Getting Around
Getting around in Calgary is easy as most of the city's attractions are concentrated within the city centre. The streets downtown are laid out in a numbered grid with avenues running east to west and streets running north to south, while in outlying areas neighbourhoods have more meandering streets which can be confusing to visitors.
Because of the grid system, walking around downtown Calgary is a simple way to get around. The Eau Claire market area and the Stephen Avenue Mall are pleasant pedestrian-only areas. Calgary's public transport system is efficient and reliable, with a light rail and bus system servicing the city centre. The light rail runs from 4am to midnight every day, and the buses operate from 5am to midnight, with some routes continuing until 1am. There is a fare-free zone in the middle of town, and in other areas a pass can be purchased at many convenience stores.
There are plenty of taxis available, either by hailing them in the street or calling the dispatch. Note that taxis cruise mainly the central areas of the city. Driving in Calgary is relatively stress-free. Many streets are one-way, and streets marked 'transit only' are for public transport vehicles only.
Parking downtown can be scarce and confusing, as the city uses an automated pay system that requires you to enter your zone and license plate number into a pay station. It is often easier to park in a private lot. There are numerous companies from which you can hire a car in Calgary.
Airports
Calgary Airport
The airport is 12 miles (20km) northeast of downtown Calgary.
Calgary Airport (YYC)
Location
The airport is 12 miles (20km) northeast of downtown Calgary.Getting to the city
There are a number of bus services running between the airport, the city centre and other Alberta destinations. Calgary Transit provides a public bus service to and from the airport. There is also an Airport Shuttle Express, which services most hotels in the Calgary area, and several hotels offer a courtesy shuttle service. Airport taxis are available outside Arrivals.
Time
GMT -7 (GMT -6 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).Car rental
Alamo, Budget, Avis, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Thrifty are all represented at the airport and can be found in the Rental Car Centre opposite the main terminal building. There are also offsite car rental companies.
Airport Taxis
Airport taxis are available outside Arrivals.
Facilities
There are shops and duty-free shopping, restaurants and bars, ATMs, a foreign exchange, and an information booth within the terminal. There are also business centres. Disabled passengers are well catered for and there are plenty of children's entertainment facilities.
Parking
All parking lots are within walking distance of the terminal.