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Vancouver, WA, USA to Banff from $104: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Vancouver, United States
to
Banff, Canada

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$104 - Train, BusBest price
811.5 kmDistance
6h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Vancouver 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.

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  57m
Estimated price
$165-506
Recommended
Company
Amtrak, various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
20h  52m
Estimated price
$104-281
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 811.5 km
Duration: 6h 57m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
39h  4m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
FlixBus, various
Bus
Average Duration
22h  46m
Estimated price
$119-247
Company
n/a
Drive
Average Duration
13h  35m
Estimated price
$160-240
Company
Amtrak, various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
8h  53m
Estimated price
$178-560
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Vancouver to Banff

Traveling from Vancouver to Banff offers a rich contrast between the vibrant city life surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the tranquil beauty of the Canadian Rockies, where stunning landscapes invite you to explore nature's wonders.

Best Neighbourhoods in Banff

Banff features distinct neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Banff Avenue
• Central hub for shops and restaurants
• Close proximity to major attractions
Tunnel Mountain
• Scenic views of the surrounding mountains
• Popular for hiking and outdoor activities
Sulphur Mountain
• Home to the famous gondola ride
• Stunning panoramic views from the summit

Best Times To Visit Banff's Attractions

Timing your visits to Banff's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Lake Louise
Early mornings are ideal for serene views and fewer tourists.
Banff Gondola
Visit during weekdays in the late afternoon for shorter lines.
Moraine Lake
Access in mid-September ensures stunning fall colors and less congestion.

Banff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Banff experiences a diverse climate, featuring warm summers and cold, snowy winters, making it a year-round destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors. Planning your trip around the peak seasons—summer for hiking and winter for skiing—can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Dining in Banff: A Unique Experience

At the Buller Mountain Lodge, you’ll want to try their elk burger, which showcases the rich flavors of locally sourced game meats, offering a hearty contrast to Vancouver's seafood-focused cuisine. The cozy lodge atmosphere, paired with stunning mountain views, provides a uniquely immersive dining experience that reflects the essence of the Canadian Rockies.

Vancouver - Banff operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
delta.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
$160-700

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
1h 48m
Estimated price
$140-600

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC) via Vancouver

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$140-600

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC) via Seattle

Average Duration
4h 17m
Estimated price
$160-700
Website
westjet.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
$160-700

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
1h 48m
Estimated price
$140-600

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC) via Vancouver

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$140-600

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC) via Seattle

Average Duration
4h 17m
Estimated price
$160-700
Website
aircanada.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC) via Vancouver

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$150-410

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC) via Vancouver

Average Duration
3h 48m
Estimated price
$130-480
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Calgary (YYC) via Seattle

Average Duration
3h 39m
Estimated price
$250-800

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$220-700
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Vancouver to Tacoma

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$5-85

Train from Vancouver to Vancouver

Average Duration
7h 37m
Estimated price
$13-140
Contact phone
+1 888 842-7245
Website
viarail.ca

Train from Vancouver to Kamloops North

Average Duration
9h 17m
Estimated price
$40-100
Contact phone
1800.821.531
Website
rockymountaineer.com

Train from Kamloops, BC to Banff, AB

Average Duration
21h
Estimated price
0-0
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 403 762 0000
Website
banfftransportation.com

Bus from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1-403-522-2700
Website
mtnparktrans.com

Bus from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB - hotels

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$51-51
Contact phone
1-833-583-3636
Website
riderexpress.ca

Bus from Vancouver, BC to Banff, AB

Average Duration
12h 15m
Estimated price
$90-150
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Portland Curbside Bus Stop to Vancouver

