Edmonton to Banff from $55: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Edmonton to Banff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$55 by busBest price

187 kmDistance

4h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Edmonton to Banff with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Edmonton to Banff

The journey from the vibrant city life of Edmonton, with its bustling arts scene and urban comforts, to the breathtaking natural landscapes of Banff offers a striking contrast that appeals to both city enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Best Neighbourhoods in Banff

Banff offers charming neighborhoods that resonate with adventure and relaxation.

Banff Avenue

• Central location with easy access to shops and eateries.

• Bustling atmosphere, perfect for people-watching.

Tunnel Mountain

• Scenic views of the mountains and valleys.

• Close to hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Sulphur Mountain

• Home to the famous Banff Gondola.

• Tranquil setting for relaxation and nature walks.

Best Times To Visit Banff's Attractions

Understanding the best times to visit Banff’s attractions can elevate your experience.

Lake Louise

Visit early morning or late afternoon for serene views and fewer visitors.

Banff Gondola

Go during weekdays in late spring or fall to enjoy shorter lines.

Moraine Lake

Early June or September offers stunning scenery and less crowded paths.

Banff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Banff experiences a varied climate, with warm summers perfect for outdoor activities and chilly winters ideal for skiing. Understanding the seasonal changes helps in planning your visit to maximize enjoyment of this stunning destination.

Dining Recommendation in Banff

For a distinctive culinary experience, try the bison burger at The Bison Restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients create a bold flavor that contrasts with Edmonton's urban dining scene. The rustic atmosphere, combined with breathtaking mountain views, adds a unique touch to your meal that you won't find in the city.

Edmonton - Banff operators

Explore transport companies operating between Edmonton and Banff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

1-800-232-1958

Website

https://redarrow.ca/

Bus from Edmonton Downtown Ticket Office - Holiday Inn Express Plaza to Calgary International Airport

Average Duration

3h 25m

Estimated price

40-60

Contact phone

1-888-449-2901

Website

https://banffairporter.com/

Bus from Calgary International Airport to Canmore, BC

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

0-60

Contact phone

1-866-606-6700

Website

https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/brewster-express/

Bus from Calgary International Airport to Canmore, AB - Coast Canmore Hotel

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

45-65

Bus from Calgary Downtown, AB to Banff, AB

Average Duration

2h 55m

Estimated price

55-80

Contact phone

+14036689600

Website

https://thecanadabus.com/

Bus from Edmonton, AB - Southgate LRT Station to Calgary AB - CrossIron Mills

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

30-45

Bus from Calgary AB - CrossIron Mills to Banff, AB - Mount Royal Hotel

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

26-40

Contact phone

1-877-769-3287

Website

https://myebus.ca/

Bus from Edmonton Downtown Ticket Office to Calgary, AB Downtown Ticket Office

Average Duration

4h 5m

Estimated price

40-55

Plane Show flights

Website

westjet.com

Plane from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

95-360

Website

aircanada.com

Plane from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

120-480

Website

flyairnorth.com

Plane from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport

Average Duration

51m

Estimated price

75-380

Shuttle

Contact phone

+1 403 762 0000

Website

https://www.banfftransportation.com/

Shuttle from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

0-0

Contact phone

+1-403-522-2700

Website

https://mtnparktrans.com/

Shuttle from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB - hotels

Average Duration

Estimated price

51-0

Edmonton to Banff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Edmonton and Banff offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Edmonton to Banff, covering a distance of 418.4 km. 💰 Prices for the trip from Edmonton to Banff by car range from C$74 to C$122, offering flexibility for different budget preferences. 🏞️ Arrive in Banff approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes later, ready to explore the beauty of the Rockies.

Average price

C$76 - C$125

🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Edmonton to Banff by train, covering a distance of 443 km in approximately 16 hours and 35 mins with a transfer in Calgary. The first step involves a 3-hour 15-min bus ride from Edmonton South to Calgary's Marlborough Mall with Rider Express. 🏞️ Enjoy the picturesque views as you continue your trip towards Banff. The second leg of the journey includes a 1-hour 40-min bus ride from Calgary's Westbrook Mall to Banff, operated by Rider Express. 🎫 Make your travel arrangements with Rider Express at 1 583-3636 or visit their website for booking details.

