Getting to Banff
By Air | By Car | Other | Maps
By Air
Banff is located in a UNESCO World Heritage site but is easily accessible from the Calgary International Airport, a hub for world-wide connections.
Transportation to and from Banff is easy on Canada's National Highway #1 - an approximate 1 hr and 45 minute drive from the Calgary International Airport. Be advised that in order to get into the Park by car, you will need to purchase a pass at the Park gate. Rates are $9 per day per person, or $18 per day for a car with 2-7 people.
By Car
For those wishing to rent a car, we have arranged special Festival rates with Avis, Hertz and Budget. All major car rental agencies are represented at the Calgary International Airport, and some are in the Banff town site; there is a Hertz office located at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Reservations are required.
If you are a registered delegate, you may proceed to the delegates area (have your username and PIN handy!) to view the preferred rates and to book your transportation on-line.
The airport Rental Car Centre is located on the departures level across the roadway from the main terminal building. It can also be accessed by the elevator lobby arrivals roadway. Our On-Airport Car Rental companies operate out of the Rental Car Centre.
Driving Directions
From Calgary International Airport (about 1 hour 45 minutes):
- Exit the on-site airport parking & car rental lot and follow the signs for Barlow Trail and City Centre
- Follow Barlow Trail South to 16th Avenue
- Turn right (west) on 16th Avenue
- 16th Avenue becomes Trans-Canada Highway 1, which takes you right to Banff
- You must stop at the National Park Gates to obtain your Park Pass
- 15 minutes past the park gate, exit at the Banff/Lake Minnewanka exit
- Turn left at the stop sign onto Banff Ave
- Follow Banff Ave through town and cross the bridge, getting in the left-hand lane
- Make a left turn at the end of the bridge onto Spray Avenue; stay in the left-hand lane
- This road will take you directly to the front doors of the hotel
The speed limit in Banff town site, unless otherwise signed, is 40km/hour
By Shuttle
As a delegate of nextMEDIA, we have negotiated a special fare. If you are a registered delegate, you may proceed to the delegates area (have your username and PIN handy!) to view the preferred rate, schedule and to book your transportation on-line.
By Private Limo, Sedan or Taxi
If you are a registered delegate, you may proceed to the delegates area (have your username and PIN handy!) for additional information on these services.
Bus Service within Banff
There is a bus service which runs approximately every half hour in the town of Banff.
One route runs between The Fairmont Banff Springs and down Banff Avenue to the northern
end of town allowing delegates to easily get to other hotels located within town. Fare
is $2.00 per person. The bus operates in the summer 7:00 a.m. to Midnight and in the
winter 12:00 p.m. to Midnight every 30 minutes.
Maps
General Information and Online Maps
For general information about activities, tour operators, sights and events in the
Banff/Lake Louise area visit www.banfflakelouise.com. For online maps of Banff town site and
Southern Alberta, as well as driving distances for some points to and from Banff go
to www.gemtrek.com/tourismbureau.html.
More Information
For additional information on booking transportation, please contact
transportation@achillesmedia.com.