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How To Get From Edmonton to Jasper

5 ways from Alberta to the Rocky Mountains Option 1: Transcontinental Train Option 2: Intercity Bus Option 3: Shuttle Bus Option 4: Drive Option 5: Carpool

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5 ways from Alberta to the Rocky Mountains

Option 1: Transcontinental Train

Via Rail Train from Toronto to Montreal
Via Rail Train from Toronto to Montreal
  • Travel time: ~5 hours
  • VIA Rail’s Canadian crosses the continent connecting Edmonton to Jasper. Departing from Edmonton Station this station is far from downtown although the LRT stops at Blatchford Gate Station nearby (2km). Departing at midnight (00:01) on Wednesday and Saturday. The Canadian arrives in Jasper at 6:30. Not a realistic option given lack of frequency.
  • Fares: Starting at $110.00 CDN
  • Pros: Scenic with dome car
  • Cons: Lack of frequency, station is not located downtown, overnight train
  • The gist: A scenic way to reach Jasper but train not optimal given the infrequent service and overnight schedule.

Option 2: Intercity Bus

  • Travel time: ~5 hours
  • Intercity carrierEbus (operated byThompson Valley Charters) offers service from Downtown Edmonton to Jasper. Unfortunately, there is no service from Edmonton Airport (YEG). Board the bus from the Downtown Ticket Office 10014 104 Street NW (curbside by Holiday Inn Express). Note, the Ebus only operates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Fares: Starting at $100.00 CDN 
  • Pros: Budget friendly
  • Cons: Not convenient given only two departures a week
  • The gist: A good budget friendly option but be wary of infrequent schedules.

Option 3: Shuttle Bus

  • Travel time: ~5 hours
  • For a more personalised bus service with a custom drop off, consider shuttle buses.
  • Sun Dog Tours offer daily bus service from Edmonton Airport (YEG) and downtown Edmonton (weekdays only) directly to Jasper. Departs daily from the airport at 15:00 and arrives in Jasper at 20:20. In Jasper, the town will drop off passengers within the townsite.
  • Fares: Starting at $99.00 CDN
  • Pros: Door-to-door service, direct service, request specific stops like hotels
  • Cons: A little more expensive than intercity bus
  • The gist: A great, direct option with custom drop-off options.

Option 4: Drive

  • Travel time: ~4 hours
  • Depart from the airport (YEG) by taking Highway 2 north. Shortly after, head west at the interchange on Highway 226 (Anthony Heday Drive). Continue on this ring road in a clockwise direction until the interchange with Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway). This route avoids the traffic of downtown Edmonton. 
  • Depart from downtown Edmonton via Jasper Ave eastbound. Veer left as Jasper Ave becomes 82 Street NW northbound. At the interchange, head westbound on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway).
  • Continue on Highway 1 westbound as the plains give way to the dramatic Rocky Mountains.The exit to Jasper is right off the Highway.
  • Pros: Fastest, most direct
  • Cons: Traffic and parking in Jasper can be a little tricky at peak season, long drive
  • The gist: Long drive but allows more flexibility for stops within Jasper National Park.

Option 5: Carpool

  • Travel time: ~4 hours
  • Poparide offers several carpool rides from Edmonton to Jasper. Costs start at $30.
  • Pros: Very budget friendly
  • Cons: Not convenient, safety
  • The gist: A budget friendly option but be wary of who you are carpooling with.