Cheapest Way to Get to Banff by Train

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Traveling to Banff National Park by train does not have to be expensive. While luxury options like the Rocky Mountaineer can cost thousands of dollars, there are much more affordable ways to reach Banff using Canada’s regular passenger rail system combined with short ground transfers.

This guide explains the cheapest way to get to Banff by train, including routes, costs, and practical tips for keeping your journey as affordable as possible.

For a full comparison of all rail routes from Vancouver, see:
👉 https://banffnationalpark.com/from-vancouver-to-banff-by-train/

Is There a Cheap Direct Train to Banff?

No. There is no direct passenger train that runs straight into the town of Banff. Budget-friendly routes require stopping in a nearby city and continuing to Banff by bus, shuttle, or rental car.

👉 Best Train Routes guide

The cheapest overall route is usually:
Vancouver → Jasper (VIA Rail) → Banff (bus or shuttle)

Other low-cost routes may involve Calgary or Edmonton as the rail endpoint.

Cheapest Route: VIA Rail to Jasper + Bus to Banff

Step 1: Take VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper

VIA Rail’s long-distance service, known as The Canadian, runs between Vancouver and Toronto.

Official site:
https://www.viarail.ca

Key facts about this route:

• Travel time: about 20 hours
• Scenic highlights:
  • Fraser River
  • Fraser Canyon
  • Mount Robson
  • Yellowhead Pass
  • Rocky Mountain wilderness

This route offers some of the best scenery in Canada at a fraction of the cost of luxury tourist trains.

Step 2: Transfer from Jasper to Banff

From Jasper, you continue to Banff by:

• Shuttle bus
• Coach service
• Rental car

Distance: about 180 miles (290 km)
Driving time: about 3 hours

Several shuttle services operate this route during peak travel months, making the transfer straightforward.

How Much Does the Cheapest Train Route Cost?

Prices vary depending on booking time and class of service.

Typical budget ranges:

• VIA Rail economy seat: $150 – $250
• Jasper to Banff shuttle: $50 – $100

Estimated total:

• VIA Rail: https://www.viarail.ca
• Shuttle providers vary by season

This makes VIA Rail plus a shuttle transfer the cheapest rail-based way to reach Banff National Park.

Why VIA Rail Is Cheaper Than the Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury sightseeing train, while VIA Rail is standard passenger transportation.

Main differences:

• VIA Rail: practical, budget-friendly
• Rocky Mountaineer: gourmet meals, hotel stays, glass-dome railcars

Rocky Mountaineer prices typically range from:
$1,500 – $4,500+ per person

Official site:
https://www.rockymountaineer.com/

If your goal is strictly the cheapest way to get to Banff by train, VIA Rail is the clear choice.

Alternative Budget Route: Train to Calgary + Bus to Banff

Another affordable option is:
Eastern Canada → Calgary (train) → Banff (bus or car)

Banff is located about 1.5 hours west of Calgary.

Pros

• Shorter final transfer
• Frequent bus connections
• Faster arrival than the Jasper route

Cons

• Less scenic
• Limited rail frequency
• Not ideal for travelers starting in Vancouver

This route works best for travelers already located in eastern Canada.

What Is the Cheapest Class on VIA Rail?

Economy Class (Cheapest Option)

• Reclining seats
• Basic onboard service
• Food available for purchase
• No private cabins

This is the lowest-cost way to ride VIA Rail.

Sleeper Plus Class (More Comfort)

• Private sleeping cabins
• Beds for overnight travel
• Meals included
• Shower access

Sleeper Plus costs more than economy but remains far cheaper than luxury tourist trains.

Scenic Value on a Budget

Even with the cheapest ticket, the Vancouver-to-Jasper route passes through:

• River valleys
• Dense forests
• Remote mountain regions
• Alpine foothills

While VIA Rail does not offer glass-dome windows or guided narration, the scenery is still impressive and well worth the journey for travelers who enjoy slow, scenic travel.

Travel Time vs Cost Comparison

Travel Method	Time	Cost	Scenic Value
VIA Rail + shuttle	23-25 hrs	$	High
Rocky Mountaineer	2 days	$$$$	Very high
Flight + bus	4-5 hrs	$$	Low
Driving	8-9 hrs	$$	Medium

👉 Compare all travel methods

For budget travelers, the VIA Rail option offers the best balance of price and scenery.

Best Time of Year for Cheap Train Travel to Banff

Spring (April–May)

• Lower fares
• Fewer crowds
• Variable mountain weather

Fall (September–October)

• Reduced demand
• Autumn colors
• Limited train schedules

Summer (June–August)

• Peak pricing
• High demand
• Best weather

Winter (November–March)

• Occasional discounts
• Risk of delays
• Snow-covered scenery

Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of affordability and availability.

How to Save Even More Money

Book Early

Train fares rise as departure dates approach.

Travel Midweek

Tuesday through Thursday departures are often cheaper.

Avoid Peak Summer

June through August has the highest demand and prices.

Bring Your Own Food

Economy class meals are not included.

Use Shared Shuttles

Shared buses cost less than private transfers.

Who Should Choose the Cheapest Train Route?

This route is ideal for:

• Budget travelers
• Backpackers
• Students
• Rail enthusiasts
• Travelers with flexible schedules

It may not be ideal for:

• Travelers on tight timelines
• Luxury-focused tourists
• Families with young children
• People uncomfortable with long travel days

Cheapest Way from Vancouver to Banff by Train

For travelers starting in Vancouver, the cheapest rail route is:
Vancouver → Jasper (VIA Rail) → Banff (bus or shuttle)

For a complete breakdown of this specific journey, see:
👉 https://banffnationalpark.com/from-vancouver-to-banff-by-train/

That guide compares:

• VIA Rail vs Rocky Mountaineer
• Travel time
• Cost
• Booking strategies

Environmental Benefits of Train Travel

Train travel produces fewer emissions per passenger than flying or driving. Choosing the cheapest rail option can also be one of the most environmentally friendly ways to reach Banff National Park.

This makes budget train travel appealing to eco-conscious visitors.

Final Thoughts

The cheapest way to get to Banff by train is by combining VIA Rail with a short shuttle transfer, most commonly through Jasper. While it takes longer than flying or driving, it offers beautiful scenery and a classic rail experience at a fraction of the cost of luxury rail travel.

For travelers who prioritize affordability and do not mind a longer journey, this is the best rail-based way to reach Banff National Park.