How to get from
Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise
Adults
Age 13+Children
Age 0-12Shuttles & Buses (Shared Services)
Taxis, SUVs & Vans (Private Services)
Route details
Distance:
198 km / 123 miles
Driving Time:
2hrs 15mins
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
Return Route:
People often ask
Yes. A shared shuttle and a bus runs from YYC to Lake Louise throughout the year and drop off at hotels in the village include the Fairmont Chateau on the lakeshore. You can compare departure times and book seats through Ridebooker. Seats sell out over holidays, on ski season weekends and in July and August, so it's worth booking once your flights are confirmed.
Yes. There is a shuttle serfvice that runs directly from Calgary Airport to Lake Louise a well as a bus. Shuttles run year-round, and the service is designed specifically for visitors heading to Lake Louise.
For larger groups, a private transfer can be almost as cost-effective as well as bringing the added benefit of door-to-door service and running to your schedule.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest and most convenient airport for Lake Louise. It has the widest range of flight options and sits right on the main highway into the mountains. From YYC, it’s a straightforward drive or shuttle ride to Lake Louise.
From October 1 to April 30, winter driving conditions are common, and winter tires (or all-weather tires with the mountain snowflake symbol) are strongly recommended. On some nearby mountain roads, they are legally required. Even on the Trans-Canada Highway, snow and ice can build quickly, so proper winter tires are the safest choice.
The drive generally takes about 2 hours in good conditions. Winter weather, heavy traffic, and mountain storms can extend the trip to 2.5 hours or more, especially on busy weekends. The route follows Highway 1 west through Banff National Park until you reach the Lake Louise turnoff.
Neither is objectively “better”. They are both world renowed and offer different experiences.
- Lake Louise is quieter, more scenic, and centred around the lake and ski resort.
- Banff has a lively town with more restaurants, shops, nightlife, and accommodations.
Many travellers visit both since they’re only 45 minutes apart and are well serviced by public transport year-round.
Uber and Lyft operate at Calgary Airport, but finding a driver willing to take a two hour mountain trip is hit and miss, and prices surge at busy times. Booking a shuttle or private transfer through Ridebooker guarantees your ride and locks in the price before you land.
It depends on your plans. If you're touring the Rockies and moving between towns, a rental car gives you flexibility. If you're staying in Lake Louise to ski or hike, a car is less useful than it looks: lakeshore parking is paid and fills early, Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles and Roam Transit links Lake Louise with Banff. Booking a transfer through Ridebooker from YYC to Lake Louise also saves you a winter mountain drive straight off the flight.
Lake Louise is 198 km (123 mikes) from Calgary International Airport (YYC). The drive takes about 2 hours without stops. Longer in winter weather or on busy weekends.
For one of two people, a shared shuttle or bus is the cheapest option but it does mean you have to work to a fixed schedul for departure times. Gor groups of four or more, a private transfer through Ridebooker often costs about the same per person and will offer door-to-door service without additional stops (unless requested).
Usually not. Parking is limited and paid at the lakeshore, Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles, and Roam Transit runs between Lake Louise and Banff. In winter, lift ticket holders can use the free shuttle to the resort.
It can be. Snow and ice build quickly on the Trans Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise, and winter tires are strongly recommended from October through April. A few kilometers west, just over the BC border, winter tires are legally required on most highways from October 1. Many visitors book a transfer so they don't have to drive it themselves after a flight.
About travelling from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise sits 198 km (123 miles) west of Calgary International Airport (YYC), at the far end of Banff National Park close to the British Columbia border. It has no airport of its own, so almost everyone flying in lands at YYC. The drive follows the Trans Canada Highway past Canmore and Banff and takes a little over two hours in good conditions. On Ridebooker you can compare shared shuttles, buses and private vehicle transfer options that will get you to Lake Louise from YYC.
A shared shuttle or bus is the budget pick for solo travellers and couples. Ridebooker offers two of these services, both of which run multiple scheduled departures a day, year-round and drop off at most major hotels in Lake Louise. If your hotel isn't listed, the shuttle lets you enter any address in town.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer which will time the pick-up to your flight arrival and provide door-to-door service straight to your destination, whether that’s a private address or a hotel. A range of vehicles can be booked including a taxi, 6-passenger SUV, 14-passenger van or 24 seat mini bus to suit a range of party sizes from a small family to a wedding party or group trip. For larger groups, a private vehicle often costs about the same per person as the bus or shuttle with the added benefit of not having to work to a schedule. Private transfers are also best for people arriving outside of shuttle or bus operating hours.
It helps to know which part of Lake Louise you’re heading to, because the name covers three spots a few kilometres apart. The village sits just off the highway and houses most of the hotels as well as the grocery store. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is on the lakeshore itself. The ski resort and summer gondola are across the valley on Whitehorn Road. Give your exact hotel or address when you book and if your service offers door-to-door service, your driver will take you right to it.
Getting around once you arrive is where Lake Louise differs from most mountain destinations. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so the only way up is by Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Transit or a licensed commercial operator. Parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore is paid and fills early in summer. Roam’s 8X bus connects the village and lakeshore with Banff, so a rental car can easily spend most of your trip parked.
Winter changes the journey. The highway west of Banff climbs towards the Continental Divide, and conditions can shift from clear to snow covered in a few kilometres. Booking with Ridebooker means a local driver who knows the road and its conditions, at a fixed price agreed before your travel, so you can sit back and take in the views.
Travelling from downtown Calgary? See our Calgary to Lake Louise transfers.