Calgary Airport (YYC) Flights & Information

Calgary Airport, officially known as Calgary International Airport (YYC), is the main gateway to the stunning landscapes of Alberta. It’s a thoughtful blend of modern amenities and local charm, with high ceilings and a spacious check-in area flooded with natural light. It always feels particularly airy entering into Calgary Airport, and along with super clean facilities, it’s a nice welcome to Canada.

It has over 14 million passengers passing through each year, making it the 4th busiest airport in Canada, but I always find that the layout is well designed to cope with all the business travelers and adventure seekers.

How to get to Calgary International Airport

There are plenty of options when it comes to moving to and from Calgary Airport.

If you’re driving to the city center from the airport by car, it will take around 90 minutes to make the trip. There are licensed taxis and sedans waiting outside so you don’t have to pre-book a ride. Otherwise, you can also use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft if you prefer to order a driver through the app.

A hot tip is to check with your accommodation provider in Calgary to see whether they have an airport shuttle. I’ve found that many hotels offer a courtesy shuttle option for guests, which means much less hassle knowing you’ll be dropped right at the door with minimal effort.

For public transport, you can easily use the public buses. There are 2 main bus routes servicing the airport, both stopping at the domestic and international terminals. Route 100 connects to North Pointe Bus Terminal and the Saddletowne LRT Station (Blue Line), and Route 300 is a rapid transit bus into downtown Calgary for a much quicker ride.

You can purchase tickets at the bus stops or at a 7-Eleven store. There’s no light rail line that directly reaches the airport, so you’ll have to use the buses to connect to an LRT stop.

How to get to Banff National Park from Calgary Airport

If the magical snow-capped peaks, blue lakes and outdoor adventures of Banff are the reason you’re landing in Calgary, you’re certainly not alone.

Calgary Airport is the closest airport to Banff and the main gateway to exploring this spectacular landscape in the Rockies. For a bucket list road trip, you can pick up a rental car at the airport and drive to Banff by taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The drive typically takes about an hour and a half.

For those preferring public transportation, there are several shuttle services operating regularly between YYC and Banff. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, but I would suggest booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons when they sell out quickly. Shuttle companies include Airport Shuttle Express, Brewster Express and On-It Regional Buses, with most offering daily services from door to door.

Moving between terminals

The airport is divided into 2 terminals: domestic and international. I always appreciate when airports make it easy to move between terminals and to different boarding gates so as not to leave you stressed for time, and YYC is one of those.

Calgary Airport has a convenient LINK shuttle that is fast and free. The 10-seater shuttles whiz through the interior of the airport in a loop, stopping at different parts of the terminals. They’re also wheelchair accessible. I find these particularly useful during peak travel times (like summer for Banff National Park) when the airport corridors can get extremely busy with tourists streaming in.

Dining options at Calgary Airport

The dining scene at Calgary International Airport is a delightful showcase of Alberta’s culinary offerings, providing a taste of local flavors and international fare. You’ll find the usual eateries like Starbucks, Burger King and Subway, but I recommend going for classic Canadian food.

Do not leave Canada without trying one of the iconic Tim Hortons donuts. There are several outlets across both terminals, so you’ll have ample chance to grab one. For a more filling meal, head to LB Taphouse in the domestic terminal, which serves local craft beer and Alberta-inspired cuisine. Plus, they also have plenty of power outlets so you can charge up before your flight.

In the international terminal, my top pick would be the Belgian Beer Cafe for, of course, Belgian beers along with a range of North American comfort dishes. Or, for more of a quick snack, stop at the locally owned Chachi’s Sandwich Bar before security for gourmet sandwiches made with artisan baked bread and homemade pickles and sauces.

Lounges at Calgary Airport

Calgary International Airport offers a range of lounges that provide a tranquil retreat for travelers looking to get away from the busy terminals.

In the domestic terminal, head to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, open to Star Alliance members and holders of qualifying credit cards. It offers a comfortable place to relax with high-speed Wi-Fi for getting work done, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a quiet zone where you can really escape the bustle of the terminal.

The WestJet Elevation Lounge is also in the domestic terminal and is accessible to those with Priority Pass or who are WestJet members and business class passengers. It has a business center with free Wi-Fi and meeting spaces, a family area with children’s games and private showers for freshening up.

For those flying internationally, the Aspire Lounge is the place to be. It doesn’t have any membership requirements – it’s simply a pay-per-use lounge. I find it worth the money if you have time to spare, as you can access fast Wi-Fi, showers, hot food and drinks, and plenty of power outlets for a reasonable cost.

Retail therapy

Perhaps the one shortcoming of Calgary Airport is the lack of retail stores. It doesn’t have the greatest variety of shops, but you’ll still be able to get basic travel essentials from 7-Eleven, Hudson or Relay.

There are a few souvenir stores but nothing over the top – just enough to spend the last of your local currency before heading home. For international passengers, the duty-free area is pretty standard, with the usual perfume, electronics, alcohol and confectionery that you’d find in most international airports.

Weather and flights at Calgary Airport

When planning your travel through Calgary International Airport, keeping an eye on the weather is essential, as it can significantly impact flight schedules.

Calgary experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, including snow in winter, rain in spring and occasional thunderstorms in summer. Due to the city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains, rapid changes in weather are common, leading to potential delays or cancelations.

While this hasn’t happened to me personally, there are certainly occasions where flights have been delayed or canceled due to the weather here. December through March is typically the most challenging period for air travel due to the heavy snowfall and colder temperatures in Calgary. There’s not much you can do about it, but just be mindful of these months and prepare for potential disruptions when planning your trip.

Accessibility at the airport

Calgary International Airport does a particularly great job of ensuring it is barrier-free for people of all ages and abilities.

Not only is the airport navigation designed for all abilities, with wheelchair accessible shuttles and terminal support throughout the check-in process, but it has established lots of initiatives to help a range of people.

YYC has a partnership with the Sunflower Program, a program that supports travelers with disabilities who may require more assistance. Sunflower lanyards and pins can be picked up at the information desk located on the arrivals level between Doors 7 and 9. These will subtly alert staff that you may need additional assistance or time.

Another great YYC initiative is the Pre-Board PALS program that brings friendly cats and dogs to the airport to reduce stress and enhance passenger experience. You’ll be able to identify therapeutic cats and dogs at the terminal during peak times by their red vests that say “Pet Me.” Each animal is evaluated by PALS to become an official therapy pet, and they’ve helped many people reduce their airport stress and flight anxiety.