Travel Information

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Getting There:

Getting to Calgary is easy, thanks to the multitude of transportation options connecting it with destinations worldwide. With a state-of-the-art airport known for its modern facilities and warm reception, reaching Calgary by air is a seamless experience. Commercial airlines provide convenient access, complemented by a range of alternative travel choices for both domestic and international travellers.

BY AIR

If you’re arriving by plane, Calgary International Airport serves as the gateway to the city. Located northeast of downtown, it’s a convenient 25-minute drive to the city center. Car rentals can be arranged from within the terminal, and alternative transportation options such as local buses, taxis, limousines, wheelchair-accessible vehicles (pre-arranged), and select hotel shuttles are available just outside the terminal doors. Calgary boasts a modern network of trains and public transportation, which can help you get anywhere in the city, hassle free.

BY RAIL

For those seeking a remarkable experience, traveling to Calgary by train with the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer service is a popular choice. These scenic train tours provide a memorable way to begin or end your trip, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

BY ROAD

If arriving by car, Calgary is easily accessible via major highway systems. The Trans-Canada Highway (also known as the #1 Highway) and Alberta Highway 2 (Queen Elizabeth II Highway) connect Calgary to destinations such as Banff, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Edmonton, and the United States border. It’s important to note that weather conditions, such as forest fires in the summer or avalanches in the winter, may cause delays on these highways. Planning ahead and checking the latest road reports for Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan is advisable. The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) provides road reports throughout Alberta, and information on road conditions across the United States can also be obtained.

For travelers preferring bus transportation, bus tours are a popular choice for exploring Calgary and its surrounding areas, including the Canadian Rockies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Canadian Badlands. Whether booking a seat or chartering a group tour, buses offer a safe and reliable means of exploring Alberta. Many shuttle services operate to and from Calgary, connecting major hotels and motels with YYC Calgary International Airport. Private group bookings are also available for those looking to explore destinations such as Kananaskis, Banff, and beyond. Additionally, Red Arrow provides intercity bus service within Alberta, serving Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, while the Prairie Sprinter offers transportation to Medicine Hat.

Please note that Greyhound service is not available in Western Canada, including all destinations west of Sudbury.

Travel within Calgary:

E-transportation:

Bike Sharing:
Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway and cycle path network in North America, with approximately 850 kilometres of regional pathways and 95 kilometres of trails. Major streets in Calgary, including 12 Avenue SW, 8 Avenue SW, and 5 Street SW in the city centre, are equipped with bike lanes. The popular dockless e-bike sharing program Lime is available in Calgary, allowing users to download the mobile application, locate, and rent bikes starting at $1.00. Click here for more information on bike rentals and tours.

Scooter Sharing:
The city of Calgary has also launched a 16-month electric scooter pilot project. There are two companies that are currently offering e-scooter services in Calgary – Lime and Bird. The scooter share program is also based on a dockless system, and is simple to use. Those looking to rent an e-scooter will need to download the respective app and create an account. Rentals are charged per minute.

Public Transit:
Calgary’s public transit network consists of buses and two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, known as the C-Train. The C-Train (the ‘C’ stands for Calgary) has 45 stations and is the only emissions-free, wind-powered public transit operation in North America. The C-Train offers a fare-free downtown, where commuters may hop on and off the train along 7th Avenue. Connecting conference delegates to Calgary’s destinations, the C-train conveniently connects to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Stampede Park and all quadrants of the city.

Tickets and passes can be purchased with cash or credit card at all C-Train stations, with cash on the bus (change is not given), or at numerous drug stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores across the city.

Fares:

Fares are valid for 90 minutes; passes are valid for one day.

  • Fares for adults are $3.50 ($11.00 for a day pass
  • Fares for youth (6-17): $2.40 ($8.00 for a day pass)
  • children five and under are free. 

Transit routes operate on varying schedules throughout the city. For complete information and to plan a trip, visit Calgary Transit, or use Google Maps, which is completely integrated with Calgary’s transit system.

Ride Sharing:
Ride sharing is a convenient transportation option in Calgary, with several organizations offering the digital service in. Download the Uber or TappCar (a regional ride share program) mobile applications, users can book a ride on the spot with a local driver. Memberships from other cities are usually valid for these services in Calgary.

Taxi and Limousine:
Taxis charge a base rate between $3.80 and $4.50. Most taxi services provide online and mobile booking apps and accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. 

Limousines and luxury sedans are also available for transportation needs, whether it be general commuting or special occasions, through various transportation providers in the city.

The approximate fare from YYC Calgary International Airport to downtown under normal driving conditions is between $40 to $45.

Tipping drivers 10-15 per cent of the total cost of your cab or limousine ride is customary in the area.

Rental Cars
Exploring Calgary by car is a convenient way to discover the city’s communities or embark on a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains. Numerous rental car and car sharing companies operate in Calgary, providing options for navigating the city.

Calgary’s Skywalk System

Experience the Skywalk System, a remarkable pedestrian skywalk network that offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the city from a bird’s eye perspective. Named “+15”, this extensive system elevates you fifteen fee above the ground, spanning an impressive distance of 16km. Connecting5 59 bridges across various downtown buildings, including the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, this network grants convenient access to numerous city destinations, eliminating the need to step outside, during unfavourable weather conditions.