Reservations for 2024/2025 Winter Season
Winter Route 8X to Lake Louise
Reservations for travel until March 31, 2025 are now open. You have the option to purchase either a one way, return, or System Wide Day Pass. The System Wide Day Pass includes access to all Roam Transit services. Please note Moraine Lake is closed in the winter, and no Roam Transit tickets include Moraine Lake in the winter season.
There are two options available for winter reservations:
System Wide Day Pass
The System Wide Day pass includes a round-trip reservation between Banff and Lake Louise, and offers unlimited travel on all other Roam Transit services. Please note, one-way System Wide Day Pass tickets are not available, round-trip bookings are required. Additionally, the pass allows for a return booking on the same day only. For additional days, there will be an extra charge of $25.
*Moraine Lake is closed in the winter, and no Roam Transit tickets include Moraine Lake in the winter season.
Reservable System Wide Day Pass | Adult +19 | Seniors +65 | Youth 13-18* |
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Includes unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services. The Reservable System Wide Day Pass is valid for one day only and will expire at midnight the date of travel. | $25 | $12.50 | $12.50 |
* 18 with High School identification only.
One-Way Reservations
One-Way Reservations are offered for single rides between Banff and Lake Louise Lakeshore or Village. Please note, these tickets cannot be upgraded to a System Wide Day Pass.
Lake Louise Express Route 8X | Adult +19 | Seniors +65 | Youth 13-18* |
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One-Way Fare – Lake Louise Express | $10 | $5 | $5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the 8X bus stop at the Banff High School Transit Hub?
The Banff High School is situated on the 300 block of Banff Avenue. At the Transit Hub, multiple bus stops are available. The 8X stop is closer to the Moose St end of the block, across from the Ptarmigan Hotel. Look for the “8X Lake Louise” sign. Waiting at the wrong bus stop will cause you to miss your reserved departure.
How do I use my System Wide Day Pass on other Roam Transit Services?
Your Reservable System Wide Day Pass is valid for all Roam Transit services (routes 1, 2, 3, and 9) as a walk-up passenger on the selected travel date. Simply present your ticket to the driver when boarding any of these routes. Canmore Local routes 5C and 5T are always free, so you do not need to present your ticket to ride these services.
Can I use the Route 8X service if I do not have a reservation?
If you do not have a reservation, you are considered a walk-up passenger. Plan to arrive at least 20-minutes before the scheduled departure time and wait at a designated 8X bus stop with your entire group. Forty percent of seats on each departure are allocated for walk-up riders, filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that wait times can be long. Without a reservation you may need to wait up to 2 departures before seat(s) become available, please keep in mind that the service can be particularly busy on long weekends and over the Christmas & New Year period.
Why can’t I make a reservation between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore?
Reservations on the 8X are exclusively available between Banff and Lake Louise. You can use the service between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore (or reverse) by paying your exact cash fare directly to the driver upon boarding. Single ride tickets are; Adult $2, Youth/Senior* $1 and children 12 & under are free.
Please keep in mind that service between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Lake Louise Village (or reverse) is subject to availability, and during peak hours seating may not be available.
During the summer months (May-Oct), Roam Transit does not operate services between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore (or reverse). If you are planning to travel in the summer, we recommend reaching out to your accommodation in Lake Louise for the best advice on accessing Lake Louise Lakeshore from their property.
*Youth 13-18 (18 years old only if shows High School ID), Senior 65+
Cancel/Modify/No-Show/Fees Questions
Can I modify my booking?
Yes, you can modify your booking with our customer service time via email at info@roamtransit.com, with your transaction number, the new date, time, and departure location for your change. Note that office hours are 9am-5pm daily (closed on Christmas Day), and we kindly request 24hrs notice to ensure changes can be processed. Please note that modifications are subject to availability. Departures may be sold out, especially over long weekends and the Christmas and New Year period.
Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you have the option to cancel your reservation before your scheduled departure date and time. However, there are specific conditions:
Up to 48 hours ahead of your departure time, a 25% cancellation fee will be applied. Please contact us at info@roamtransit.com with your transaction number, specifying the tickets you wish to cancel, and confirming your acceptance of the 25% cancellation fee. We will promptly proceed with processing your refund. It’s important to note that the reservation fee is non-refundable.
If cancellation request occurs within 48 hours of departure, no refund will be issued.
