A layover in Banff is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Banff Airport sits just 30 minutes from the city center by local transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of YBA:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Banff
From YBA, the local transport gets you to Banff in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Banff
If you head into Banff, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YBA, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Banff.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe and Terminal Restaurant will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Banff layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$19 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$39 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Storing Your Luggage at Banff Airport
Specific locker facilities at YBA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Banff itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and YBA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Banff and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at YBA
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at YBA, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Banff exploring the streets or relaxing at YBA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.