Banff is located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It’s one of five national parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is located along the TransCanada Highway, a well maintained road open year-round. The closest international airport is Calgary (130 km/87 miles away).
Almost every major airline flies directly into the Calgary International Airport, which is a short and very scenic 90 minute (130 kilometres or 87 miles) drive to Banff National Park. Catch a convenient shuttle bus connection right from the airport to Banff and Lake Louise.
Relax and soak in the scenery, even before you reach the park, using shuttle, transfer and transit options from Calgary to Banff National Park.
If you are coming from the east, Banff is a 90 minute (130 kilometres or 87 miles) drive west of Calgary, Alberta. From the west, Banff and Lake Louise make for a beautiful day’s drive (850 kilometres or 530 miles) from Vancouver. This incredibly scenic drive weaves through the Coast Mountains and wine country of British Columbia before arriving in the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park is located along the TransCanada Highway 1. Open year-round, the TransCanada is a well maintained road that winds its way through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
Whenever possible, we suggest taking shuttles or shared transportation. Not only is this healthier for the environment and reduces traffic congestion in the park, but it makes for a more relaxing trip when all you have to do is sit back and soak up the scenery.
Winter driving in Banff can be unpredictable, expect snowy and icy conditions. Snow tires are required on the Icefields Parkway and recommended for all other roads.
For those looking to experience the picturesque journey via rail, Rocky Mountaineer offers regularly scheduled train services from April to October that start or finish in Banff. See Rocky Mountaineer’s website for more details.
Everyone visiting Banff or Lake Louise needs to purchase a National Park Pass. Buy yours online and save time and hassle when arriving at the Park entrance.