Calgary International Airport (YYC): All You Need to Know

If you're flying into Alberta, there's a strong chance you're landing at YYC: Calgary International Airport.

It's Alberta's biggest airport, the fourth-busiest airport in Canada, and the main gateway to the Canadian Rockies, the Calgary Stampede, the badlands of southern Alberta, and dozens of smaller destinations across the province. With over 19 million passengers passing through annually, YYC is also the main hub for WestJet and a focus city for Air Canada.

For first-time visitors and seasoned travellers, the airport can feel a little overwhelming on first arrival. Two terminals, six concourses, multiple parking options, dozens of airlines, and a sprawling 5,140-acre footprint, it's a lot to navigate. The good news is that once you know the layout and the basics, YYC is one of the easier major airports in Canada to use.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, where the airport is, how to get there, which airlines fly from YYC, where they fly to, parking, transportation, hotels, lounges, and the honest tips that will make your trip smoother. Let's get into it.

Where Is Calgary International Airport?

YYC is about 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary, in the northeast quadrant of the city. The official address is 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary, Alberta.

The airport is approximately 18 minutes by car from downtown Calgary in good traffic. From the major Calgary highways:

• Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1): About 20–25 minutes
• Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2): Direct connection to the airport, about 15 minutes from downtown
• From Banff: About 1 hour 30 minutes (135 km west on Highway 1)
• From Canmore: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• From Red Deer: About 1 hour 30 minutes south
• From Edmonton: About 3 hours south on Highway 2

The airport covers 20.82 square kilometres and has three runways, including two parallel north-south runways and one intersecting runway.

A Quick Look at YYC's Story

Calgary's airport history dates back to the late 1930s, when the original airfield was constructed. The current facility has been continuously expanded since then to keep pace with the city's growth.

A major milestone came in 2016 with the opening of the new International Terminal, expanding the airport's capacity for international and U.S. transborder flights. This expansion doubled YYC's international capacity and added the now-iconic glass-walled terminal that's the first sight for many international arrivals.

YYC has become particularly important as WestJet's main hub, with the Calgary-based airline operating its largest concentration of flights from here. The airport has also weathered some notable moments in aviation history — including diverting 13 international flights during the September 11, 2001 attacks as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon, when international air traffic was grounded across North America.

How to Get to Calgary International Airport

Several transportation options connect YYC to downtown Calgary and the wider region.

Driving Yourself

The most popular option. From downtown Calgary, take Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) north to the airport exit. The drive is about 18 minutes in good traffic, up to 30 minutes during rush hour.

Taxis

Available at the arrivals level of both terminals. A trip from YYC to downtown Calgary typically costs $40–$45. Taxis are reliable and operate 24/7.

Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)

Both Uber and Lyft operate at YYC. Pickup locations are clearly marked on the arrivals level. Rates are typically similar to or slightly cheaper than taxis, depending on demand and time of day.

Public Transit

Calgary Transit runs buses to and from YYC:

• Route 300 BRT (Airport/City Centre) — the express route directly to downtown Calgary. Recent fare reductions mean a ride costs just $3.60 (with free transfers up to 90 minutes), making it one of the most affordable airport-to-downtown options in any major Canadian city.
• Route 100 — connects YYC to the Saddletowne LRT Station and North Pointe Bus Terminal, providing transfers to the wider Calgary CTrain network.

Bus stops are located at the arrivals level of both terminals.

Airport Shuttles

Multiple shuttle companies run regular service between YYC and destinations across Alberta:

• Banff Airporter — direct shuttles to Banff and Lake Louise
• Brewster Express (Pursuit) — shuttles to Banff and Canmore
• Sundog Tours — Alberta-wide tour and shuttle service

These shuttles are especially popular with tourists heading directly to the Canadian Rockies without renting a car.

Car Rentals

All major rental car companies operate from the Car Rental Facility across from the terminals, including:

• Enterprise
• Hertz
• Avis
• Budget
• National
• Alamo
• Thrifty
• Dollar

Booking ahead online almost always gets you better rates than walking up.

Driving Distance to Major Alberta Destinations

Destination	Distance	Drive Time
Downtown Calgary	17 km	18–25 minutes
Airdrie	27 km	25 minutes
Cochrane	60 km	50 minutes
Canmore	100 km	1 hr 15 min
Banff	135 km	1 hr 30 min
Drumheller	135 km	1 hr 30 min
Lake Louise	180 km	2 hr
Lethbridge	215 km	2 hr 15 min
Medicine Hat	290 km	2 hr 45 min
Red Deer	150 km	1 hr 30 min
Edmonton	300 km	3 hr
Jasper	415 km	4 hr 15 min

Terminals and Layout at YYC

Calgary International Airport has two main passenger terminals connected by a walkway and shuttle system. Understanding the layout makes everything easier.

Domestic Terminal

The older terminal was originally opened in 1977. This is where flights to and from other Canadian cities depart and arrive. The Domestic Terminal has three concourses (A, B, C) and handles all domestic operations.

• First floor: Arrivals
• Second floor: Departures, gates, check-in desks
• Mezzanine level: Restaurants and airline offices

International Terminal

The newer terminal, opened in 2016. This handles all U.S.-bound flights (Concourse E) and international flights to all other countries (Concourse D). The terminal features the airport's iconic glass design.

• First floor: Arrivals
• Second floor: International departures (Concourse D)
• Third floor: U.S. transborder departures (Concourse E)

Concourse Quick Reference

• Concourse A — WestJet flights mainly
• Concourse B — Mixed domestic carriers
• Concourse C — Mostly Air Canada
• Concourse D — International departures (non-U.S.)
• Concourse E — U.S. transborder flights (with U.S. pre-clearance)

Getting Between Terminals

The terminals are connected airside, meaning you can walk from a domestic gate to an international gate without going back through security — except for U.S.-bound flights, which require pre-clearance at Concourse E.