Average Duration
8h
Estimated price
$27-95

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

Traveling between Vancouver 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 Vancouver to Banff covering a distance of 1145.9 km. 💰 Experience the flexibility of budget-friendly travel, with car trip prices ranging between $160 to $240. 🗻 Discover the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park after a journey of approximately 13 hours and 35 minutes from Vancouver.
Average price
$160 - $240
🌲 The journey by train offers a unique way to experience the stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies. Passengers can relax on board and enjoy the changing landscapes during the 39-hour adventure.
Departure Point
Vancouver station
Arrival Point
Banff, AB station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Vancouver to Banff, choose VIA Rail Canada as your operator. They offer a variety of onboard services, including a dining car with meals prepared from local ingredients. Meal options typically include vegetarian, gluten-free, and healthy choices. Be sure to check the menu in advance and note that pre-booking your meals can enhance your dining experience.
• VIA Rail provides several seating options: Economy Class, where you'll find standard seating and access to the café service; Business Class, which offers larger, more comfortable seats, complimentary meals, and early boarding; and First Class, which features the most luxurious seating and exclusive dining experiences. For this journey, Business Class would provide a comfortable balance of luxury without breaking the bank.
• Upon arrival in Banff, you will disembark at the Banff railway station. Note that while there are no luggage storage facilities at the station, you can find restrooms available. It's recommended to change or freshen up at local hotels or public areas nearby if you have time. To reach the city center the fastest, take Roam Public Transit Route 1, which offers direct service to downtown Banff, with frequent departures making it convenient.
🛫 Begin your journey from Vancouver by catching a quick direct flight from Portland Airport to Calgary Airport which takes approximately 2 hours and 1 minute. Choose from airlines like Delta, WestJet, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Air Canada for this convenient route. 🏔️ Upon landing in Calgary, you can easily rent a car or opt for a shuttle service to Banff, located just 1.5 hours away. Enjoy the scenic drive through the majestic Rocky Mountains as you make your way to the charming town of Banff.
Departure Point
Portland Airport
Arrival Point
Calgary Airport
🗺️ Once you arrive in Vancouver transfer to the Rider Express bus to continue on to Banff. The entire bus trip from Vancouver to Banff takes approximately 22 hours and 46 minutes. 💰 The cost of a bus ticket between Vancouver and Banff ranges from $119 to $247, depending on the seat type and availability.
Departure Point
Portland Curbside Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Banff, AB station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Vancouver to Banff.

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The distance between Vancouver and Banff is approximately 812.7 km or 505.2 miles by road. By train, it takes about 39 hours and 4 minutes to travel from Vancouver to Banff. If you choose to fly from Portland and then take a shuttle, the estimated travel time is around 6 hours and 56 minutes. However, if you prefer driving, it would take around 13 hours and 35 minutes, while taking a bus from Vancouver to Banff would take approximately 23 hours and 1 minute.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Vancouver to Banff is by taking a train and bus combination, which can cost between $85 and $250 and takes approximately 20 hours and 52 minutes. However, if you're looking for a quicker option, flying from Vancouver to Banff and taking a shuttle is the most time-efficient choice, with a travel time of 6 hours and 56 minutes, although it can cost anywhere between $170 and $700.
The prices for traveling from Vancouver to Banff by bus can range from $104 to $207.
To travel from Vancouver to Banff without using public transportation, the most convenient option would be to drive. The distance between the two destinations is approximately 1145.9 km, which takes around 13 hours and 35 minutes to cover. The cost of the journey by car typically ranges from $160 to $240, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
To travel from Vancouver to Banff without a car, the best option is to take a train and bus combination. The journey takes approximately 20 hours and 52 minutes and can cost anywhere between $85 to $250. You can take a train from Vancouver to Calgary, and then transfer to a bus that will take you to Banff.
There is no direct train or bus link between Vancouver and Banff. The journey by train takes approximately 39 hours and requires transfers in Vancouver and Kamloops. By bus, the journey takes around 23 hours with transfers in Portland and Vancouver
The flight duration between Vancouver and Banff is approximately 2 hours. This is for the quickest, direct flight from Portland Airport to Calgary Airport.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Banff. With over 245 hotels to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Banff start as low as $53 per night, providing affordable options for travelers.