Destination Calgary
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is situated to the north-east of the city. It is a hub for Star Alliance member Air Canada and the main hub for Westjet, which can be used on Oneworld Global Exporer tickets. It is served by Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines connecting to the USA.
Airport Code – YYC
Distance to Central Calgary – 10 Miles
Calgary Population – 1,500,000
Language – English
Currency – Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Voltage – 120v
Plug – Type A and Type B
Credit Cards – Widely Accepted
LGBTQ Friendly – Yes
Calgary Airport to City Transport Options
Bus
Car & Pick Up
Taxi
The red and silver 300 Bus runs from the Domestic and International Arrivals Areas to downtown Calgary via Centre Street. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes.
The fare is CAD3.85 (as of 12th September 2025) which acts as a 90 minute ticket to anywhere on the Calgary Transit network.
Tickets can be bought from machines at the bus stop with cash (no notes), or card.
Official Calgary taxis are available outside the arrivals areas at Doors 1, 9 and 15.
Taxis are metered and the typical fare from the airport to downtown is CAD40-50. Usual journey time is 15-20 minutes.
The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.
Welcome To Calgary
Calgary is a vibrant city where prairie landscapes meet the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want a blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
Begin your exploration downtown, where the Calgary Tower offers sweeping views of the skyline and the distant mountains. Nearby is Stephen Avenue Walk which is a lively corridor of cafés, shops, and street performers that reflects the city’s friendly character.
For a deeper sense of Calgary’s heritage, spend time in the East Village and along the Bow River pathway. Here you can visit the impressive Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and the historic Fort Calgary, where the city’s story began. Just across the river lies the creative neighborhood of Inglewood, known for its independent boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant live music scene.
No visit is complete without experiencing Calgary’s connection to the outdoors. The extensive network of parks and trails invites walking, cycling, and even winter skating. Prince’s Island Park, an oasis in the middle of the city, is perfect for a quiet stroll or a summer festival.
Calgary is also famous for the Calgary Stampede, held every July. This world-renowned rodeo and festival transforms the city into a celebration of western culture with parades, music, and plenty of cowboy hats.
Beyond the Stampede, the city’s culinary scene is flourishing, with innovative restaurants, craft breweries, and lively farmers markets showcasing Alberta’s agricultural richness.
Ideal day trips from Calgary take you to Kananaskis Country or Banff National Park, offering breathtaking hikes and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Getting Around Calgary
Calgary’s public transport system is designed to make getting around the city straightforward and efficient, combining a light rail network known as the CTrain with an extensive network of buses.
The CTrain is the backbone of the system, operating two main lines—the Red Line running north to south and the Blue Line running west to northeast. Both meet in the downtown core, which makes transferring between them simple. Within the city centre, the CTrain is free to ride between designated stations along the so-called Free Fare Zone, allowing you to hop on and off without paying when you are exploring downtown.
Fares outside the free zone are the same whether you take a bus or the train, and tickets are valid for ninety minutes from the time of purchase, giving you flexibility for transfers. You can buy single-ride tickets or day passes from ticket machines at all CTrain stations and many major bus stops, and the machines accept cash or credit. Calgary Transit also offers mobile ticketing through its app, which is convenient if you prefer to avoid paper tickets.
The bus system fills in the gaps between train lines, reaching residential neighborhoods, parks, and attractions that the CTrain does not cover. Buses run on clearly marked routes, and schedules are posted online as well as at major stops. During rush hours, express routes help commuters move quickly across the city. Service is generally reliable, but it’s worth checking schedules in the evening or on weekends, when frequency can be lower.
Cyclists will find that many CTrain stations and buses accommodate bicycles, making it easy to combine riding with public transport. In winter, when snow and cold are common, stations and key bus stops are kept well maintained, though it’s wise to allow a little extra time. Whether you are commuting to work, visiting attractions such as the Calgary Zoo or the University of Calgary, or heading toward the outskirts to connect with regional services, Calgary’s integrated network of trains and buses provides a practical and budget-friendly way to navigate the city without a car.
Calgary taxis are metered and can be hailed on the street. Taxis accept cash or cards.