Calgary International Airport (YYC) is one of Canada’s busiest and most modern airports. Serving more than 18 million passengers annually, YYC is a major hub for Western Canada, offering extensive domestic, U.S., and international connections.
Whether you’re a newcomer, tourist, or frequent business traveler, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2025 — terminals, airlines, transportation, services, security tips, and more.
1. Overview of Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Location: 2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, Alberta
- Distance from Downtown: 17 km / ~20–25 minutes
- IATA Code: YYC
- Operating Since: 1938
- Annual Passengers: ~18 million
- Runways: 4
- Terminals: 2 (Domestics & International)
YYC is the 4th busiest airport in Canada and the largest airport in Alberta.
⭐ 2. Terminals at YYC
A. Domestic Terminal (Concourse A, B, C)
Used for flights within Canada.
Major Airlines:
- WestJet
- Air Canada
- Flair Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Air North
Destinations: Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Winnipeg, Montreal, Whitehorse & more.
B. International Terminal (Concourse D & E)
Handles U.S. and overseas flights.
U.S. destinations:
Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Phoenix, LA, Houston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle.
International destinations:
London, Frankfurt, Tokyo (seasonal), Dublin, Cancun, Mexico City, Punta Cana.
Airlines Operating:
- WestJet
- Air Canada
- Delta
- United
- KLM
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Japan Airlines (seasonal charter)
🚗 3. Transportation To & From YYC (Updated for 2025)
Getting to and from Calgary International Airport (YYC) is easier than ever. Whether you prefer public transit, rideshare, long-distance buses, or shuttles to the Rockies — here’s the complete 2025 guide to all available transportation options.
🚍 A. Calgary Transit (Local Public Transport)
1. Route 300 BRT (Airport ↔ Downtown)
The fastest public transit connection between YYC and downtown.
- Travel time: 30–40 minutes
- Fare: $11.25 (airport boarding surcharge included)
- Luggage-friendly, frequent service
- Perfect for budget travelers
2. Route 100 (Airport ↔ McKnight–Westwinds CTrain Station)
A cheaper alternative connecting to the CTrain’s Blue Line.
- Fare: $3.70
- Travel time: 35–50 minutes
- Great for reaching NE Calgary or connecting to downtown via CTrain
3. CTrain Access
There is no direct CTrain station at YYC, but quick access is available:
- Route 100 → McKnight–Westwinds (Blue Line)
- Route 300 → Downtown (Blue/Red Line connections)
Trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
4. Night Buses
For late-night arrivals, Calgary Transit provides overnight service with buses such as:
- N3
- N301
A convenient and safe option after midnight.
🚖 B. Taxis
Available 24/7 at Arrivals.
- Cost to downtown: $40–$48
- Time: 20–25 minutes
- Flat-rate destination zones available across the city
🚘 C. Rideshare Apps
Pickup zone: Arrivals, Door 5
Available apps:
- Uber
- Lyft
Usually 10–20% cheaper than taxis.
🚗 D. Car Rentals (All On-Site)
On the Arrivals level of the Domestic Terminal.
Companies include:
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Ideal for exploring Banff, Canmore, Drumheller, Red Deer, Edmonton, and the rest of Alberta.
🚌 E. Long-Distance & Regional Buses
YYC is becoming a regional transportation hub with several intercity coach providers.
1. FlixBus
Budget-friendly long-distance travel.
Destinations include:
- Banff
- Canmore
- Red Deer
- Edmonton
- Lethbridge (seasonal)
Great value for money.
2. Red Arrow / Ebus
Comfort coaches with:
- Wi-Fi
- Outlets
- Extra legroom
Popular routes:
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
- Lethbridge
Some pickups occur near (not inside) the airport — check schedules.
3. ColdShot Bus
Budget intercity carrier serving:
- Edmonton
- Fort McMurray
- Grande Prairie
- Red Deer
Most routes depart from partner locations near YYC.
