Getting to Calgary is easy with many transportation options to travel from destinations around the world. With one of the world’s most modern and welcoming airports, getting to Calgary by air is easy with commercial airline access and other options available to travellers.
As one of Canada’s largest airports, YYC Calgary International Airport welcomes millions of visitors to Calgary each year. YYC is a hub for major Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet and offers direct flights to Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Central America. With two in-terminal hotels, several restaurants, and a brand new international terminal, flying in and out of Calgary is a great experience for travellers from around the world. As a premier shopping destination, YYC boasts more than 135 shops and services for business and leisure travellers to enjoy.
The international airport is conveniently located in the northeast of Calgary, approximately 20 minutes from the downtown core. Rental cars, taxis, limousines, and airport shuttles are available at the airport.
Visitors from most countries, such as the United State of America, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, require a valid passport to enter Canada. All visitors to Canada arriving from a different country must cross the Canadian border pass through customs. Visitors arriving by air travel will complete the customs process at the airport upon arrival in Canada.
Visitors to Canada should carry valid travel documents when crossing the border no matter how you arrive. You will require a passport or equivalent travel document in order to cross the border and enter Canada.
You can consult the Government of Canada’s Requirements to Enter Canada for more information regarding entry requirements or the Canada Border Services Agency for customs regulations. These rules apply to all border crossings in Canada, including road and air entry points near or in Calgary.
Calgary is connected. Getting around Calgary is easy with many transportation options to suit your time exploring the city. Public transit, taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and limousines are great ways to get around during your stay.
Calgary is an accessible destination with services and infrastructure available so everyone can safely and comfortably explore the city. For more resources about accessible transportation, visit the Government of Canada’s Access to Travel and the City of Calgary’s Accessible Services and Programs listing.
The light-rail transit system, known to locals as the ‘CTrain’, is North America’s only wind-powered, emissions-free public transit system! With extensive cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, Calgary is also a bike friendly and walkable city.
Get around with ease choosing from our convenient transportation options.
Calgary Transit connects Calgary’s communities through bus and CTrain service. The CTrain (the ‘C’ stands for Calgary) has 45 stations and is the only emissions-free, wind-powered public transit operation in North America. The CTrain 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 CTrain conveniently connects to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Stampede Park and all quadrants of the city.
Regular Bus and C-Train: $3.40
YYC Airport to Downtown Calgary
(Direct Bus): $10.75
TAXI
Taxi stands are located at the airport and most hotels. Connecting from the Airport to downtown will take approximately 25 minutes with a $43.00 – $46.00 fare. Trips within downtown are typically under $10.00. Taxis charge a base rate of $3.80 and an additional surcharge at the airport. Most services have online and mobile booking apps. Most cabs accept credit, debit, and cash. Tipping drivers 10-15 per cent of the total cost of your cab ride is customary in the area.
Ride sharing is a convenient mode of transportation with several organizations offering the digital service in Calgary. Download the Uber or TappCar (a regional ride share program) mobile applications to book a ride on the spot from a local driver. Memberships from other cities are usually valid for these services in Calgary.
Limousines and luxury sedans are a great way to begin your stay in Calgary. A limousine (“luxury sedan”) from the airport to downtown costs approximately $48.00. For special occasions, limos of every imaginable size and style are available at variable rates, depending on the requirements of your ride.
Exploring Calgary by car is a convenient way to discover our communities, or take a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains. Rental cars are available in a variety of sizes and for any duration you wish in Calgary. Rental offices are located throughout Calgary, with a cluster of car rental desks at YYC Calgary International Airport and throughout downtown Calgary. All car rental companies in Canada have a minimum driving age to rent a vehicle within Canada. You should check with the rental car company to learn of their individual policy.
To navigate around the city, choose from the various rental car or car sharing companies that operate in Calgary.
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.
The downtown core is very walkable, with plenty of wayfinding signage to guide you to attractions, restaurants, and public art. The +15 (pronounced Plus 15) corridors connect several hotels, attractions, shopping centres, and buildings to allow pedestrians to travel indoors throughout the city centre. Sidewalks in Calgary are very wide, allowing for pedestrians to enjoy a luxurious experience as they walk through the city.
Interested in exploring Calgary on foot? Check out our helpful guides.
