Seattle, WA, USA to Banff from $122: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Seattle to Banff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$122 - OtherBest price
634 kmDistance
5h 24m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Seattle 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 Seattle to Banff
Traveling from Seattle to Banff offers a fascinating contrast between the vibrant urban culture of Seattle and the stunning natural beauty of Banff National Park.
Best Neighbourhoods in Banff
Banff offers charming neighborhoods filled with outdoor adventures and local culture.
Banff Avenue
• Lined with shops and restaurants for every taste.
• Central access to attractions and tour services.
Whyte Avenue
• Known for its lively art scene and galleries.
• Home to local cafes and unique boutiques.
Tunnel Mountain
• Offers stunning views and hiking trails.
• Quieter area for a relaxing getaway.
Best Times To Visit Banff's Attractions
Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Banff's top attractions.
Lake Louise
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for stunning reflections and fewer crowds.
Banff Gondola
Go during weekdays in shoulder seasons for shorter lines and clearer views.
Moraine Lake
Early June is ideal; the lake is accessible, and the wildflowers bloom.
Banff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Banff experiences a mountainous climate with cool summers and harsh winters, making it essential to plan your visit according to your preferred activities. The best times to explore are late spring and early fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing for optimal outdoor adventures.
Dining Recommendation in Banff
When in Banff, don't miss out on trying the elk burger at The Bison, where local ingredients bring rich flavors to life in a cozy, rustic setting. This experience contrasts with Seattle's seafood focus, offering you a taste of Alberta's wild game in an atmosphere that celebrates the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Seattle - Banff operators
Explore transport companies operating between Seattle and Banff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from Seattle to Vancouver, BC
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$1747-1748Bus from Vancouver, BC to Banff, AB
Average Duration
12h 15mEstimated price
$1223-1224Contact phone
1-833-583-3636Website
http://riderexpress.ca
Bus from Vancouver, BC to Banff, AB
Average Duration
12h 15mEstimated price
$1223-1224Contact phone
+1 403 762 0000Website
https://www.banfftransportation.com/
Bus from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1-403-522-2700Website
https://mtnparktrans.com/
Bus from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB
Average Duration
2hEstimated price
$1222-0Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Seattle to Vancouver, BC
Average Duration
4hEstimated price
$1747-1748Contact phone
1800.821.531Website
https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
Train from Kamloops, BC to Banff, AB
Average Duration
21hEstimated price
$0-0Website
westjet.com
Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 48mEstimated price
$140-1740Plane from Abbotsford (YXX) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$1741-330Website
delta.com
Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 48mEstimated price
$140-1740Plane from Abbotsford (YXX) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 17mEstimated price
$1741-330Website
flyflair.com
Plane from Abbotsford (YXX) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$1742-1743Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$1744-1745Website
aircanada.com
Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Calgary (YYC)
Average Duration
3h 48mEstimated price
$130-1746Seattle to Banff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Seattle 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 breathtaking road trip from Seattle to Banff by car, covering a distance of 599 miles. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush forests and majestic mountains.
💰 The cost of this adventure ranges from $130 to $200, making it a budget-friendly option to explore the stunning beauty of Banff from Seattle. Pack some snacks and hit the road for an unforgettable journey.
🏔️ Arrive in Banff after approximately 10 hours and 59 minutes, where you'll be greeted by the iconic Canadian Rockies and turquoise lakes. Explore the charming town, take in the natural wonders, and create lasting memories on this remarkable road trip.
Average price
$130 - $200
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Seattle to Banff with transfers in Vancouver and Kamloops, BC. The total travel time is approximately 35 hours and 27 minutes.
🏞️ The route spans 671 miles, showcasing breathtaking views along the way. Enjoy a smooth transition between buses from Seattle to Vancouver, and then continue onwards to Banff.
Departure Point
Seattle station
Arrival Point
Banff, AB station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train journey from Seattle to Banff will vary by operator. Amtrak, the primary operator on this route, offers a café car with options for snacks, beverages, and light meals. Don’t forget to check the Amtrak website for the latest menu offerings and operation hours: amtrak.com
• Amtrak provides several seating options for your trip. You can choose from Coach Class, which offers comfortable seating with ample legroom, or upgrade to Business Class for more spacious seating and complimentary food and beverages. If you wish for a premium experience, First Class is available on some routes, offering even more amenities. Always check availability and pricing in advance on Amtrak's website.
