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How to get from Banff to Jasper
The way from Banff to Jasper is the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), about 290 km and 3 h 30 to 4 h without stops, though most people take a full day. There is no train between the two towns. Without a car, the options are seasonal coach shuttles and guided tours.
Best option: Car. Driving lets you stop at the lakes, viewpoints and the Columbia Icefield, which is the main reason to take this road.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Lake Louise, then the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) to Jasper | about 3 h 30 to 4 h without stops; allow a full day | fuel only; a Parks Canada pass is required for the national parks | There is almost no mobile coverage and fuel is only at Saskatchewan River Crossing, open seasonally. In winter, winter tyres are required and the road can close in storms. | |
| bus Seasonal coach shuttles and guided day tours along the Icefields Parkway | about 4 h 30 to 9 h depending on stops | mainly late spring to early autumn; limited or none in winter | about CAD 100–250 | Services change from year to year; check which companies are running and book ahead. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Fill the tank in Lake Louise; fuel on the parkway is limited and expensive.
- Download offline maps before leaving; there is little or no mobile signal for long stretches.
- Start early in summer to find parking at Peyto Lake and Athabasca Falls.
- Check road conditions with Alberta 511 before driving between October and May.
Common questions
Is there a train from Banff to Jasper?
No. Jasper is on VIA Rail's line to Vancouver and Edmonton, but no railway links Banff and Jasper. The only route is the Icefields Parkway road. Without a car, use a seasonal coach shuttle or a guided tour, which mainly operate from late spring to early autumn. Check current schedules, as operators change.
How long does the Icefields Parkway drive take?
About 3 h 30 to 4 h of driving from Banff to Jasper with no stops. Most people stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls, which turns it into a 6 to 8 hour day. Speed limits are low and wildlife on the road is common, so do not rush.
Can I drive the Icefields Parkway in winter?
Yes, but with care. Winter tyres are required, services along the road close, there is almost no mobile coverage, and the road can be closed for avalanche control or storms. Check Alberta 511 and Parks Canada road reports before leaving, carry warm clothing and food, and avoid driving after dark.
Do I need a park pass to drive from Banff to Jasper?
Yes. The Icefields Parkway runs through Banff and Jasper national parks, and a Parks Canada pass is required for stopping in the parks. You can buy a daily pass or an annual Discovery Pass online or at park gates and visitor centres. Display it in the car.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.