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Vancouver to Banff Train

Published Oct 8, 2025

7 min read

Experience a panoramic train journey from Vancouver to Banff. Whether you choose a daylight sightseeing trip or an overnight train ride through the Canadian Rockies, travelling by rail offers a unique way to explore stunning landscapes, visit iconic spots like Lake Louise and Jasper, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and adventure. This Vancouver to Banff train journey is one of the most memorable ways to connect city life with mountain wilderness. The Vancouver to Banff train journey typically ranges from around $4,430CAD to over $9,590CAD per person, depending on whether you choose a shorter trip or an extended multi-day luxury rail experience through the Canadian Rockies.

Best-selling Vancouver to Banff Train Trips

Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada has local travel experts available to help you create the perfect itinerary. Whether you want to glide down the slopes at Lake Louise in winter, dine at one of Banff's gourmet restaurants, or take a private wildlife tour, we'll use our insider knowledge to personalize your trip.

Table of contents

Best-selling Vancouver to Banff Train Trips
How to get to Banff from Vancouver
What popular train-trip itinerary is best for you?
Map of Vancouver to Banff Rail
Vancouver to Banff Train Time
When should you take the train to Banff?
Train from Vancouver to Banff Cost
5 Most Popular Places to Go in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Travel from Vancouver to Banff

Train travel from Vancouver to Banff is the best way to see Canada's most famous sites. When you drive your own vehicle, you have to pay attention to the road instead of the beautiful sights around you. Even if you're not driving, it's tough to enjoy the scenery when you're surrounded by other vehicles.

When you travel from Vancouver to Banff by train, you get to look for wildlife, learn more about Canada's history and enjoy the top-notch service provided by Rocky Mountaineer hosts. As you cover the distance from Vancouver to Banff, it's up to you whether you want to spend your time staring out the window or chatting with your travel companion.

Rocky Mountaineer train following the Bow River — Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Banff

Discover Canada’s travel regions

Canada is a vast and beautiful country, offering a diversity of landscapes and cultures from coast to coast.

Canadian Rockies and West Coast

Journeys Across Canada

Eastern Canada and Maritimes

North and Arctic

What popular train-trip itinerary is best for you?

Banff and Canadian Rockies Explorer

If you want an immersive Vancouver to Banff rail experience, consider our Banff and Canadian Rockies Explorer itinerary. You'll spend two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a daylight-only train offering spectacular views of Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff. After you take the luxury train from Vancouver to Banff, you'll spend 4 incredible nights exploring the Canadian Rockies.

Miles covered on train: 502 miles
Days on train: 2 days
Nights on train: 0 nights

Essential Rockies by Train

Looking for a shorter travel time? Consider taking a scenic train from Vancouver to Banff with the Essential Rockies by Train itinerary. The Rocky Mountaineer train departs from Vancouver and travels through Kamloops before reaching Banff, giving you breathtaking views of the Canadian countryside. You'll also get to visit Lake Louise, home to some of the region's most spectacular scenery.

Miles covered on train: 502 miles
Days on train: 2 days
Nights on train: 0 nights

Essential Rockies by Train with Alaska Small Ship Cruise

What makes your Canadian train vacation even better? Adding on an Alaskan cruise! If you reverse your route, you can board the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff and then set off for Sitka, Alaska from Vancouver. We book your cruise on a small vessel, making it possible to discover hidden fjords and access some of Alaska's most remote bays. Keep an eye out for whales and other wildlife while you're sailing.

Miles covered on train: 80
Days on train: 2 days
Nights on train: 0 nights

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Banff has special windows in each level of service — giving you awe-inspiring views. See the mountains, wildlife, and colourful flowers. If you travel during the fall, you may even get to see some of Canada's famous foliage. No matter which level of service you choose, Rocky Mountaineer trains from Vancouver to Banff are known for offering an elevated experience. Gaze out oversized windows, dine on gourmet meals and relax in comfortable reclining chairs for the duration of your train journey.

Rocky Mountaineer Service Levels

The two levels of service on Rocky Mountaineer are SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. While there are some differences between these train service levels, both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf include meals (breakfast, lunch), drinks, and engaging commentary.

SilverLeaf Experience

SilverLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer lets you relax and admire the spectacular scenery of British Columbia and Alberta. You’ll travel in a single-level glass-dome coach, which features oversized windows, spacious seats, and a small outdoor viewing area. Your hosts will tell stories about the historic sites, landscapes, and wildlife, while gourmet meals are served at your seat.

