Calgary City Guide - Getting Around

Although Calgary does not have a subway, its combination of bus services, integrated with a light rail system (known as the C-train), provides effective transportation within the city centre. The service is punctual, clean and cheap. Calgary Transit (tel: (403) 262 1000; website: www.calgarytransit.com) operates both the buses and the C-train.

The C-train comprises two lines, known as routes 201 and 202. The 201 line runs from Somerset Bridlewood in the south to Dalhouse (extended to Cowfoot by October 2008) in the northwest. The 202 line runs from McKnight-Westwinds in the northeast and ends at Tenth Street at the western end of Downtown. The stretch where both lines overlap along Seventh Avenue is a fare-free zone. The C-train arrives every five minutes or so during rush hour and every 15 minutes at other times; it operates Monday to Sunday 0400-2400 and 24 hours during Calgary Stampede.

Buses operate daily 0500-2400 (some main routes until 0100) throughout the city, its suburbs and to the airport.

Tickets for buses can be purchased upon boarding (exact change only), while travellers on the C-train must purchase a ticket from the vending machines, located at all C-train stations. Transfers (valid for 90 minutes) are available for switching between C-train and buses. Day passes are available.

A great number of private despatch companies operate in Calgary. Taxis can be hailed in the city centre at any time. They can also be ordered by telephone from companies such as Checker/Yellow Cabs (tel: (403) 299 9999 or 974 1111).

An initial charge applies and the price rises according to the time and distance travelled. A short trip within the city centre should not cost more than C$15. Drivers are commonly tipped around 10 to 15% of the fare.

Traffic is heaviest during rush hour (0700-0930 and 1630-1900), particularly on the highways connecting the suburbs with the city centre. Calgary is laid out on an easy-to-follow grid system, although the way the city is divided into quadrants, such as Southwest (SW), may be a bit confusing at first. In the city centre, the Bow River divides north from south, while Centre Street separates east and west. Major streets and avenues are named according to number, with avenues running east-west and streets running north-south. Many streets are one way, and even the locals are often confused with the quadrant system.

Street parking is available, although rare in the city centre during the day. Parking in one of the plentiful private lots is more reliable. The Calgary Parking Authority (website: www.calgaryparking.com) has details on locations, operating hours and rates.

Most major North American and international car hire firms operate within Calgary. Drivers must be 21 years or older and those under 25 may have to pay a surcharge with certain firms. A full driving licence from your home country is usually sufficient. Insurance is essential and is available from the car hire firm.

The most central locations accepting international reservations are Avis, 211 Sixth Avenue SW (tel: (403) 269 6166; website: www.avis.com), Budget, 140 Sixth Avenue SE (tel: (403) 226 1550; website: www.budgetcanada.com), Hertz, 117 Fifth Avenue SE (tel: (403) 221 1676; website: www.hertz.com), National Car Rental, 114 Fifth Avenue SE (tel: (403) 263 6386; website: www.nationalcar.ca), Rent-a-Wreck, 113 42nd Avenue (tel: (403) 287 9703 or 1 800 327 0116; website: www.rent-a-wreck.ca) and Thrifty, Calgary International Airport (tel: (403) 262 4400; website: www.thrifty.com).

Caravan & RV Hire
A motorhome or camper van is a superb way to see the Rocky Mountains at a leisurely pace. Nearly a dozen companies rent RVs (recreational vehicles), most offering one-way rentals to destinations such as Vancouver.

A typical example is Alldrive Canada, 1908 10th Avenue SW (tel: (403) 245 2935 or 1 888 736 8787; website: www.alldrive.com), which has anything from a compact camper van to a luxury motorhome sleeping six. Tourism Calgary lists other companies online (website: www.tourismcalgary.com).

You can arrange bicycle or rollerblade hire through Sports Rent, 4424 16th Avenue NW (tel: (403) 292 0077; website: www.sportsrent.ca).