How to Explore Banff Without a Car – The Ultimate Guide (2025)

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Is Banff Doable Without a Car?

Absolutely! Many visitors (including myself) successfully explore Banff car-free using public transit, shuttles, and tours. When my sister and I visited, we spent our first two days in Calgary before taking the bus to Banff for a 7-day, car-free adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect car-free Banff experience.

Getting to Banff Without a Car

From Calgary Airport (YYC)

Several shuttle options connect Calgary Airport to Banff:

Banff Airporter (77–77–80 one-way) – Most frequent service with hotel drop-offs
Brewster Express ($79 one-way) – Services Banff and Lake Louise
VivoGreen (55–55–59 one-way) – Door-to-door private shuttle
The Mountain Park Transportation ($65 one-way) – Newer service with comfortable coaches

Our Experience: We took an Uber from the airport to our Calgary hotel since we spent our first two days exploring the city (check out our best things to do in Calgary guide). Calgary’s transit system has free fare zones downtown, which we used to visit attractions like the Calgary Zoo and Glenbow Museum.

From Downtown Calgary to Banff

Brewster Express – We paid $48/person (before tax) for their convenient hotel pickup
On-It Regional Transit ($13 one-way) – Seasonal weekend/holiday service (May–Sept)
FlixBus (from $12 one-way) – Budget-friendly with multiple daily departures
Rider Express – Connects to other Western Canada destinations

Important Note: Brewster Express now offers a “Sightseeing” option that includes stops at notable viewpoints along the Trans-Canada Highway, adding about 30 minutes to the trip but providing incredible photo opportunities.

Getting Around Banff Without a Car

Roam Transit – Banff’s Public Bus System

Roam Transit was our go-to for getting around Banff. We stayed at the Mount Royal Hotel (see our where to stay in Banff guide), which was steps from multiple bus routes.

Key Routes We Used:

Route 1 (Banff Ave to Sulphur Mountain & Hot Springs)
Route 2 (Tunnel Mountain to Banff Springs Hotel)
Route 8X (Banff to Lake Louise) – Year-round service
Route 9 (Banff to Johnston Canyon) – Weekend service in winter
Route 6 (Lake Minnewanka Loop) – Summer only
Route 4 (Cave and Basin) – Summer route to this historic site

Ticket Options and Savings:

Single Ride ($2-10 depending on distance)
Day Passes (10local/10local/25 regional) – Best for multiple stops
Super Pass ($30) – Includes Parks Canada shuttles to Moraine Lake
3-Day Pass (28local/28local/60 regional) – Great for longer stays
Token Transit App – Easy mobile ticketing with 10% discount on multi-ride packs

Money-Saving Tip: Many Banff hotels offer complimentary Roam Transit passes – always ask at check-in!

Parks Canada Shuttles (Must-Book!)

Since private vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake, these shuttles are essential:

Lake Louise Shuttle System

Operates from Lake Louise Park and Ride
Two routes: Lakeshore and Moraine Lake
Frequency: Every 20 minutes (peak season)
Cost: 8adult,8adult,4 youth (free with Roam Super Pass)

Reservation Tips:

Bookings open April 1 for summer season
70% of seats released in advance, 30% held for day-before bookings
Early morning (6-8am) slots book out fastest
Consider booking multiple time slots for flexibility

Our Experience: We booked our 7am shuttle 3 weeks in advance and had Moraine Lake nearly to ourselves for sunrise photos!

Free Resort Shuttles

Banff Gondola Shuttle – Free with gondola ticket (runs every 15 minutes)
Sunshine Village Shuttle – Summer hiking/winter skiing access
Lake Louise Ski Resort Shuttle – Winter season service
Norquay Shuttle – Summer sightseeing chairlift access

Alternative Transportation Options

Biking in Banff

Banff has excellent cycling infrastructure:

Rental Options:
- Banff Cycle ($45/day for hybrid bikes)
- Soul Ski & Bike (includes e-bike options)
Best Car-Free Routes:
- Legacy Trail (26km paved path to Canmore)
- Bow River Loop (easy 5km scenic ride)
- Lake Minnewanka Road (moderate with stunning views)

Walking Tours and Guided Experiences

Several companies offer car-free exploration:

Discover Banff Tours (guided hikes and sightseeing)
Radventures (small-group active tours)
Banff Walking Tours (historic downtown tours)

Taxi Services

While limited, available options include:

