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How To Get From Calgary to Edmonton

5 ways to travel between Alberta’s dual metropolises Option 1: Intercity Bus Option 2: Airplane Option 5: Private Shuttle Option 5: Driving

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5 ways to travel between Alberta’s dual metropolises

Option 1: Intercity Bus

  • Travel time: ~3-4 hours
  • Intercity carriers all offer frequent, direct, daily coach bus service between the two cities. Unfortunately, neither Calgary nor Edmonton offer a central bus terminal. All buses stop en route at Calgary and Edmonton Airports. Board and depart the intercity buses from the following locations:
  • Flixbus
  • Red Arrow
  • Ebus
  • Rider Express
    • Edmonton – Downtown – 10180 105 St NW (next to Fountain Tire)
  • The Canada Bus
    • Edmonton – Downtown – 10235 101 St NW
  • Cold Shot
    • Calgary – Centex Gas Station – 4 St NEB (across the Bow River, opposite downtown)
    • Edmonton – Cold Shot Terminal – 154 St NW
  • While Cold Shot is a good budget option, their downtown service is limited.
  • Fares: Starting at $25 CDN
  • Pros: Budget friendly, lots of options, express services, wi-fi, outlets, many amenities available
  • Cons: Long travel time, lack of a proper central bus terminal to lounge
  • The gist: Coach bus service between Calgary and Edmonton is competitive and frequent with multiple options to choose from. Plus each route stops at the airport.

Option 2: Airplane

  • Travel time: ~1 hour (not including check-in, security and transit to downtown (~4 hours total when factored in)
  • Air Canada andWest Jet offer multiple daily flights between Calgary Airport (YYC) and Edmonton Airport (YEG).
  • Travel time: ~1 hour (not including check-in, security and transit to downtown (~4 hours total when factored in)
  • Fares: Starting at $200 CDN
  • Pros: Fast, direct
  • Cons: Expensive, travelling to/from the airport, check in/security times
  • The gist: A fast, convenient way to travel between Alberta’s metropolis’ but be aware of traveling to the downtown from the airport.

Option 5: Private Shuttle

  • Travel time: ~3.5 hours
  • Some private charter companies likeAirport Shuttle Express offer shuttle service from each city’s respective airport to downtown hotels and any residential address in either Edmonton or Calgary.
  • Fares: Starting at $600 CDN for a group
  • Pros: Convenient, private, direct, door to door service, good for groups
  • Cons: Very expensive for a solo traveller
  • The gist: While shuttle charters are expensive they offer a convenient and private service to any destination in Edmonton or Calgary.

Option 5: Driving

  • Travel time: 3 hours
  • Highway 2 (Queen Elizabeth II Highway) is a freeway that directly connects Calgary and Edmonton. In Calgary Highway 2 is also known as Deerfoot Trail.
  • Pros: Fast, direct, convenient if your destination is in the suburbs
  • Cons: Traffic can be heavy during peak periods, parking in the downtown area can be expensive
  • The gist: Fast & convenient but traffic on the freeway can be congested and plan ahead during the winter driving season.