Navigating Banff Public Transport
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If you’re planning a trip to Banff and wondering how to get around without a car – good news: it’s easier than you think. As someone who’s spent plenty of time hopping on local buses to get to work, hikes, and downtown, I can tell you that Banff’s public transportation is not only reliable, but also one of the best ways to soak in the scenery without worrying about parking (which, let’s be honest, can be a nightmare in peak season).
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the most of Banff’s Roam Transit system, share tips for catching the bus to places like Lake Louise or Johnston Canyon, and help you feel confident getting around like a local. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a whole season, this guide’s got you covered.
Bus Fares
Connecting you throughout Banff, Canmore, Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise, Banff’s transportation system (Roam Transit) is fully equipped to get you to where you need safely and on time. All buses have live tracking through the transit app so you can check for real time updates and announcements on any of the runs. Bus fares can be paid in cash, at a kiosk (available only at main bus hubs) or purchased through the transit or token transit app. If purchasing a fare through the app (token transit is my recommendation) ensure you are selecting the right route in order to be charged correctly. For example, if you buy a Banff Local fare, but are riding the Canmore bus, you will not be able to board and need to purchase a new pass. If paying cash make sure you have the exact fare as drivers don’t often carry change. Fares vary from $2 – $10 depending on the route you are taking, so park that car up, save your fuel, the stress of finding a park, more parking fees and instead enjoy the ride on the bus!
Local Routes: 1, 2, 4 & 6
Getting around Banff and the surrounding areas is a breeze with these convenient local routes. Route 1 will take you up to Sulphur Mountain, where you can experience the Banff Gondola or unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. During the summer, Roam Transit offers free rides with proof of your pre-purchased Gondola ticket – making it the perfect chance to leave the car behind and enjoy a stress-free ride.
Route 2 connects the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to Tunnel Mountain campgrounds and nearby hotels, making it an easy way to explore the area.
In the summer months, Route 4 serves the Cave & Basin National Historic Site and also stops by the picturesque Bow Falls, ideal for anyone eager to see the stunning waterfalls up close.
Lastly, Route 6 (also summer-only) takes you to Lake Minnewanka, with stops at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake. If you’ve purchased a Lake Minnewanka Cruise ticket, you can ride this route for free in the summer as well.
With all these routes priced at just $2 for adults, $1 for youth and seniors, and free for children under 12, it’s an affordable and convenient way to see the best of Banff!
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Canmore Routes: 3, 5T, 5C, 12
If you’re looking to venture beyond Banff, Canmore is a charming stop just a 25-minute bus ride away. Route 3 connects Banff High School to downtown Canmore, making it an easy and affordable way to explore the area. If you’re staying in Canmore, this is a great option to get into Banff without the hassle and cost of driving. The fare for this route is $6 for adults, $3 for youth and seniors, and free for children 12 and under.
Canmore also offers several local routes that are free travel zones. These include Route 12 (summer only), Route 5T, and Route 5C. The Route 5 services most of Canmore, with two distinct routes: the 5C covers the Cougar Creek area, while the 5T runs through the Three Sisters neighborhood. Route 12 is a favorite for those heading to Quarry Lake or the Grassi Lakes trailhead.
If you’re purchasing your ticket via the transit or Token Transit app, be sure to select the Canmore fare, not the Banff Local fare. Choosing the wrong fare could result in being denied boarding, and the bus typically won’t wait for you to correct it.
Lake Louise Express Route 8X
This route departs from the Banff High School Transit Hub and stops at Lake Louise Village and the Lake Louise Lakeshore. Reservations are recommend particularly during peak season (May – Oct). Lake Louise express fares are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/youth & children under 12 are free. In summer, there is the option to purchase a reservable super pass which offers unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services, plus includes a round-trip on Parks Canada’s Lake Connector Shuttle which goes to Moraine Lake. My biggest recommendation is to try and purchase your pass early to secure your spot as availability is limited and often sells out quickly due to the demand of people wanting to see Moraine Lake. The super pass costs $30 for adults, $15 for seniors/youth, and under 12 are free (reservation still required).
The shuttles to Moraine Lake operate every 30 minutes and don’t require reservations. Roam Transit recommend to visit Moraine Lake before Lake Louise to ensure there is enough time to use the connector shuttle before the service ends, and to catch your 8X bus back to Banff.
During summer (May – Oct) Roam does not operate services between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore (or reverse). Which means if you get off at the village you will not be able to get back on at the village, and will need to walk to Lake Louise Lakeshore to return to Banff.
There are occasionally spots for walk-ons, but I wouldn’t count on it. This route is incredibly popular, and trying to catch a bus without a reservation could mean waiting around for hours – time you could be spending out on the trails or grabbing a great meal in downtown Banff. So do yourself a favour: book ahead, lock in your seat, and get ready to experience the jaw-dropping turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake stress-free.
STAY WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE ROAM TRANSIT STOPS
Elk + Avenue Hotel is the perfect accommodation option – walk straight across the road in either direction to the main bus hubs for easy access around town!
Johnston Canyon Route 9
Connecting users between Banff and one of the National Park’s most popular hiking spots, Johnston Canyon Route 9 is the ideal way to get you to this iconic destination. In the summer season parking spots fill up early in the morning, so save yourself the hassle of finding a park and hop on this convenient and easy mode of transportation. Only $5 for an adult and $2.50 for seniors/youth (under 12’s free) each way you can sit back and take in the views while your driver gets you there. In the summer this service runs frequently seven days a week. In the fall and winter the availability changes to weekends and statutory holidays only, excluding Christmas Day.
Roam Transit makes seeing places like this easy, comfortable, and scenic. Instead of packing the roads with more cars, why not ride together, cut down on emissions, and enjoy the ride as much as the destination?
Information is based off my experience in 2024. Routes, fares or free rides may have changed since then. Refer to roamtransit.com for the most up to date information.