Edmonton to Jasper

5 ways from Edmonton to the heart of the Rocky Mountains

Travelling from Alberta’s capital – Edmonton to Jasper is relativity straightforward. With several options for the adventure minded.

Travel time: ~5 hours
VIA Rail’s Canadian crosses the continent connecting Edmonton to Jasper. North of the city centre, Edmonton Station is near the LRT stops at Blatchford Gate Station nearby (2km). Then, departing at midnight (00:01) on Wednesday and Saturday. Finally, the Canadian arrives in Jasper at 6:30. Hence, the train is 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.

Travel time: ~5 hours
Next, Intercity carrier Ebus (operated by Thompson Valley Charters) offers service from Downtown Edmonton to Jasper. Unfortunately, there is no service from Edmonton Airport (YEG). Furthermore, 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. Nor is there a proper indoor waiting area in Edmonton.
The gist: A good budget friendly option but be wary of infrequent schedules.

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. Then the bus departs daily from the airport at 15:00 and arrives in Jasper at 20:20. Finally, arriving 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.

Travel time: ~4 hours
First, depart from the airport (YEG) by taking Highway 2 north. Shortly after, head west at the interchange on Highway 226 (Anthony Heday Drive). Then, continue on this ring road in a clockwise direction until the interchange with Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway). Ultimately, this route avoids the traffic of downtown Edmonton.
Otherwise, 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).
Then, continue on Highway 1 westbound as the plains give way to the dramatic Rocky Mountains. Then, take 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: In brief, long drive but allows more flexibility for stops within Jasper National Park.

Travel time: ~4 hours
Given that 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.