Transportation in Calgary
From a concentration of high-rise buildings beside the sparkling blue water of the Bow River, Calgary sprawls across the prairies in all directions.Attractions are spread out across the city, but a reliable public transport network makes getting around easy.Beyond Calgary, Alberta's wilderness attractions can be visited on a day trip, an overnight excursion or more. To the west are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, both protecting the mountainous Canadian Rockies. To the east is Dinosaur Provincial Park, renowned for its concentration of dinosaur bones.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Train
CTrains deliver passengers to 37 stations along two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, both of which pass through downtown Calgary. Travel in the downtown core, between 10th St SW and 3rd St SE, is free.
Foot
Walking is often the quickest way to get around downtown, with attractions such as Calgary Zoo accessible via a pleasant riverside trail from downtown. Wander along the pedestrianised Stephen Avenue Mall for the Glenbow Museum, shopping and restaurants.
Bus
Calgary Transit buses run to all corners of the city seven days a week. Many routes originate from 8th Ave in downtown Calgary, while others begin from stations along the two CTrain lines.
Taxi
Cabs can be hailed on the street, but it is easier to make your way to a downtown hotel, where there is generally one or more taxis waiting for a fare. At Calgary International Airport, cabs are available throughout the day and night.
Rent your car
Calgary is laid out on a grid system with major routes looping around it in a large 'Y' shape reaching the airport in the north east. In an environmental initiative, small cars receive a 25% discount on downtown parking and meters are solar powered.
Transportation Tips
The easiest way to see the sights beyond Calgary is in a car rented from Calgary International Airport or in town. Brewster has a scheduled bus service between the airport and Banff National Park, with connections in summer to Jasper National Park.
Special Transportation
Bicycle
A string of riverside parks make cycling an enjoyable way to get around Calgary. From downtown's Prince's Island Park a paved path heads west along the south side of the Bow River as far as Edworthy Park, then returns along the north side of the river beside Memorial Drive.
