The Calgary International Airport YYC is a great gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Many visitors to the area are looking for the best way to get from YYC to Banff and Canmore. The good news is there are a number of options that can help you get to your destination without having to drive.
The easiest way to go from Calgary mountain shuttle bus from Calgary to Banff is with a private shuttle service that can pick you up directly from the airport and drop you off at your hotel or residence in either Calgary or Canmore. These private companies offer several different vehicle options including sedans and buses for larger groups. Rates vary, but they can often work out to be cheaper than a rental car and give you the flexibility of your own schedule.
Some companies also offer shared rides between Calgary and Banff. Similar to BlaBlaCar in Europe, these websites connect travellers and locals who are looking to share the cost of a taxi or bus ride. While this is a bit more risky than taking a taxi, it can be a cheap option if you don’t mind waiting for a ride to match your schedule.
Another option is to take the Airporter shuttle, which operates year-round. This company offers a variety of times for pick-up and drop-off, so you should be able to find one that fits your arrival time at the Calgary International Airport. The Banff Airporter will then take you to any hotel or motel in Banff and will also stop at the Coast Hotel in Canmore if there are pre-booked Canmore passengers on board.
You can also book a private shuttle from a number of other companies. RTB Tours & Shuttles is one such company that provides this type of transport, and they have many different pick-up locations in and around Calgary. They also offer a discounted price for bookings made in advance.
A last option is to try your luck hitchhiking between Banff and Calgary. This is not something that most people recommend, but it can be a decent option for those who have a lot of time to wait for a ride. While this is a little more difficult in Canada than in Europe, it is still possible and you can find many locals on social media groups who are willing to share a ride.
If you have a car rental in place, it is also easy to take the highway 1 route from Calgary to Banff. This route takes a bit longer than the other routes, but it is the most direct and will give you the opportunity to see some of the beautiful scenery of Alberta as you make your way to the mountains. Keep in mind that the highway 1 route can be a bit congested during peak travel times, so plan accordingly. You can also use online car pooling services like Carpool World to find others who are interested in sharing a ride to Banff from the Calgary International Airport.