Banff Taxi (403-762-4444)
Taxi Taxi (403-762-0000)
Average fare within town: $15-20

Our 7-Day Car-Free Banff Itinerary

Days 1-2: Exploring Calgary

Arrived at Calgary Airport, took Uber to downtown hotel
Used Calgary Transit (free downtown fare zone) to explore:
- Calgary Tower (best city views)
- Stephen Avenue Walk (shopping/dining)
- Calgary Zoo (paid fare for this trip)
- Studio Bell (Canada’s music museum)

Days 3-4: Arrival & Banff Town

Took Brewster Express from Calgary to Banff
Checked into Mount Royal Hotel (central location)
Explored downtown Banff on foot:
- Cascade Gardens (free, stunning views)
- Whyte Museum (local history)
- Bear Street Tavern (great pizza)
Used Roam Route 1 to visit:
- Banff Gondola (booked 4pm slot for sunset)
- Upper Hot Springs (evening soak under stars)

Days 5-6: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Roam 8X bus to Lake Louise (7am departure)
Parks Canada Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake
Hiked to Lake Agnes Tea House (3.5km, moderate)
- Arrived by 10am to avoid crowds
- Tried their famous tea and homemade pie
Explored Lake Louise shoreline:
- Canoe rentals ($140/hour but unforgettable)
- Lakeside photography spots

Days 7-8: Johnston Canyon & Canmore

Roam Route 9 to Johnston Canyon (weekend-only in winter)
- Arrived by 8am to beat tour buses
- Hiked to Upper Falls (2.7km one way)
Free Roam Route 3 to Canmore
- Explored Canmore’s downtown:
  - Communitea Café (great lunch spot)
  - Elevation Place (indoor climbing wall)
- Hiked Grassi Lakes (4km, easy-moderate)
  - Stunning turquoise lakes at top

Day 9: Lake Minnewanka & Departure

Roam Route 6 to Lake Minnewanka (summer only)
- Morning wildlife spotting (saw bighorn sheep!)
- Short lakeshore walk to Stewart Canyon
- Picnic lunch with mountain views
Afternoon return to Banff
Took Brewster Express back to Calgary for flight

Why Going Car-Free Worked So Well

✔ Saved $500+ on rental, gas, and parking
✔ No Stress – Avoided mountain driving and parking hassles
✔ More Scenic – Enjoyed views instead of focusing on the road
✔ Eco-Friendly – Reduced our carbon footprint
✔ Local Experience – Met more people using public transit
✔ Forced Planning – Actually saw more by being organized

Banff Without a Car: FAQ

Can you visit Banff without a car?

Yes! Between Roam Transit, Parks Canada shuttles, and tours, all major attractions are accessible.

Is Banff walkable?

Downtown Banff is very walkable with shops, restaurants, and some attractions (Bow Falls, Cave and Basin) within 30 minutes walk. Further sites require transit.

Can you Uber in Banff?

No Uber operates in Banff. Taxis are available but expensive for longer trips (e.g., $50+ to Lake Louise).

How do you get to Moraine Lake without a car?

You must book the Parks Canada shuttle (included with Roam Super Pass) or join a tour. No private vehicles permitted.

What’s the best way to get from Banff to Lake Louise?

Roam Transit Route 8X runs year-round between Banff and Lake Louise, departing every 2 hours (more frequent in summer).

Are there grocery stores accessible by transit?

Yes! Both Safeway and Nesters in Banff are walkable from downtown. Roam Route 3 stops near Canmore’s grocery stores.

Top Tips for a Car-Free Banff Trip

Book shuttles early – Moraine Lake slots sell out weeks ahead
Use transit apps – Token Transit & Double Map were essential
Stay centrally – Hotels near Banff Ave offer easy transit access
Pack layers – Mountain weather changes quickly
Bring snacks/water – Some shuttle rides are 1+ hours
Plan around schedules – Last buses typically depart by 7-8pm
Consider a tour – Great for harder-to-reach spots like Yoho NP
Get a Parks Canada pass – Required even if you’re not driving

Final Thoughts

Our 7-day car-free Banff trip was unforgettable. With smart planning, we saw all the iconic sights without the hassle of driving. Banff is absolutely explorable without a car—just book shuttles early and embrace the adventure!

Have you visited Banff without a car? Share your tips below!

Need more help? Check out our Banff transportation guide and 7-day itinerary!