Features of SilverLeaf include:

Reclining, comfortable seats in a single-level glass-dome coach
Oversized glass-dome windows with panoramic views
Hot entrée meals served at your seat throughout the day
Small outdoor viewing area between train coaches
Social atmosphere with 2 onboard hosts and culinary team
Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local BC wines and beers

Onboard Host serving wine to guests in SilverLeaf coach. — Rocky Mountaineer onboard host serving wine to guests in a SilverLeaf single-level coach

GoldLeaf Experience

If you're looking to ride a Canada luxury train from Vancouver to Banff, opt for Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf service, which includes spacious seats, access to the outdoor viewing platform and meals prepared with local ingredients. As you enjoy your train ride from Vancouver to Banff, chat with one of your hosts to find out more about the towns you're passing.

Features of GoldLeaf include:

Bi-level dome with comfortable recliner seating upstairs and a lower-level dining room
Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views upstairs
Large picture windows in the lower-level dining room
Gourmet a-la-carte meals prepared on board by a chef and served in the dining room
An exclusive outdoor viewing platform perfect for photo opportunities
3-4 onboard hosts, plus full culinary team
Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including signature cocktails

Guests listen to an onboard host in Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf — Guests listening to an onboard host in the upperlevel of a Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf coach

Rail Route Map from Vancouver to Banff

The First Passage to the West is the Rocky Mountaineer's route from Vancouver to Banff. Before you depart, do some sightseeing in Vancouver or dine at one of the city's many gourmet restaurants. Vancouver is also famous for having its mountains meets ocean lifestyle — perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Once you board the scenic train from Vancouver, you’ll travel to Kamloops. You’ll see the landscape transform from the lush Fraser Valley — with the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains — to the desert environment of BC’s interior. Travelling from Kamloops to Banff, you’ll encounter the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Route map for the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff

#1 Travel tip: Stay longer in Vancouver
Before you start your train journey, we recommend spending time in Vancouver. Add an extra day (or two!) and explore the areas beyond downtown. My favourite day trip options are Whistler for its scenic beauty and Richmond for its extensive foodie scene.

Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

Dining on Rocky Mountaineer

Multi-course breakfasts and lunches are served on each day of this 2-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey. The menu changes daily and includes a variety of locally inspired dishes. Ingredients are often seasonal and sourced from the areas the train is travelling through. So not only will you see the breathtaking landscapes of Western Canada, but you’ll also taste the flavours of this beautiful region, too.

Some sample menu items include:

Breakfast: Fresh croissants, seasonal fruit, classic eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes or smoked salmon avocado toast
Lunch: Salad to start, then chicken primavera, Alberta striploin steak or crispy cauliflower bowl, and chocolate torte for dessert

One thing to note is that the GoldLeaf menu offers more choice than the SilverLeaf menu. Rocky Mountaineer can accommodate dietary requirements and allergies with advance notice.

Accessibility on Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer can accommodate some accessibility and mobility needs, and it is possible for wheelchair users to board the train. Availability of options does depend on your specific needs and requirements. For more information, please ask your vacation advisor at the time of booking.

Vancouver to Banff Train Time

Your train tour from Vancouver to Banff begins in Vancouver on Day 1 and departs from Kamloops on Day 2, giving you 2 full days of train travel before you explore the Canadian Rockies. It's also possible to reverse your Banff train tour, starting out in Calgary and travelling directly to Banff.

In 2025, the train departs Eastbound on Thursdays and Sundays, with a Monday departure in high season. The train departs Westbound on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a Wednesday departure in high season.

Explore: Canadian Rockies Train Trips

Rocky Mountaineer train rounding a bend in the track with a mountain range in the background.

When should you take the train to Banff?

Rocky Mountaineer offers the First Passage to the West route (Vancouver to/from Banff) from April to October each year. You can travel in spring, summer, or fall, depending on your preferences and what you’d like to see. Here’s what you can expect during each season:

Spring (April, May, early June):

Best season for bear viewing as they have just emerged from hibernation. Admire snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and rushing waterfalls. Less crowds in Banff and Lake Louise, so perfect if you want a quieter experience.

Summer (June, July, August):

Enjoy warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and more daylight. Alpine wildflowers and turquoise glacier-fed lakes bring extra colour to Banff’s landscapes. Great time of year for hiking, canoeing, boat tours, and more.

Fall (September, October):

Chance to see vibrant fall foliage, including the famous yellow larch trees in Banff National Park. Towards the end of October, snow can be spotted on the mountain peaks.

How much is the train ticket from Vancouver to Banff?

The Vancouver to Banff train price depends on many factors, but packages start at $3,590 USD. This includes train tickets, hotel accommodations, excursions, transfers, all meals on the train and some meals off the train.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. Our brochures are here to help.

