I had the exact same dilemma last summer! We eventually decided against the shuttle because we didn’t want to be crammed in with 20 other people and their luggage. Instead, we looked for a more personal taxi service banff that we could book in advance. We used a platform where you can actually see the car and the price before you commit, and it was the highlight of our arrival. Our driver was great—he knew all the best viewpoints along the Trans-Canada Highway and didn’t mind a quick 5-minute stop so we could stretch our legs and take some initial mountain photos. It felt like a much more “premium” start to the vacation compared to a crowded bus. Plus, being dropped off right at our cabin door instead of a central bus hub saved us a lot of walking with heavy bags. If you value your time and a bit of extra comfort, a private transfer is definitely the way to go.