges.