Route details
Distance:
182 km / 113 miles
Driving Time:
2hrs
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
Return Route:
People often ask
Yes, but conditions vary. The highway is well-maintained, though snow, wind, and icy patches are common. Winter tires are strongly recommended from October through April.
Yes, there is a bus service with multiple departures each day from Lake Louise to downtown Calgary.
Whilst it is technically possible to take an Uber or Lyft from Lake Louise to Calgary, it is unreliable. There are few drivers that operate in the Lake Louise area meaning that availability can be limited and prices often surge. Shuttles, busses and private transfers are more commonly used for trips.
The drive typically takes 2 to 2.25 hours, depending on traffic and weather. Winter conditions can add extra time, especially around the park gates or through the foothills.
About travelling from Lake Louise, AB to Calgary, AB
After time spent exploring Lake Louise — long ski days, alpine hikes, quiet mornings by the lake, or photographing Moraine and the Valley of the Ten Peaks — heading back to Calgary brings you down from the mountains into a lively urban setting. Downtown Calgary has plenty to offer whether you're catching a Flames game, staying overnight before your flight, or spending a few days exploring the city’s dining, brewery and cultural scene.
Our transfers from Lake Louise to Calgary Downtown take you from the village straight into the city centre without needing to navigate the highway yourself. Choose from shared shuttle options or private vehicles such as SUVs, vans or taxis depending on the size of your group. The drive follows the Bow River out of Banff National Park, with mountain views gradually fading into rolling ranchlands before the Calgary skyline comes into view. It’s a comfortable, scenic way to close out a stay in the Rockies.