🛫 Start your exciting journey from Edmonton by taking a quick direct flight to Calgary Airport, which only takes 50 minutes. Airlines like Air North, Air Canada, and WestJet provide convenient options for this route.

Departure Point

Edmonton Airport

Arrival Point

Calgary Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Edmonton to Banff, travelers can take a route that includes transfers at Calgary International Airport and Benchlands Trail Overpass to reach their destination in approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes. 🗺️ Route options from Edmonton to Banff by bus vary in duration, ranging from 16 hours 4 minutes to 17 hours 7 minutes, with distances between 436 km to 452 km. Each route requires transfers at different stops, such as Calgary - Marlborough Mall and Vancouver, before arriving in Banff. 💰 Prices for the bus service between Banff and Edmonton can range from C$80 to C$119, providing travelers with a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the scenic route between these two Alberta cities.

Departure Point

Edmonton Downtown Ticket Office - Holiday Inn Express Plaza station

Arrival Point

Canmore, BC station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Book your bus tickets in advance through either Red Arrow Motorcoach (redarrow.ca) or Rider Express (riderexpress.ca) to secure the best fares and ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Be prepared for your transfer at Calgary's Westbrook Mall: ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes early for the next bus to Banff, as this will allow you to find your way around and grab a quick snack at one of the nearby cafes if needed.

• Upon arrival at the Banff High School Transit Hub, make sure to check the local transit schedules available at the station or online to quickly connect to your next destination or accommodation within Banff, as there are several shuttle services available to take you into the town or to nearby attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Edmonton to Banff.

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The cheapest way to get from Edmonton to Banff is by taking a bus. The bus ticket typically costs between C$74 and C$121. The travel time is approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes.

The fastest way to travel from Edmonton to Banff is by taking a flight and then a shuttle. This option can be completed in approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes. The cost for this route is typically between C$175 to C$741.

The distance between Edmonton and Banff is approximately 301 km. If traveling by road, the distance increases to 418 km.

To travel from Edmonton to Banff without a car, you can take a bus. One option is to take the Greyhound bus from Edmonton to Canmore, which is a nearby town to Banff. From Canmore, you can either take a taxi or use the local transit to reach Banff. The bus journey takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes and fares range from C$54 to C$175 depending on the time of travel and type of ticket.

The journey from Edmonton to Banff takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes, including transfers. There are a few transportation options available, including bus services and driving. Taking a bus is a cost-effective option, with tickets ranging from C$74 to C$121, depending on the operator.

There are various accommodation options available near Banff. There are over 245 hotels to choose from, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Banff start at C$71 per night, providing options for all types of travelers.

Yes, you can drive from Edmonton to Banff. The driving distance is approximately 418 km, which can be covered in about 4 hours and 22 minutes.

Yes, there is no direct bus from Edmonton to Banff. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey begins at Edmonton Downtown - Holiday Inn Express Plaza and involves transfers at Calgary International Airport and Benchlands Trail Overpass. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes.

To catch the bus from Edmonton to Banff you will need to go to the Edmonton Downtown - Holiday Inn Express Plaza station. This is where Red Arrow, the bus operator, departs from. It is important to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

The bus from Edmonton to Banff arrives at Canmore, BC station. Canmore is a town located approximately 20 minutes away from Banff. From Canmore, you can easily reach Banff by taking a taxi or arranging for transportation through a shuttle service.

Air North, Sunwing Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet are the airlines that offer flights between Edmonton and Banff. The flights operate from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport, which is the closest major airport to Banff.

The fastest way to travel from Edmonton to Banff is by plane. The quickest flight from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport takes approximately 44 minutes. Airlines such as Air North, Sunwing Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet offer direct flights from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport. From Calgary, you can easily take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Banff, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the airport.

The flight from Edmonton to Banff is relatively short, with a duration of approximately 44 minutes for a direct flight. The quickest and most convenient option is to take a flight from Edmonton Airport to Calgary Airport. From Calgary, you can then arrange for ground transportation to Banff, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away.

The cost of a bus ticket from Edmonton to Banff ranges from C$80 to C$119.

The cost to drive from Edmonton to Banff can vary depending on factors such as gas prices, vehicle efficiency, and any tolls. On average, the cost of driving can range from C$74 to C$121.