4. On-It Regional Transit (Seasonal)
Spring–Fall service to the Rockies:
- Calgary ↔ Banff
- Calgary ↔ Canmore
Excellent for weekend trips.
🏔 F. Shuttles to Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise
Door-to-door or hotel drop-off services:
- Banff Airporter
- Brewster Express
- Mountain Park Transportation
Travel times:
- Banff: 1 hr 30 min
- Canmore: 1 hr 10 min
- Lake Louise: 2 hr 20 min
The easiest way to start a Rockies vacation straight from the airport.
🏨 G. Hotel Shuttles
Many airport hotels offer free shuttles, including:
- Hampton Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Best Western Premier
- Sandman
Pickup instructions usually posted at Door 4 or 5.
🚐 H. Other Options
- Turo (car-sharing)
- Private limousines
- Carpool pickup zones
- Corporate shuttle fleets
🌟 Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Time to Downtown | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 300 | $11.25 | 30–40 min | Fast & cheap |
| Bus 100 + CTrain | $3.70 | 35–50 min | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | $40–48 | 20–25 min | Convenience |
| Uber/Lyft | $32–45 | 20–25 min | Cheaper alternative |
| Car rental | varies | 20–25 min | Road trips |
| FlixBus | from $14 | varies | Banff/Edmonton travel |
| Red Arrow/Ebus | from $35 | varies | Comfortable long-distance |
| Banff Airporter | from $75 | 1–2 hr | Rockies direct travel |
🧳 4. Baggage & Security Information (2025)
Security Wait Times
YYC provides real-time security wait times on monitors & their website.
Average times:
- Domestic: 5–15 min
- U.S. Preclearance: 15–30 min
- International: 10–20 min
U.S. Preclearance
You clear U.S. Customs & Border Protection before departing Calgary — a major benefit for travelers.
Self-Tagging
YYC is fully equipped with:
- Self-tag kiosks
- Express bag drop
- Passport e-gates
☕ 5. Food, Shopping & Services
Restaurants
- Chili’s
- A&W
- Subway
- Vin Room (wine bar)
- Pacific Coffee
- Belgian Beer Café
- Starbucks
Shops
- Hudson News
- Duty-Free
- Calgary Flames store
- Souvenir shops
- Tech accessories stores
Other Services
- Free unlimited Wi-Fi
- Pet relief areas
- Kids’ play zones
- Spa services
- Currency exchange
- Hotels inside the airport (Delta Hotels Calgary Airport)
🛫 6. Airlines & Direct Routes (2025)
Major Hubs
✈️ WestJet – Main hub
✈️ Air Canada – Western Canada hub
Top Domestic Destinations
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Halifax
Top International Destinations
- London (LHR)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Tokyo (NRT, seasonal)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Mexico & Caribbean resorts
🅿️ 7. Parking at YYC
Short-Term
$5 per 30 min
Long-Term
- Economy Lot: from $15/day
- Long-Term Parkade: from $25/day
Tip: Pre-booking online can save 20–40%.
🏨 8. Best Hotels Near YYC
1. Delta Hotels Calgary Airport (inside terminal)
Ideal for early flights.
2. Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
Luxury, direct access to International Terminal.
3. Sandman Hotel
Affordable + free shuttle.
4. Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport
Business-friendly.
🧭 9. Tips for Flying Through YYC (2025)
✔ Arrive 2 hours early for domestic & 3 hours early for international
✔ Use YYC’s express security line if flying with only carry-on
✔ Eat before entering U.S. Preclearance — fewer options inside
✔ Check parking prices online (dynamic pricing)
✔ Use the YYC app for gate changes & flight alerts
🎯 Conclusion
Calgary International Airport (YYC) continues to expand, modernize, and improve the travel experience for millions of passengers every year. Whether you’re flying across Canada, heading to the U.S., or taking an overseas trip, YYC offers convenience, efficiency, and high-quality traveler services.
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