Getting to Calgary

WestJet Aircraft flying over mountain range
WestJet Aircraft flying over mountain range

Getting to Calgary

Everything you need to know to get to and from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Airport & Air Travel

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.

YYC Calgary International Airport

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.

Travelling to Calgary by air.
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Highways

Getting to Calgary by car is easy with connections to several major highway systems. Calgary is accessible by the Trans-Canada Highway (also known as the #1 Highway) and Alberta Highway 2 (also known as Queen Elizabeth II Highway). These highways link Calgary to Banff, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Edmonton, and the United States border.

Highways into Calgary may face delays due to weather occurrences such as forest fires in the summer and avalanches in the winter. It is advisable to plan ahead and find the latest road reports for Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. You can also check the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) for road reports throughout Alberta and road conditions across the United States of America.
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Bus Services & Private Shuttle

Bus tours are a popular way to travel to Calgary and explore surrounding areas, like the Canadian Rockies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Canadian Badlands. Charter a group tour or book a single seat for a safe and reliable way to explore Alberta.

Many shuttle services are available to Calgary and from YYC Calgary International Airport to major hotels and motels. Private group bookings are also a great way to explore Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff, and beyond.

Red Arrow transportation operates intercity bus service in Alberta to Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, and the Prairie Sprinter provides transportation to Medicine Hat. 

Please note that there is no Greyhound service in Western Canada, including all destinations west of Sudbury.

Bus services and private shuttles in Calgary.
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RV Travel

Getting to Calgary in an RV is a popular and accessible way to travel to the city. The Trans-Canada Highway is a major route for RVs to enter Calgary from the Canadian Rockies and beyond. RV friendly routes with multiple lanes and clearly marked exits make it easy to navigate the city once you arrive: Stoney Trail (Highway 201), Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), Glenmore Trail, and 16th Avenue NE & NW

Learn about RV’ing in and around Calgary.
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Train Travel

Travelling to Calgary on a luxury train service provided by the Rocky Mountaineer is a popular option for visitors looking for a once in a lifetime experience. Train tours departing from and arriving into Calgary provide a wonderful experience to begin or end your holiday.

Regular passenger services that are strictly transportation-based are not currently offered in Calgary. If you are looking only for transportation services as opposed to a luxury train service, you will need to arrive by car, bus, or air.

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Crossing the Canadian Border

All visitors to Canada arriving from a different country must cross the Canadian border and 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.
Visitors entering Canada from the United States by car can use four main ports of entry on the Alberta/Montana border. It is important to note that not all border crossings are open all year and not all are open 24 hours. Check the Canada Border Services Agency for complete information to plan your trip across the border and bringing goods across the border.

Please note, rental cars cannot travel over international borders and be dropped off in a different country. All rental cars must be returned in their country of origin. For example, a rental car from the state of Montana cannot be returned in the province of Alberta.

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