Flying into Calgary is legendary. The city is surrounded by stunning natural splendor in Canada, maybe even North America, and landing with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop is an experience you won’t forget.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) delivers that same laid-back mountain vibe. The airport isn’t as large or hectic as Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, which means you’ll navigate it easily. YYC was recognized as the Overall Winner at the Routes Americas Awards for air service development, and I find the whole experience genuinely stress-free.
If you’re planning a trip to Calgary or the surrounding area, here’s the expert guide to get you oriented before you even land. This is everything you need to know about arriving at and departing from Calgary International Airport.
Getting to and from YYC by public transportation
Calgary Transit runs Routes 100 and 300 directly from the airport, with Route 100 connecting to the CTrain Blue Line, getting you pretty much anywhere in the city. Where you’re headed will determine your exact route, but YYC is well-connected for public transportation.
You’ll find two different bus stops, one at domestic arrivals (Bays 7/8) and another at international arrivals (Bay 32). The signs are clear and easy to spot once you’ve grabbed your bags. Buses run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day, and you can buy tickets at the 7-Eleven in the arrivals area near Door 11 or from ticket machines at the bus stops using coins, debit or credit cards.
Getting to and from YYC by car
The drive from YYC to downtown Calgary varies depending on traffic and your specific route.
The taxi fare to downtown runs between $40 and $45 under normal driving conditions. I prefer taxis over public transit here because I’m usually traveling for work and need to optimize time.
You don’t really have to worry about taxi scams here, but I’ve had good experiences with the authorized operators. Associated Cab and Checker Cabs are the official taxi companies serving the airport, with taxi stands at Doors 1, 9, and 15.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available—they’re the only authorized ride app providers at YYC. You’ll find clearly marked pick-up zones for both taxis and rideshare vehicles, so you’ll want to look carefully for the correct signs to ensure you can easily find your driver without running into any confusion or issues.
Arriving at YYC
Domestic arrivals at YYC are straightforward and fast. You’ll land in the domestic terminal at Gates A through C (Air Canada typically uses B and C gates), then head straight to baggage claim. I fly this route often, and the whole process is genuinely easy.
For international arrivals, YYC services the United States, Mexico, Seoul in South Korea, and various spots in Europe and the Caribbean, with Tokyo service available seasonally or through Air Canada marketed fares. If you’re flying in from abroad, you’ll clear customs before baggage claim. A huge perk for US-bound travelers is that YYC has US Preclearance, meaning you go through US customs *in Calgary* and land in the US as a domestic passenger. No long customs lines after a long flight.
Heads-up for those arriving from other international destinations: Canadian airports use Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK) for customs declarations where you scan your documents, take your photo, and complete declarations before you see an agent. They’re meant to speed things up, but can cause a bottleneck if there are tech issues or if folks aren’t used to them.
Security lines at YYC
The security lines at Calgary International Airport are impressive and efficient. It rarely gets too backed up, and the staff are typically efficient and friendly, which is always a nice touch.
While the YYC Express program has been discontinued, eligible travelers can now use CATSA’s Verified Traveller program for expedited screening. The regular security lines at YYC still move efficiently, so you’ll generally have a smooth experience regardless.
I’ve found that even without priority programs, the security process here remains relatively stress-free. The lines are often short anyway, but arriving with recommended time buffers gives you peace of mind. You never know when a few flights will decide to depart at the same time.
Lounges at YYC
There are a fair few lounges at Calgary International Airport, whether you have access through an airline status, a credit card, or just want to buy a day pass for some pre-flight peace and quiet.
The main lounges include the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Concourse C, reserved for eligible Aeroplan or Star Alliance members per access rules. The Aspire International Lounge (D Gates) and Aspire Lounge Transborder (E Gates) are pay-per-visit options. The WestJet Elevation Lounge permits eligible WestJet tier members, 787 Business class travelers and pay-per-use guests.
And here’s a great one: the YYC Quiet Space Lounge near Gate A24. It’s a free lounge open 24/7 for all passengers looking for a calm spot to nap, do some yoga, or just chill out away from the gate.
Free Wi-Fi at Calgary International Airport
YYC offers excellent free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
The network spans the entire airport, and I take great comfort in this as a digital nomad who works whenever I have a free minute.
You don’t have to jump through any hoops, either. Just select “YYC-Free-WiFi” from the network list on your device and agree to the terms. That’s it.
Souvenir shopping at the airport
Let’s be honest, shopping for souvenirs is always going to be cheaper and better outside of an airport. But if you’re in a pinch and need some last-minute gifts, Calgary International Airport has a decent selection.
Calgary Duty Free operates shops in the International Departures area (Concourse D) and US Departures (Concourse E) with the usual fragrances, spirits and designer goods. You’ll also find Elbow River Exchange for Indigenous and local gifts, plus Hudson convenience stores for travel basics.
Service animal relief areas at the airport
If you’re traveling with a service animal or a furry co-pilot, you’re in luck. YYC is very animal-friendly, and not just for service animals. Pets are allowed out of their carriers as long as they’re on a non-retractable leash of four feet (1.2 m) or less.
You’ll find plenty of pet relief areas to make the journey easier. There are spots inside the terminal in the domestic (Concourse B), US-bound (Concourse E), and international areas (Concourse D), plus a few outside the terminal buildings. Look for them in Concourse D across from Chili’s, Concourse E near the food court adjacent to the Aspire Lounge entrance, and Concourse B adjacent to Gate B34. The airport provides waste bags and receptacles at all pet relief areas.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