Explore our brochures

5 Most Popular Places to Go in Banff

1. Banff National Park

One of the main reasons travellers take tours from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise is to visit Banff National Park. If you love the outdoors, Banff National Park is a little piece of heaven, as it has lakes, hot springs, hiking trails and fabulous fishing spots. You can also explore caves or enjoy a relaxing canoe ride.

2. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is known for its turquoise waters, which create a picture-perfect setting for a fishing trip or boat ride. If you're willing to take a short hike, you can also take in the beauty of some local waterfalls. Many of our Banff train trips have Lake Louise as a destination.

3. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is more than 10,000 years old, making it an important part of the region's ecosystem. It's also a popular destination for people who travel from Vancouver to Banff by rail. Hike along the lake to reach Stewart Canyon, which takes you past the Cascade River and through the lush Canadian forest.

4. Sulphur Mountain

Visitors love Sulphur Mountain's breathtaking vistas, which become visible after a half-day hike — or a little longer, if you prefer a slower pace. Sulphur Mountain also has hot springs and other outdoor activities.

5. Banff Gondola

Not in the mood for a hike? Reach the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola instead. You'll have access to the same views, all without the exertion of a half-day hike. Once you reach the top, visit the discovery centre or dine at Sky Bistro.

#2 Travel tip: Pack your bathing suit
Along with its natural hot springs, Banff is home to spas with great pool facilites, such as the spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs. I like to sit by the outdoor saltwater pool and admire the spectacular mountain views!

Louise Weiss
Director of Legendary Hospitality

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a regular train from Vancouver to Banff?

Yes, the Rocky Mountaineer regularly makes the journey from Vancouver to Banff.

What time does the Rocky Mountaineer train arrive in Banff?

The Rocky Mountaineer train typically arrives in Banff between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. MT.

How far is Banff from Vancouver by train?

It typically takes 15 to 20 hours to travel from Vancouver to Banff by rail, but if you're taking a Banff train vacation, you won't be traveling directly from one point to the next. You'll be stopping in Kamloops along the way, reducing the amount of time you spend on the train in one go. The exact amount of time it takes also depends on travel conditions.

How many days do you need in Banff?

Banff has plenty to see and do, but you should be able to cover the highlights within 3 to 5 days. That gives you time to take pictures, check out the local lakes and waterfalls, look for wildlife and enjoy some of the mountain town's best amenities.

Does VIA Rail go from Vancouver to Banff?

There's no VIA Rail service from Vancouver to Banff. If you want to use VIA Rail, you take the train to Jasper and then take a bus, coach, charter or private car along the scenic Icefields Parkway to Banff.

Which is better, VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer, to travel to Banff?

Rocky Mountaineer is the only train service that goes to Banff, so it is better for this specific route. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train with domed cars in GoldLeaf, making it even easier to take in the sights.

Is there an overnight train from Vancouver to Banff?

No. If you want to sleep on the train, you'll have to take the Canadian Train to Jasper and then transfer.

How do you get to Vancouver from Banff by train?

You can ride the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver. One of the railway’s routes runs from Banff to Vancouver, with a stop in Kamloops.

Is there a train in Banff National Park?

The Rocky Mountaineer runs a train route connecting Banff and Vancouver. This luxury daylight train tour includes gourmet meals, leather recliners, a glass-domed viewing car, which makes for a very scenic train from Vancouver to Banff. The train tour also includes your hotels at night.

Which train travels from Banff to Calgary?

Canada doesn't have any trains with direct service from Banff to Calgary. If you want to visit Calgary during your trip, take a train to Edmonton, Banff or Jasper and then we can arrange a tour or transport to your destination.

About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time... Read more

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Vancouver to Banff Train

Published Oct 8, 2025

7 min read

Best-selling Vancouver to Banff Train Trips

Table of contents

Best-selling Vancouver to Banff Train Trips
How to get to Banff from Vancouver
What popular train-trip itinerary is best for you?
Map of Vancouver to Banff Rail
Vancouver to Banff Train Time
When should you take the train to Banff?
Train from Vancouver to Banff Cost
5 Most Popular Places to Go in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Travel from Vancouver to Banff

Discover Canada’s travel regions

Canada is a vast and beautiful country, offering a diversity of landscapes and cultures from coast to coast.

Canadian Rockies and West Coast

Journeys Across Canada

Eastern Canada and Maritimes

North and Arctic

What popular train-trip itinerary is best for you?

Banff and Canadian Rockies Explorer

Miles covered on train: 502 miles
Days on train: 2 days
Nights on train: 0 nights

Essential Rockies by Train

Miles covered on train: 502 miles
Days on train: 2 days
Nights on train: 0 nights