Jasper, Alberta: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Jasper, Alberta, is a popular tourist destination, especially for those visiting Banff and Jasper National Park. While Jasper does have an airport, Jasper Airport (YJA), it is a small local airport. The closest international airport to Jasper is Edmonton International Airport, which is 389km away. Other nearby international airports include Calgary International Airport, 423km away, and Vancouver International Airport.

Jasper Airport does exist, but it's small

Jasper, Alberta, does indeed have an airport, but it is a small local airport. Jasper Airport (YJA / CYJA) is located just 14 km from the centre of Jasper, but it does not accommodate commercial flights. Instead, it serves pilots and those looking to fly their own aircraft.

For those travelling to Jasper by plane, the closest major airport is Edmonton International Airport (YEG / CYEG), which is 389 km from Jasper. This airport offers both international and domestic flights and is considered the gateway to Jasper. It is also possible to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC / CYYC), which is 423 km from Jasper and offers international and domestic flights.

Several shuttle services operate from both Edmonton and Calgary International Airports, providing transportation to Jasper. These include SunDog Transportation and Tours Ltd., which offers daily shuttles departing Edmonton at 3:15 pm and arriving in Jasper at 8 pm. The return trip leaves Jasper at 7 am and arrives at Edmonton Airport at 12:30 pm.

For those looking to rent a car, it is worth noting that Calgary is about a 5-hour drive from Jasper, while Edmonton is slightly closer at a 4-hour drive. The Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper and Lake Louise, is considered one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the world and is recommended for those looking to take in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Edmonton International Airport is the closest international airport to Jasper

Jasper, Alberta, is served by several airports, with Edmonton International Airport (YEG/CYEG) being the closest international airport. It is located 389 km from Jasper and offers a range of international and domestic flights. Edmonton International Airport serves as a gateway to Jasper and the Canadian Rockies, with shuttle services and scenic road trips available to complete the journey to Jasper.

For those seeking alternative options, Calgary International Airport (YYC/CYYC) is another airport that provides convenient access to Jasper. It is located 423 km from Jasper and offers both international and domestic flights. Calgary is a popular choice for travellers visiting Jasper, as it is approximately a 5-hour drive away, and the route includes the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Additionally, there are several other domestic airports in the vicinity of Jasper, including Prince George Airport (YXS/CYSX), located 378 km from Jasper, and Grande Prairie Airport (YQU/CYQU), situated 398 km away. These airports offer domestic flights within Canada.

While Jasper does have an airport, Jasper Airport (YJA/CYJA) is a local airport primarily serving pilots and private aviation. It is located just 14 km from the centre of Jasper. However, for those seeking international or domestic commercial flights, Edmonton International Airport remains the closest and most convenient option.

Calgary International Airport is also an option

Jasper, Alberta, does have an airport, known as Jasper Airport (YJA / CYJA). However, this is a small airport, and you may prefer to fly into a larger airport nearby. Calgary International Airport is also an option and is the busiest airport in Alberta. It is located 423 km from Jasper and is served by major national and international carriers.

Calgary International Airport (IATA: YYC, ICAO: CYYC) is an international airport that serves the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The airport is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary and covers an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 sq mi; 5,144 acres; 2,082 ha). With 18.9 million passengers in 2024, it is a busy hub for air travel. The airport has nonstop flights to destinations in North and Central America, Europe, and Asia.

The airport has a rich history, with the city of Calgary selling the airport to the federal government in 1966 due to the rising costs of upgrades. The federal government then refurbished the runways and constructed a new passenger terminal, which opened in 1977. The airport did not officially receive its "international" status until 1969, and the first non-stop transatlantic flights commenced in 1961, connecting Calgary with Amsterdam.

Today, the 1977 passenger terminal remains the core of the airport's domestic operations. The airport has continued to grow, with the region's tourism industry, including the nearby Banff National Park, contributing to its success.

If you choose to fly into Calgary International Airport, you can then make your way to Jasper by bus or car. The bus service Sundog Tours offers transportation from the Calgary airport to Jasper via Banff and the Icefields Parkway.

Shuttle services are available from Edmonton and Calgary airports

Jasper, Alberta, does not have its own airport. However, shuttle services are available from nearby airports in Edmonton and Calgary. These shuttle services offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel to and from Jasper.

Edmonton Airport to Jasper

SunDog Transportation and Tour Co. offers a daily shuttle service between Edmonton International Airport and Jasper. The service includes stops at the West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Downtown, and various hotels in Jasper. The departure time from the airport is 3:00 PM, with an additional charge for an overnight stay for very early morning departures. The shuttle picks up passengers from Door 10 on the arrivals level, adjacent to the international flight arrival door.

Calgary Airport to Jasper

The Brewster Express provides a shuttle service between Calgary Airport and Jasper, with connections to Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. The service offers comfortable coaches with spacious seats and large viewing windows. The Brewster Express desk at Calgary Airport is easy to find, and the staff ensures a well-taken-care-of experience.

Additionally, the Jasper Adventure Centre offers a daily winter shuttle service between Calgary and Jasper, with connections to Lake Louise and Banff. The service operates from October 18 to April 30 and includes hotel pickups in Jasper.

Things to Keep in Mind

When booking shuttle services, it is essential to provide accurate pick-up locations and flight times to ensure a smooth experience. Additional luggage may incur extra charges, and it is recommended to book in advance, especially for early morning departures.

It's a 4-5 hour drive from the airport to Jasper

Jasper, Alberta, is a popular tourist destination, especially in June and July, and has its own airport, Jasper Airport (YJA / CYJA). However, this airport only services small local flights. If you are flying into Jasper from outside the region, the closest international airports are Edmonton International Airport (YEG / CYEG), 389 km away, and Calgary International Airport (YYC / CYYC), 423 km away.

It is a 4-5 hour drive from the airport to Jasper, depending on which airport you fly into. The drive from Edmonton to Jasper is approximately 4 hours long, and the drive from Calgary to Jasper is approximately 5 hours long. The maximum speed limit inside Jasper National Park is 90km/hour, but there are several areas with slower limits for wildlife safety, so be sure to obey posted speed limits.

If you are visiting Jasper as part of a road trip, there are many things to see and do along the way. The Icefields Parkway, which runs north-south and connects Jasper and Banff, is widely considered one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the world. If you are driving to Jasper from Edmonton, you will pass through the town of Hinton, which is located just outside the park boundaries. If you are coming from Calgary, you will pass through Banff before arriving in Jasper.

There are also airport shuttle services available from both Edmonton and Calgary International Airports. SunDog Transportation and Tours Ltd. offer daily shuttle services from Edmonton to Jasper, departing Edmonton at 3:15 pm and arriving in Jasper at 8 pm. They also offer a shuttle service from Calgary to Jasper through the Icefields Parkway, with pickup times beginning in downtown Calgary at 11 am and arriving in Jasper between 6:30 and 6:45 pm.

Whether you choose to drive yourself or take a shuttle, be sure to factor in plenty of time for breaks, slow traffic, and inclement weather conditions. The roads in and around Jasper are well-maintained, with all major roads paved and all highways having shoulders. However, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is equipped for all types of mountain weather and that you are up-to-date on the latest road conditions.

Frequently asked questions