Going Straight to Lake Louise

Lake Louise is about 45 minutes beyond Banff, so roughly two and a quarter hours from Calgary International in good conditions. Not every Banff service continues there, which is the thing to check before booking.

Transfers That Go the Whole Way

Some airport services run to/from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise on the same route — from $57 — which saves assembling two legs. If Lake Louise is where you are sleeping, book one of those rather than a Banff-only transfer plus a second hop.

Moraine Lake Is a Separate Problem

Worth knowing early: Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles. You cannot drive there, however good your rental is. Access is by shuttle or organised tour, which run from $39 — and in season they book out.

This single fact changes a lot of Rockies itineraries, and it is the strongest argument against assuming a rental car solves everything.

If You Are Based in Banff Instead

Day services from Banff and Canmore reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from $39, typically as a half-day. That is the normal pattern: sleep in Banff, shuttle to the lakes, and skip both the parking and the vehicle ban.

Costs for the airport leg are on what it costs.