Why is there a booking fee?
The reservation fee is charged per transaction at a rate of $3.00. This fee is non-refundable and contributes to covering the operating costs of the Reservation Service.
What if I miss my departure time (“No-Show”)?
If you fail to arrive at the designated stop location 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time, you will be considered a “No-Show.” Your reservation will be canceled, and your spot(s) will be allocated to other guests. While you can still use your ticket on the reserved dateyou will need to wait at the designated 8X bus stop for the next scheduled departure.
I have a reservation but I would like to take the bus at another departure time, is this possible?
You are only guaranteed a seat on the bus you have a reservation for, provided your entire group is at the designated stop no later than 20 minutes before your departure time. If you would like to take another 8X departure, you will need to wait at the designated 8X bus stop when your entire group is present. Please keep in mind that wait times can be lengthy, and you should be prepared to wait up to 2 departures before a walk-up seat(s) becomes available. You can use your ticket for any other departure on the same day as your reservation at no extra cost. We recommend taking the bus you have a reservation for.
General Questions
Can I use the 8X service to get to Lake Louise Ski Resort?
No, our service does not go to the ski resort. Ski Louise provide their own free shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Please see their website for more information on this.
If you are planning summer travel and need to access Lake Louise Park & Ride, located at the ski hill, you must drive there. We do not provide service to this location.
Can I bring skis or snowboards on the 8X service?
Yes, however please note we do not have designated winter equipment storage on the 8X buses. You should be prepared to sit with your skis / snowboards, holding them securely, for the duration of your journey. These items cannot be lay on the ground in the aisle and cannot be placed under the bus.
Is there parking at The Banff High School Transit Hub?
No, there is no parking available at The Banff High School. Many visitors utilize the 9-hour free parking at The Banff Train Station, which is a 7-10 minute walk from The Banff High School. For information on free and paid parking options, please visit The Town of Banff’s website. Make sure to allow ample time to secure parking prior to your reservation, and remember that all members of your group must be at The 8X stop at The Banff High School Transit Hub at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Can I bypass the walk-up line if I have another service booked, a dinner reservation, or a prior commitment?
No, if you don’t have a reservation for the next departure or only possess a walk-up ticket, you must join the back of the walk-up line. Please note that this service is highly sought after, and wait times can be considerable. Your entire group should be prepared to wait for 1-3 departures before walk-up seat(s) become available. Please plan accordingly.
I’m staying in Lake Louise, how can I use Roam Transit to access Lake Louise Lakeshore?
Yes, you can use the 8X service between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore (or reverse) by paying your exact cash fare directly to the driver upon boarding. Single ride tickets are; Adult $2, Youth/Senior* $1 and children 12 & under are free.
Please keep in mind that service between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Lake Louise Village (or reverse) is subject to availability, and during peak hours seating may not be available.
In the summer months (May-Oct) we do not serve Lake Louise Village to Lake Louise Lakeshore in either direction. If you are planning to travel in the summer, we recommend reaching out to your accommodation in Lake Louise for the best advice on accessing Lake Louise Lakeshore from their property.
*Youth 13-18 (18 years old only if shows High School ID), Senior 65+
Are your buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all Roam buses are fully accessible with wheelchair ramp and kneeling capabilities to make getting on and off easier for everyone.
Can I bring my pet on board?
Roam buses permit pets, provided they are appropriately crated. Service dogs are always welcome onboard. For more information, please review our Pet Policy available here.
Can I bring my bike on board?
Exterior bike racks are provided on all Roam Transit buses on a first come first served basis. Each bus can carry up to 3 bikes at a time. Go to our Transportation Policies page to learn more about or Bike Policies and scroll down for a short video on how to load your bike on the external bike racks.
Can I bring my stroller on board?
Yes, strollers are welcome on board all Roam buses. We do require that the aisle is kept free and clear for all passengers. This may require strollers to be collapsed/folded while on the bus. Please note that larger strollers, such as Chariots, may not be allowed if they are too large when folded and obstruct the middle aisle.
Can I bring luggage, or an inflatable Canoe / Kayak / SUP on board?
Our buses have limited onboard storage space and cannot accommodate hard-shelled canoes, kayaks, or SUPs. Any luggage or inflatable water equipment should fit comfortably on your lap during travel and must not occupy an extra seat or block the aisle. Please note that transportation with these items cannot be guaranteed.