Getting around Banff

Banff National Park

Roam Public Transit services the town of Banff, popular Banff Attractions and is the Bow Valley’s public transit service. Everyone visiting Banff National Park must plan ahead. Roam Public Transit can help you reach your destinations in the national park safely and efficiently.

With buses that help you roam around the town of Banff in an environmentally friendly way, leave your vehicle where it is and take Roam Public Transit to your favorite attractions!

Banff local routes

 Roam Route 1: Sulphur Mountain
 Roam Route 2: Tunnel Mountain
 Roam Route 3: Canmore/Banff Regional
 Roam Route 4: Cave and Basin
 Roam Route 6: Lake Minnewanka

Banff regional routes

 Roam Route 8x: Lake Louise/ Banff Express
 Roam Route 9: Johnston Canyon
 Roam Route 10: Moraine Lake Express

For more information on tickets, fares and frequencies please visit Roam Transit

Parking in the town if Banff is limited. If traveling into the town of Banff, free visitor parking is may be available at the Train Station Public Parking Lot. Visitors can access the free public lot, by taking the Norquay Road exit into town. Please be advised that space is limited, and lots fill by the mid-morning. Campground visitors are encouraged to leave vehicles, RVs, and trailers at their campsite and take transit to explore the park.

Park & Ride

Parks Canada is proud to announce we will continue to pilot a Park and Ride opportunity on the Lake Minnewanka Loop, within Banff National Park!
Visiting the national park just got more convenient! Day trippers can access the Park & Ride directly off the Trans-Canda Highway and visit key locations in the Lake Minnewanka area without the added stressor of finding parking. The route includes popular locations such as Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka. The Park & Ride also provides visitors access to Cascade ponds, and further towards the heart of downtown Banff, via Roam Route 6. 

Hours of operation

Friday, June 27 to Sunday, September 7: 8am – 8pm MST
*Service every 35 minutes pending availability on Roam Route 6. Please visit Roam Public Transit for more information regarding the full route and schedule.

Fares

Departures from Park & Ride is free for all, but return trips are subject to a per person return fare. Please consult Roam Public Transit for more informational on fares, and additional Roam Public Transit routes.

Route information

The Park & Ride operates from June 27 to September 7, Roam Route 6 will stop at Minnewanka Park & Ride, located on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, as part of the regular route operations that connect to the Lake Minnewanka Loop. 
Attention travelers: Roam Route 6 travels eastbound to Lake Minnewanka, then loops back westbound to the town of Banff. There are two bus stops, one on each side of the road:

  • One stop for trips towards Lake Minnewanka
  • One stop towards the town of Banff

Please refer to the map to ensure you're at the correct stop.

Park and Ride route map
Select image to expand

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Park & Ride cost?

Access to the Park & Ride parking lot is free. Transit departures from Park & Ride are free as well, but return trips are subject to a per person return fare. Please consult Roam Public Transit for more informational on fares, and additional Roam Public Transit routes.

What is the frequency of Roam Route 6 to the Minnewanka Park & Ride?

Service is approximately every 35 minutes pending availability on Roam Route 6.

What is the earliest, or latest I can arrive at the Park & Ride?

The Park and Ride operates from 8am to 8pm, daily. Last service to the Park & Ride from the town of Banff is at approximately 7:30 pm MST.

Can I reserve a spot on the Roam Route 6 bus in advance?

No. Availability on the Roam Route 6 bus is subject to first-come, first-served availability.

Is the Park & Ride service wheelchair accessible?

Yes – however, the Park & Ride parking lot is not paved and bus stops are located along the side of the road. Please be advised that terrain through the national park may be gravel covered, and not be suitable for wheelchair travel. Users should use their judgement on if their selected itinerary is within their accessibility level. In addition, Roam Public Transit buses are accessible, and equipped with kneeing features for wheelchairs, and strollers. Learn more.

Can I bring my pet onboard the Roam Bus?

Yes – (Small) passenger pets are allowed on board at no charge. All pets must be crated in a secure and clean carrier designed and intended for the carrying of animals which is small enough to fit on the owner’s lap. The pet must be fully enclosed inside the carrier at all times, approved carriers include small cages and hard- or soft-shelled crates. Backpacks, tote bags and pet strollers are not sufficient. Passengers must hold onto the carrier at all times and are responsible for the safety of their pet. (If there is room on the bus, carriers may be placed beside you on the floor, but the carrier should not block the aisle or restrict passenger movement.) The pet must remain inside the carrier at all times. Of note: Certified assistance animals are allowed on board at no charge. Owners of assistance animals should be prepared to show the animal’s verification of training. Contact Roam Public Transit directly for more on their Pet Policy.

Can I bring my bike onboard the Roam Bus?

You don’t have to leave your bike at home – the entire Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission bus fleet is equipped with bike racks. Bike space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Please visit Roam Public Transit for more details on their bike policy.

Can I bring large recreational equipment like an inflatable watercraft, large backpack, luggage or cooler on the shuttle?

No - Roam Public Transit cannot guarantee transportation of luggage any larger than that which can comfortably fit on your lap. Please visit Roam Public Transit for more details on their luggage and backpack policy.


Helpful transit links

Looking to visit Lake Louise or Moraine Lake? Click here for information on Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

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