Getting around Calgary is usually easy, but a major infrastructure upgrade means many roads are under construction year-round. Check the city's Web site for construction and detours information. http://www.calgary.ca.
Many attractions are central to downtown and within walking distance of one another. The light-rail system (LRT or C-Train) is available for more distant travels. In inclement weather, pedestrians can make use of the Plus 15 elevated indoor walkways that connect the major downtown business and retail complexes. http://www.calgarytransit.com.
Car
With so much construction downtown, Calgary is experiencing a parking crunch, and the city is rumored to have Canada's most expensive hourly parking. There are parkades and at-grade parking lots as well as metered on-street parking, but be prepared to walk several blocks. Meter parking generally applies Monday-Saturday. Calgary has a Smart Pay system that uses a prepaid, declining balance card you can swipe to park. This may be useful if you need to park downtown frequently. All meters still accept coins. In outlying areas, parking is somewhat more plentiful and usually free. If you are staying outside downtown, you can avoid parking headaches by driving to a Park N Ride and taking the light-rail transit (LRT or C-Train).
Public Transportation
Public transportation is the best way to get around the city, especially during the Calgary Stampede, when roads are jammed. There are three components to the system: the light-rail transit (LRT or C-Train) and two types of buses (BRT, or Bus Rapid Transit and regular route buses). A single ticket for either the bus or LRT costs Can$2.25 adults, Can$1.50 children ages 6-14 and is available at train station concessions or ticket machines. Exact change required. Tickets include unlimited transfers within 90 minutes. Multiticket books are available: Can$19.50 adults, Can$13 children.
The LRT, with 27 mi/45 km of track and 38 stations, follows two main routes. One line runs from Dalhousie in the northwest to Somerset/Bridlewood in the south. The second line connects McKnight-Westwinds, in the northeast, to downtown. Both lines run through the downtown corridor. You can ride for free along the downtown corridor from Olympic Plaza to Eighth Street Southwest. The LRT operates Monday-Friday 5:30 am-12:40 am, Saturday 5:45 am-12:40 am, Sunday 6:30 am-midnight. Phone 403-262-1000 for information. http://www.calgarytransit.com/route_maps/lrt_stop.html.
Calgary's bus system is extensive. You can get just about anywhere in the city on one fare, and with the BRT there is rapid express service to improve overall service for the residents of west and north central, by supplementing existing express and feeder bus routes in the west and north central corridors. The bus system also connects various points along the LRT with other areas. To ride the bus you must deposit exact change (Canadian currency only) or have a valid ticket or transfer. Schedules vary depending on the route; frequency is highest 7-9 am and 4-6 pm. Fares are standard regardless of where you are or where you're going: Can$2.25 adults, Can$1.50 children ages 6-14. Phone 403-974-4000 for schedules. http://www.calgarytransit.com/route_maps/transit_system.html.
Taxi
You will find cabs waiting at the airport and at the main hotels downtown, but generally you have to order a cab by phone. Taxis are prohibited from picking up passengers except at designated taxi stands at the airport.
Train
There is no direct passenger train service to Calgary. VIA Rail will get you as close as Edmonton, where connecting bus service (Greyhound or Red Arrow) can take you to Calgary. Rocky Mountaineer Railtours offers two-day, daylight tours between Vancouver and Banff/Calgary or Jasper during summer. Phone 604-606-7200. Toll-free 800-665-7245. http://www.rockymountaineer.com.
