Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

YYCCanadaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Calgary International Airport

Calgary, Canada

Drop-off

Downtown Calgary (4 Ave SW / 2 St SW)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Calgary Transit Route 300 BRT Airport / City Centre

bus · 23-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Calgary Transit Route 300 BRT Airport / City Centre
Headway: 23-30
Backup: Calgary Transit Route 100 Airport / McKnight-Westwinds LRT · 20-30m

Note

Limited-stop BRT bus from YYC Domestic and International terminal stops to downtown along Centre Street, serving stops near City Hall and 4 Ave SW/2 St SW within easy walking distance of major hotels and offices. Operates from early morning until around 00:00–01:20 depending on day; tickets valid for transfers on CTrain and buses within 90 minutes.

Budget focus

Calgary: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likecalgary airport busandyyc to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Calgary Transit Route 100 Airport / McKnight-Westwinds LRT
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Local bus from YYC to McKnight–Westwinds CTrain (Blue Line) and North Pointe terminal, where travellers can transfer to the CTrain for downtown. Useful when Route 300 headways are long or for connections in northeast Calgary rather than a direct downtown bus.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Calgary Transit Route 300 BRT Airport / City Centre
Mode: bus
Freq: 23-30m
Note: Limited-stop BRT bus from YYC Domestic and International terminal stops to downtown along Centre Street, serving stops near City Hall and 4 Ave SW/2 St SW within easy walking distance of major hotels and offices. Operates from early morning until around 00:00–01:20 depending on day; tickets valid for transfers on CTrain and buses within 90 minutes.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.