Getting Around in Calgary

Getting around in Calgary is fairly straightforward as the city has a reliable public transport network consisting of buses and trains. While most of Calgary’s residents use public transport to commute during the week, you may find it worthwhile to have your own vehicle in order to explore a bit further afield.

Public transport in Calgary

Public transport in Calgary is fast and efficient, with an extensive multi-modal network and an integrated ticketing system. Calgary Transit has expanded its On Demand service to new zones, making it easier for more communities to access public transport.

Single tickets allow 90 minutes of travel on any train or bus route. A monthly pass is the best option if you're a regular commuter. Both single and monthly tickets are available at CTrain stations, convenience stores, and online.

CTrain

Calgary’s light rail transit system is known as the CTrain. The CTrain network is not as extensive as those in other major cities, and in many cases, you may need to rely on bus services to complete your journey.

Trains run pretty punctually from 4am to 1am daily. On special holidays and festivals, there is an extended 24-hour service. Unfortunately, CTrain users experience frequent closures due to construction or maintenance, especially on weekends. Check the CTrain website before leaving to ensure you're aware of any delays or cancellations.

Buses

Calgary’s extensive bus network covers more than 100 routes. Buses in Calgary also service those areas not covered by the CTrain network. All the bus routes are numbered and designed to connect Calgary’s various suburbs to the city centre or CTrain stations.

Buses aren’t as frequent as trains in Calgary; you can expect an average 30-minute wait time, but this varies between routes. The expansion of the On Demand transit service has also helped bridge gaps where regular routes are less frequent.

Useful links

• Calgary Transit Official Website
• CTrain Maps and Stations
• Bus Routes and Schedules

Taxis in Calgary

Taxis in Calgary are readily available, and while they aren’t exactly cheap, they do offer a convenient and safe way to get from point A to B. They're particularly handy for late-night travel or for getting to areas that aren’t well served by the CTrain or late-night bus service. Besides traditional taxi services, there are also got ride-hailing options such as Uber, TappCar, and Ridesharing.com.

Useful links

• Licenced Taxi and Limousine Companies
• Uber Calgary
• TappCar
• Ridesharing.com

Driving in Calgary

Having a car in Calgary is not essential, but many people choose to purchase their own vehicle. A car may be practical if you have children or want to explore the region in your leisure time. You can drive using your national driving licence but will eventually have to apply for a local Alberta licence.

If you decide to drive in Calgary, you may find navigating the city’s quadrant system challenging initially. If you use a car to commute into Calgary’s city centre, you will experience plenty of traffic, especially during rush hour. Be mindful of the lane reversal rules that are operational during peak hours.

Calgary’s winters can be unforgiving, and driving during the colder months requires extra caution. The city operates a Snow and Ice Control (SNIC) programme that prioritises major roads and bus routes for snow clearing. It’s a good idea to equip your vehicle with winter tyres and keep an emergency kit handy. Driving on residential streets after a snowstorm can be treacherous, so always be vigilant.

If you’re new to driving in Calgary, you might want to consider joining a driver education programme. The City of Calgary’s guide is also helpful for understanding local driving regulations.

Read more about Driving and Driving Licences in Canada.

Useful links

• City of Calgary Roads and Traffic

Cycling in Calgary

Thanks to recent expansions to the city’s cycling infrastructure, cycling in Calgary has become more accessible, with added protected two-way bike lanes, replaced painted lanes, new pathways and traffic-calming measures.

Calgary has also contracted two private companies, Bird Canada and Neuron, to facilitate their shared micromobility programme that encourages using e-scooters and bikes for short trips around the city. The city recovers the costs of this programme through a per-trip fee model, which helps maintain the micromobility parking infrastructure.

While Calgary has a good network of off-street bike paths, you might find that motorists are not always courteous to cyclists. It is, therefore, best to be vigilant when sharing the road with drivers. The city is continuing to expand its cycling infrastructure, making it easier and safer for cyclists to get around urban areas.

Useful links

• Calgary Pathways and Bikeways

Walking in Calgary

Calgary’s city centre is highly pedestrianised, making walking the quickest way to get around. In the winter, most people navigate their way around the city using the Plus 15 system, which is made up of several enclosed walkways. The Plus 15 system is especially useful during the colder months, allowing you to get around downtown without dealing with icy streets and chilly temperatures.

Beyond the city centre, Calgary is also working to improve pedestrian infrastructure in residential areas. These measures include new pathways and traffic-calming measures to enhance walkability and ensure a safer experience for pedestrians.

Sections of the Plus 15 system are occasionally closed for maintenance or construction, so it’s best to check for updates from the City of Calgary’s official communications before setting out.

Useful links

• Plus 15 Skywalk System
• Calgary Pedestrian Strategy