If you need to get back to Calgary from Banff go the same route as you took to get there, along Highway 1 aka the Trans-Canada Highway.

I’m not sure why you would do this as it’ll cost you around $250 from Calgary, but it’s an option. Keep in mind that’s $250 each way.

Taking Uber

You can use Uber to find someone to take you out there, and it’ll cost you about $150, but be warned.. they don’t have Uber in Banff. You might not be able to find a driver to bring you home. Taking an Uber to Banff from Calgary would be pretty dumb to do, but hey there option is there.

Driving through the Rocky Mountains on the Trans Canada Highway is fun, because the drive is beautiful and there’s a lot of stuff to see even stop at, along the way. You’ll drive by several look out points, rest stops and even campgrounds that you can stop at to take in the scenery, eat lunch, fish, day hike, and so on. Watch out for wildlife running across the highways. Seeing deer, elk, moose, coyotes, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, brown bears, skunks, porcupines are regular occurrences.

Expect long delays if there are accidents or avalanches in the mountain passes.

Carry a safety kit in your vehicle.

Bring extra food and water.

Do not text and drive.

Slow down and do not speed around the many blind spots.

Renting A Car

If you have a drivers license, renting a car to visit Banff would be by far the best option and most obvious choice. Renting a car in Calgary and driving to Banff will give you the absolute freedom to see whatever you want, stop anywhere on your own schedule, take scenic routes (around Banff, you’ll want to) to see wild life, and access hiking and fishing spots that would be inaccessible otherwise. If it’s summer time and you have the money, rent a convertible car! Traveling through the rocky mountains with the cool pine fresh air blasting in your face is not something you can do in most places, and for sure not something you’ll be able to do on the bus.

Keep a list of things you’ll do in Banff before deciding on the type of vehicle you’re going to rent. Will it fit a toddler car seat? Does it have a ski rack? Bike rack?

Book early to not only get the better rates, but ensuring peace of mind by not having to track down or search for a vehicle if you just show up in Calgary.

When booking a rental car, ask about picking it up from a non-airport location to avoid any extra airport fees.

You do NOT need to rent an SUV for winter driving, unless going off road. Car rental companies will put winter tires on their vehicles.

Renting a car will cost you approximately $35 a day, or about $230 per week, depending on the type you choose and the dates you go with.

Car Rental Rates

Each of the below rates were checked using the same criteria.

Summer Rates date range: July 5th – July 7th

Winter Rates date range: November 24th – November 27th

Pick up and drop off time: 12:00 PM

Age: 25+ driver

Canadian citizen

The rate listed below is the cheapest option that came up

Rental pickup location is the Calgary International Airport.

Car Rental Company

Summer Rates

Winter Rates

$258

$98

$66

$92

$70

$103

$162

$167

$258

$100

$218

$118

I have no idea

Their website sucks

$68

$98

As you can see there is quite a difference between companies. It’ll save you money by checking around.

TIP!

Be sure to ask about picking up the rental from somewhere other than the Calgary airport when booking. There is often an additional fee for picking up a car rental from an airport. Some companies offer free shuttles to their other non-airport locations – keep in mind they may need to be booked ahead of time.

Alberta Winter Driving Tips

If you end up traveling to Banff during the winter, you’re going to want to take some extra precautions before heading out. Driving through the Rocky Mountains is a wonderful experience, but winter driving in Alberta can be tense or even dangerous, if you aren’t prepared.

Check current weather conditions and alerts.

Ensure your vehicle has winter tires.

Stay on the highways and major roads, you don’t want to get stuck in a ditch.

Bring extra food, snacks, water.

Bring a USB battery.

Pack a safety kit.

Bring extra blankets.

Check 511 Alberta Road Advisories before traveling. Download the 511 Alberta app. Android | iOS Follow @511Alberta on Twitter for reports.



More Reading About Banff

Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth and you’ll want to get the most out of it when you get here. Here’s a couple suggestions from Amazon.

Moon Banff National Park Price: CDN$ 18.10 8 used & new available from CDN$ 18.10

Common Questions About Traveling From Calgary To Banff

Banff is the best place in Alberta to go for a vacation, anytime of the year. There’s lots of things to do in Banff and with that comes a lot of questions too. Below are some questions and answers to hopefully help you plan your adventure.

Can you walk from Calgary to Banff?

Technically you could walk but it would take 1 day 4 hours, according to Google maps. That’s without stopping. Not really realistic. Freezing cold in the winter.

Is there a train from Calgary to Banff?

No, there is no train service that travels between Calgary and Banff. The only way to get to Banff is with a vehicle, from Calgary. The Rockymountaineer does provide train service between Vancouver and Banff, also stopping at Kamloops BC along the route.

Is there a bus from Calgary to Banff?

Yes! There are several buses that travel between Calgary and Banff. See above for more info.

Does Banff have an airport?

No, Banff does not have an airport. Banff is a small town nestled between several rocky mountains, it wouldn’t even be possible to safely put an airport in Banff. The closest airport to Banff is the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about 120km away (75 miles). Most people fly into Calgary than take ground transportation to Banff.

How much does it cost to drive to Banff from Calgary?

The driving distance from Calgary to Banff is 80 miles, or 129 km. The fuel cost to drive from Calgary to Banff is around $11 USD ($15 CAD) each way, or $22 ($30 CAD) round trip.

Which hotels are in Banff?

This is not a complete list! There’s also many hostels and bed/breakfasts.

What is the drive like from Calgary to Banff?

The drive from Calgary to Banff takes is a flat drive on a two lane divided highway with lots of things to see along the way. You’ll pass a few small towns such as Morley, Exshaw, Seebe and Canmore. You’ll probably see wild life along the Transcanada highway so keep an eye out.

Is the drive to Banff safe?

Yes, although you need to be careful with the unpredictable adverse weather conditions in southern Alberta. Drive with caution if it’s snowing or under icy conditions. Also, watch out for wild life on the highway. Highway 1/TransCanada is well maintained, and well patrolled too by the RCMP.

Do you need a car in Banff?

You do not need a car in Banff! Having a vehicle does help, but you’ll be paying for parking and having to deal with traffic, plus you can’t drink. Public transit and taxis are available.

Does Banff have Uber?

No, Uber is not available in Banff. No Lyft. No e-scooters. Ride sharing is not available in Banff. Taxi service is available in Banff.

In Conclusion

Getting to from Calgary to Banff is easy, once you see all of the options available to you. The journey itself into the Canadian Rockies is beautiful so make sure to stop frequently along the way, if you can. Safe travels and I hope you enjoy Banff!

If you have any suggestions on something else to include, or other information I might have missed, please drop it below! thanks.