• Upon arrival in Banff, expect the Banff train station to be compact, with limited services. Unfortunately, luggage storage is not provided at the station. However, there are restrooms available. For navigating the area, the Roam Public Transit is the fastest way to get to the city center. The route 1 bus can take you directly downtown in about 30 minutes. For more details, check the Roam Public Transit site: roamtransit.com
🛫 Flying from Seattle to Banff is made convenient with a quick 1 hour and 33 minute direct flight from Seattle Airport to Calgary Airport. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Inc., Air Canada, Delta, and WestJet provide multiple flight options for this route.
🏔 Once arriving at Calgary Airport, travelers can easily rent a car or take a shuttle for the approximately 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive to Banff. The stunning views of the Canadian Rockies along the way make the journey part of the adventure.
Departure Point
Seattle Airport
Arrival Point
Calgary Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking a non-stop flight with Alaska Airlines or WestJet, as they may provide the most direct service to Calgary Airport, helping you avoid layovers and reducing overall travel time.
• Upon arrival at Calgary Airport, be prepared for customs and immigration, which can take some time; utilize the designated signs to navigate the process efficiently and have your travel documents readily available.
• Expect to pay around CAD 250 to CAD 300 for a taxi from Calgary Airport to Banff; alternatively, consider shuttle services like Banff Airporter for a more economical choice, which costs around CAD 65 per person one way. More details can be found at Banff Airporter.
🚌 During this journey from Seattle to Banff by bus, travelers will need to make a transfer in Vancouver, BC. The trip, which includes transfers, will take approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes.
🗺️ The route from Seattle to Banff covers a distance of 671 miles and involves boarding two different buses. The first bus leg is from Seattle to Vancouver, operated by Greyhound, with a duration of about 3 hours and 55 minutes.
🌄 The second bus leg from Vancouver to Banff, specifically to the Calgary - Marlborough Mall, is operated by Rider Express and has a travel time of approximately 13 hours and 52 minutes. Overall, this journey offers a scenic route with the convenience of bus travel.
Departure Point
Seattle station
Arrival Point
Banff, AB station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Seattle to Banff.
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The distance between Seattle and Banff is 394 miles or 598.6 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: It takes 35 hours and 27 minutes to reach Banff from Seattle by train, 6 hours and 4 minutes by flying first and then taking a shuttle, 10 hours and 59 minutes by car from Seattle to Banff, and 16 hours and 45 minutes by bus from Seattle to Banff. These times may vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Seattle to Banff is to drive. It is affordable and takes approximately 10 hours and 59 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the quickest way is to fly and then take a shuttle, which takes around 6 hours and 4 minutes. This option may be more expensive, with prices ranging from $160 to $700, but it allows for a shorter travel time.
To travel from Seattle to Banff without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 599 miles, and the journey usually takes around 10 hours and 59 minutes by car. Prices for a one-way trip from Seattle to Banff by car can range from $130 to $200, depending on various factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from Seattle to Banff without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. The bus provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation for this route.
Yes, there are indirect transportation options available between Seattle and Banff. There is no direct train or bus service between the two destinations. The train journey from Seattle to Banff, with transfers in Vancouver and Kamloops, takes approximately 35 hours and 27 minutes. The bus journey, with transfers in Vancouver, takes approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. Both train and bus services are operated by Amtrak and Rocky Mountaineer.
The flight from Seattle to Banff typically takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes. The quickest flight is a direct flight from Seattle Airport to Calgary Airport. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. On average, a flight from Seattle to Calgary can range from $200 to $500, but it is recommended to check with different airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Banff. Banff offers a wide range of hotels with over 245 options to choose from. Prices start at $53 per night, making it possible to find something to fit various budgets. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
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Trips to Banff
- Edmonton to Banff
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- Montreal to Banff
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