Route details
Distance:
129 km / 80 miles
Driving Time:
1hr 30mins
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
Return Route:
People often ask
Not necessarily. Banff town is walkable, and local transit makes it easy to reach Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other nearby spots. Parking can be limited in peak season, so many visitors skip the rental car entirely and rely on shuttles and public transit.
Banff has access to three main ski areas on one pass:
- Sunshine Village – big alpine bowls and reliable snow
- Lake Louise Ski Resort – wide-open terrain and stunning glacier views
- Mt. Norquay – close to town, quieter, family-friendly
Together they offer over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain.
You can stay on-mountain at Sunshine Mountain Lodge for ski-in/ski-out convenience, or stay in Banff town, which has more hotel, dining, and après options. Banff is about a 20-minute shuttle ride from the Sunshine gondola.
The cheapest way to travel to Banff from Calgary is to take the bus. Private transfers can also be arranged if you want door-to-door service or dont want to work to a set schedule.
The drive from Calgary to Banff typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes under normal conditions. If traffic is heavier — especially on weekends or during winter weather — it can stretch closer to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
About travelling from Calgary, AB to Banff, AB
The drive from downtown Calgary to Banff typically takes between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway, with the landscape shifting from prairie cityscape to foothills and then alpine peaks as you approach Banff National Park.
Once in Banff, you’ll find three major ski resorts nearby — Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise — all accessible on a single lift ticket and offering everything from mellow beginner terrain to steep bowls and tree runs. In summer, Banff becomes a base for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring lakes and viewpoints throughout the National Park. Popular trails include Johnston Canyon, Lake Agnes & The Beehive, and the Sentinel Pass area.
Banff’s townsite is walkable and easy to get around without a car, lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants. Banff Ave Brewing Co., The Bison, and Nourish Bistro are long-time favourites, while Monod Sports and other local shops make gear rental and outdoor supplies simple.
Ridebooker provides straightforward transfer options from Calgary (Downtown) to Banff. Whether you need a shared shuttle, private SUV, taxi, or van for a group, our local partners handle the driving so you don’t have to worry about navigating winter roads or parking in the National Park.