Getting Around Calgary. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Calgary Transit operates a comprehensive public transportation system that serves the entire city, offering a reliable way to get around. The system comprises the C-Train (light rail transit) and an extensive bus network, connecting residential areas with the downtown core and major attractions.

The C-Train is the backbone, with Red (north-south) and Blue (east-west) lines converging downtown along 7th Avenue SW. A distinctive feature is the "7th Avenue Free Fare Zone" where C-Train travel is free between 10th Street SW and City Hall Station, simplifying movement between downtown attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Fares & Accessibility

Fares: Single cash fare is $3.70 CAD (90-minute transfer). Day Pass is $11.00 CAD for unlimited daily travel.
Purchase tickets at C-Train station vending machines (cash, debit, credit) or from authorized vendors like 7-Eleven.
My Fare App: Mobile ticketing app for purchasing and validating fares on your Smartphone.
Accessibility: All C-Train stations and most buses accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

Operating Hours

C-Train operates 4:30 AM - 1:30 AM daily. Peak frequency is 5-10 minutes, off-peak 15-30 minutes. Bus hours vary by route.

Important Hubs

Downtown C-Train stations (7th Ave SW) are central. Other hubs include Westbrook, SAIT/ACAD/Jubilee, City Hall, Anderson, Crowfoot stations.

Efficiency Tips

Download the Calgary Transit app for real-time tracking and route planning. Utilize the 7th Avenue Free Fare Zone. Plan ahead for less frequent routes.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis are clearly marked (e.g., Checker Cabs, Associated Cab, Yellow Cab) and metered.
Hailing is possible in commercial areas; taxi stands are at hotels, shopping centers, YYC.
Fares are metered (base fare + per-kilometer); airport surcharges may apply. Tipping 10-15% is customary.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are the main services; book through their mobile apps.
Fares display in-app before confirmation; automatically charged to linked credit card.
Safety: Verify driver's name, vehicle make/model, and license plate number match the app details.

Car & Bike Rentals

Car Rental Age

Generally 21+, underage fees for 21-24 years old.

Car Rental Docs

Valid driver's license, IDP if non-English/French, credit card.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common; need motorcycle license. Limited scooter rentals.

Bicycle Rentals

Numerous bike shops for daily/multi-day rentals. Check for bike share apps.

Driving & Parking

Driving in Calgary offers flexibility for exploring the region. Alberta has a well-maintained road network. Highways are generally excellent. Parking downtown is mainly paid, using the Calgary Parking Authority's ParkPlus system.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Road Conditions & Parking

Roads are generally well-maintained. Winter (Nov-Apr) roads can be snowy/icy; winter tires are highly recommended.
Summer conditions are good, but watch for construction zones.
Parking: Downtown parking is mainly paid. Pay via ParkPlus system (pay stations or My Parking app). Parkades are numerous but can be expensive.
Neighborhoods: Some offer free street parking, but check signs for restrictions. Most major attractions feature dedicated paid parking.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-friendly areas: Stephen Avenue Walk (pedestrian mall), Beltline, East Village.
River Pathways: Extensive paved network along Bow and Elbow Rivers for walking, jogging, cycling.
Neighborhoods like Kensington, Inglewood, Mission are pleasant to explore on foot.

Bicycle Infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes and multi-use pathways, especially downtown and along rivers.
Cycling Safety: Helmets mandatory for cyclists under 18, recommended for all. Follow traffic laws, use hand signals.
No "no-go" areas within tourist zones. Avoid walking/cycling on major highways.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Various companies offer seasonal sightseeing tours of Calgary and day trips to the Rockies by coach.

Water Transport

Boat taxis or regular water transportation are not features of Calgary's public transit. Recreational rafting and kayaking are popular.

Accessibility Services

Calgary Transit Access is a shared-ride service for individuals with disabilities. Most major attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Guided Tours & Local Transport Unique Features

Several companies offer guided walking tours focusing on different aspects of Calgary's identity, like history, architecture, street art, or culinary themes, providing local insights and historical context. Self-guided tours are easily done using maps from Tourism Calgary or navigation apps.

Unique City Features

Winsport's Canada Olympic Park features a scenic chairlift, a recreational attraction offering city views and mountain bike access.
Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Stephen Avenue Walk is a downtown pedestrian mall. Beltline and East Village are also very walkable.
River Pathways: An extensive network of paved paths along Bow and Elbow Rivers offers scenic routes for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Self-guided tours: Use maps from Tourism Calgary or navigation apps for historical markers and public art installations.

Transit & Accessibility Focus

C-Train Free Fare Zone: Travel for free on the C-Train along 7th Avenue SW downtown (between 10th Street SW and City Hall Station).
MAX Lines: Bus Rapid Transit routes provide express service on major corridors, connecting suburban areas to hubs and downtown more quickly.
Calgary Transit Access: A shared-ride, door-to-door public transit service is available for individuals with disabilities preventing regular transit use.
Major attractions and public buildings generally feature wheelchair accessibility with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Eco-Friendly Travel Options

Public Transit

Using Calgary Transit (C-Train and buses) is an environmentally conscious way to explore the city.

Reduces carbon footprint.

Walking

Explore downtown, Stephen Avenue, and river pathways on foot for zero emissions.

Good for health and environment.

Cycling

Utilize the extensive bike lanes and multi-use paths for active and eco-friendly sightseeing.

Clean and active travel.

Additional Travel Advice

Navigating Efficiently

Plan less frequent bus routes or off-peak travel using the app or website to minimize waiting.
Observe public transit etiquette: stand right on escalators, yield seats to those in need.
For taxis, confirm payment options with the driver before your ride.

Rental Considerations

Advance booking for car rentals is good, especially during peak season, for preferred vehicle types and rates.
Verify rental car insurance coverage from your personal policy or credit card; consider additional coverage.
For cycling, wear a helmet (legally mandatory for under 18) and follow traffic laws.

Safety & Restrictions

Road Closures: Some mountain roads require winter tires (Oct 1 - Apr 30). Check conditions before travel.
Road Warnings: Be vigilant for wildlife, specifically deer and elk, on roads leading out of the city and into the mountains.
Summer construction: Watch for construction zones on major highways.
Ride-sharing safety: Always verify driver details match the app before entering the vehicle.

Parking Costs: Downtown parkades can be expensive; consider public transit or checking signs for street parking restrictions.
Mobile Phone Use: Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is against the law.
Wildlife Collisions: A concern in areas near the mountains; drive with caution, especially at dawn/dusk.
Some mountain roads require winter tires; failure to comply can result in fines.

Local Transport Summary:

Calgary's public transit system, combined with available taxis, ride-sharing, and extensive walking/cycling paths, makes city navigation simple.

Consider your itinerary and budget to choose the best transport mode for each activity.

Getting Around Calgary