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How to Get Around Banff With Ease

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Want to know the best way to see Banff? Without a car. Easy and eco-friendly buses will take you anywhere. Or go human-powered and rent a bike or e-bike.

  • You don’t need a car to visit Banff
  • Eco-friendly shuttle buses will get you to many Banff attractions
  • Rent a bike or an e-bike to get around town and see the sights
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No car, no problem

Banff is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. But, like any small town, it has limited roadway space and parking. During peak times, you can help ease traffic and enjoy your experience with one of Banff’s many public transit or sustainable travel options.

Roam Transit

A fleet of hybrid and electric buses run throughout the Town of Banff, plus Canmore and Lake Louise. In summer, buses also run to popular scenic locations, such as Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Johnston Canyon. One-way fares are C$2 for adults, with discounted seniors/youth fares (kids under 13 ride for free). Multi-day passes are also available.

Find all route schedules, fares, and service details on  Roam Transit. Use the  Token Transit app to purchase passes in advance, or purchase them in person at one of these  vendors. Track buses in real-time  right here.

Note: Lake Louise routes may require  advanced reservation.

Tourists depart an electric shuttle bus.
Skip the parking and driving hassle and take a shuttle bus to visit Banff/Lake Louise.

Lake Louise / Moraine Lake shuttle

In peak season, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must see destinations, but parking is limited or restricted. (Please note, as of 2023 private parking is no longer available at Moraine Lake). To avoid missing these spectacular locations, use the Parks Canada shuttle, which allows you to see both in one day. The shuttle, which departs from the Lake Louise Park and Ride lot, must be reserved in advance through the  Parks Canada Reservation Service. Fares (C$8/adults, C$4/seniors, C$2/youth and free for kids under 6) include a return trip and a connector shuttle between lakes. For booking assistance, visit BanffLakeLouise.com.

Additional commercial transportation options are available to Moraine Lake, including Moraine Lake Bus Company, Mountain Park Transportation and WowBanff.

Banff Gondola shuttle

Use public transportation to access the Banff Gondola, the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. There is limited parking at each of these attractions. Use  Roam Transit or the  Banff Gondola shuttle to make the experience more enjoyable for you. Bow Falls is walkable from town using the pedestrian bridge or from the Roam Transit stops.

You’ll get amazing mountain views from the Banff Gondola.

Hop On Banff

Hop On Banff is an independently run shuttle service available in peak season, from June to September. Tickets must be reserved for the yellow school bus (C$61.90/adult, C$47.60/child 5-15, free for under 5). It stops in Banff, Lake Louise (village, lake and gondola), Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon. View their suggested itineraries to help you maximize your Hop On Banff ticket, or plan your own using their set schedule and route map.

Banff by bike

Exploring Banff on a bicycle gives you a chance to take in the scenery at a slower pace. To make cycling easier and safer, Banff has bike-friendly road markings, slow speed limits for vehicles, and numerous bike racks. Don’t miss scenic cycling routes, such as the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore, Sundance Canyon Road, or Vermilion Lakes Road. Hardy cyclists can also ride on the Lake Minnewanka Road and Bow Valley Parkway (see more on the  enhanced BVP cycling experience available in the months of May, June and September).

With the popularity of e-bikes, local bike shops have added them to their fleet of rental options. Find more information on  BanffLakeLouise.com. Your hotel may also have bikes available for rent.

A couple rides bikes on a path with a mountain and lake in the background.
Take it slow and see Banff by bike.

Free parking in the Town of Banff

The Train Station Parking Lot is a 500-stall lot where you can park for free for up to nine hours. The walk to downtown is 10 minutes or less, or you can hop on the free shuttle (weekends only, every 15 minutes). Access this lot by taking the Mt. Norquay Road/Lynx Street exit. Take your first left after the train tracks and follow the signs.

Paid parking in the Town of Banff

If you choose to park downtown, use  BanffParking.ca to find paid parking spots in the Town of Banff, as well as to locate the closest pay station (the cost is C$3/hour in summer). You can also pay online with  PaytoParkBanff.ca or the  Blinkay app. Download it in advance to save time and set up your payment method. The system uses license plate recognition; no dashboard receipt is required.

Other tips

  • Hotels and most lodgings offer parking. Consider leaving your vehicle there and using public transportation to make your way around Banff and to regional locations.
  • 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.
  • Consider leaving your vehicle in Calgary and using  On It Regional Transit to get to Banff for just C$10/person (weekends/holidays only). The service operates from late May to mid-September.