🏔️ How to Get to Banff from New York [2025 Guide]

Planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies? Getting to Banff National Park from New York in 2025 requires a bit of coordination, but the payoff is unforgettable views, pristine wilderness, and alpine adventure. Whether you’re flying to Calgary, taking a scenic train journey, or building a road trip through Canada, this guide breaks down every available travel option from New York to Banff, including routes, prices, travel times, and tips.

✈️ Flying from New York to Banff (via Calgary)

1️⃣ Step 1: Fly to Calgary International Airport (YYC)

The fastest and most efficient way to reach Banff from NYC is by flying into Calgary, Alberta. There are no direct flights to Banff since it’s not served by a commercial airport, but Calgary is the closest international hub.

• Airlines flying NYC to Calgary (YYC) in 2025:
  • Air Canada
  • WestJet
  • Delta
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
• Airports in New York: JFK, LGA, EWR
• Flight Duration: 5.5 to 7 hours (usually 1 layover)
• Average Fare: $250–$500 round trip

💡 Tip: Book a morning flight to arrive in Calgary by early afternoon—just in time to catch a shuttle to Banff.

2️⃣ Step 2: Transfer from Calgary to Banff

Once in Calgary, Banff is only 128 km (80 miles) west, taking about 1.5–2 hours to reach by road. You have several options:

🚐 Airport Shuttle Services

• Brewster Express or Banff Airporter
• Price: $75–$95 one-way
• Time: ~2 hours
• Frequency: Hourly during peak season

🚗 Car Rentals

• Available at Calgary Airport (YYC)
• Drive Time: 1.5 hours on Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1)
• Rental Cost: ~$70–$120/day
• Ideal if you’re planning to explore Lake Louise, Jasper, or Yoho

🚖 Private Transfers

• Luxury SUVs or Sprinter vans available
• Cost: $300–$500 one-way (great for groups)
• Perks: Door-to-door service and flexibility

🚄 Train from New York to Banff (for Scenic Travelers)

There’s no direct train from NYC to Banff, but you can experience part of the legendary Canadian train journey by combining Amtrak with VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer.

🛤️ Option 1: Amtrak + VIA Rail + Bus

• NYC to Toronto (Amtrak Maple Leaf): ~13 hours
• Toronto to Jasper (VIA Rail “The Canadian”): ~3.5 days
• Jasper to Banff: Rent a car or take a local shuttle (~4.5 hours drive)

🛤️ Option 2: Rocky Mountaineer (Luxury)

• Fly to Calgary, then take the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff westward
• It doesn’t start in NYC, but it’s an epic 2-day scenic train between Banff and Vancouver

💡 Best for: Train lovers with flexible itineraries and a generous budget

🚗 Road Trip from New York to Banff

Driving from NYC to Banff is a massive but memorable cross-country adventure spanning the U.S. and Canadian Rockies.

🗺️ Route Overview:

• Distance: ~2,400 miles (~3,862 km)
• Drive Time: 38 to 45 hours (not including overnight stops)
• Route Suggestion: NYC → Chicago → Minneapolis → Winnipeg → Calgary → Banff
• Border Crossing: Enter Canada via Pembina, North Dakota (Noyes–Emerson border)

📌 Things to Consider:

• You’ll need a valid passport
• Carry travel insurance with Canadian coverage
• Budget 5–7 days minimum for a relaxed journey with overnight stays
• Ideal stops: Niagara Falls, Chicago, Winnipeg, Banff

💡 Tip: If you’re renting a car, make sure the company allows cross-border travel

🚌 Bus & Train Combo (Budget + Time-Intensive)

For the extremely budget-conscious traveler, you can pair Greyhound/FlixBus with Amtrak, but it’s a very long trip.

• NYC to Toronto: Bus (~10–12 hrs)
• Toronto to Calgary: VIA Rail + Bus combo (~3–4 days)
• Calgary to Banff: Shuttle or bus

This option is only recommended for those with lots of time and a desire to experience overland Canada cheaply.

🌟 Best Way to Get to Banff from NYC in 2025?

Method	Duration	Cost	Best For
✈️ Flight to Calgary + Shuttle	8–10 hrs	$350–$600	Most travelers
🚗 Road Trip	5–7 days	Varies	Scenic adventure
🚄 Train (Amtrak + VIA Rail)	4–5 days	$700+	Slow travel lovers
🚌 Budget Bus & Train	4–6 days	$300–$500	Budget adventurers

✅ FAQs

Q: What is the best way to get from New York to Banff?

The best way to get to Banff from New York in 2025 is to fly into Calgary International Airport and take a shuttle or rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive to Banff.

Q: Can you fly directly to Banff from New York?

No, Banff doesn’t have a commercial airport. You must fly into Calgary (YYC), the closest international airport, then drive or shuttle to Banff.

Q: How long is the drive from New York to Banff?

The drive from NYC to Banff is about 2,400 miles and takes 38–45 hours of driving time, not including overnight stops.

Q: Is there a train from New York to Banff?

There’s no direct train from NYC to Banff, but you can take Amtrak to Toronto, then VIA Rail to Jasper, and finally drive to Banff.

Q: What is the nearest airport to Banff?

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the nearest major airport to Banff, located approximately 80 miles (128 km) away.

Trusted Sources

• Banff National Park – Parks Canada
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Amtrak
• VIA Rail Canada
• Rocky Mountaineer
• Brewster Express