The YYC Link Passenger Shuttle runs between Concourses A, C, and D/E in a continuous loop. It operates from approximately 6 AM to 1 AM and is free for ticketed passengers.

For tight connections, factor in 30 to 45 minutes to navigate between concourses.

Airlines and Destinations From YYC

YYC is one of Canada's best-connected airports, served by approximately 15 major airlines flying to over 30 domestic destinations and around 50 international destinations across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Major Canadian Airlines at YYC

• WestJet — YYC is WestJet's main hub. The airline offers the largest selection of flights from Calgary, including direct service across Canada and to multiple international destinations.
• Air Canada — One of the major carriers at YYC, offering flights to domestic Canadian destinations and select international routes through their Star Alliance network.
• Flair Airlines — Budget carrier with growing service from YYC to various Canadian cities and select U.S. destinations.
• Porter Airlines — Growing presence at YYC with flights to eastern Canada.
• WestJet Encore — WestJet's regional carrier serving smaller Canadian cities.

International Airlines Serving YYC

• Air Canada (international routes)
• British Airways — direct service to London Heathrow
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines — direct service to Amsterdam
• Lufthansa — direct service to Frankfurt
• Air France — direct service to Paris (seasonal)
• WestJet (international routes)
• United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines — major U.S. routes
• Air Transat — primarily leisure and seasonal routes
• Sunwing and WestJet Vacations — seasonal sun destinations

Destinations You Can Fly Direct From YYC

YYC offers direct flights to:

• Across Canada — including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, and most major Canadian cities
• Across the United States — major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, and more
• Europe — direct flights to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris (seasonal), and select other European cities
• Mexico and the Caribbean — many sun destinations, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and the Dominican Republic
• Asia — direct flights to Tokyo and other major Asian destinations (routes vary)
• Latin America — select destinations including Mexico City

Important note: Specific routes, schedules, and seasonal service change regularly. For current flight information, always check the official YYC website at yyc.com or the individual airline's website before booking.

Parking at Calgary International Airport

YYC has several parking options at different price points. Rates change periodically — confirm current pricing on yyc.com before your trip.

Parking Options

• Economy Parking — the cheapest long-term option, located further from the terminals with shuttle service. Best for stays of multiple days.
• Daily Parking — mid-tier option, closer to the terminals.
• Short-term Parking — for pickups, drop-offs, and very short stays.
• Premium Parking and Valet — fastest in-and-out options at premium prices.

Approximate Parking Rates (Subject to Change)

• Economy Lot: approximately $14–$18 per day
• Daily Parking: approximately $24–$30 per day
• Short-term (under 1 hour): approximately $4–$8
• Valet: approximately $45+ per day

Parking Tips

• Book ahead online. YYC offers online parking reservations, often at discounted rates.
• Check yyc.com for current rates. Prices update periodically.
• Look for off-airport options. Private parking lots around the airport (Park 'N Fly, etc.) offer shuttle service and sometimes lower rates.
• For long trips, consider rideshare or shuttles. Multi-day parking can quickly add up.

Lounges at YYC

Several lounges operate at Calgary International Airport.

Domestic Terminal Lounges

• WestJet Elevation Lounge — WestJet's flagship lounge (the only one in Canada). Located at Concourse B. Accessible to WestJet and Delta elite members, business class passengers, and Priority Pass and DragonPass members (with restrictions). Open daily 5 AM to 10:30 PM.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge — Located near Gate 50 at Concourse C. Open daily 4:30 AM to 12:30 AM. Accessible airside from the International Terminal as well.

International Terminal Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge — At Concourse D for international departures.
• Aspire Lounge — A popular open-to-all option in Concourse D, accessible with various lounge memberships and to any travellers willing to pay.
• U.S. Transborder Lounge — At Concourse E for U.S.-bound passengers (after pre-clearance).

Most lounges have showers, Wi-Fi, food and beverages, and quiet workspaces.

Hotels at and Near YYC

YYC offers two in-terminal hotels plus dozens of nearby hotels with shuttle service.

In-Terminal Hotels

• Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel — Located in the International Terminal, directly accessible from baggage claim. Features include 24/7 fitness centre, an indoor pool, and Yakima Social Kitchen + Bar.
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Airport In-Terminal — Located near the Domestic Terminal, accessible via skyway. Features include soundproof windows, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and two on-site restaurants.

Both are ideal for early morning flights, late arrivals, or layovers where you don't want to leave the airport.

Nearby Hotels with Shuttle Service

Many hotels are located within 5 to 15 minutes of YYC and offer free airport shuttles, including:

• Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport
• Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
• Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary Airport
• Comfort Inn & Suites Calgary Airport
• Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre
• Sandman Hotel Calgary West
• Best Western Plus Airport
• Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport

These are typically cheaper than in-terminal hotels and work well for travellers with morning flights or visitors stopping in Calgary briefly.

Restaurants and Shopping at YYC

YYC offers plenty of dining and shopping options throughout both terminals.

Restaurants Inside the Airport

You'll find a mix of fast-casual, Canadian chains, and sit-down restaurants. Notable options include:

• Stir Crazy — Asian fusion
• Open Wood Pizza Co. — wood-fired pizzas
• Earl's Kitchen + Bar — popular Canadian chain
• Brewsters Brewing Company — local Alberta brewery
• Tim Hortons — multiple locations (the Canadian classic)
• Starbucks — multiple locations
• Sushi Bistro, A&W, Subway, and various other quick-service chains
• Newsstands and grab-and-go markets

Shopping

The airport features Canadian and international retail, including:

• Hudson's Bay Company duty-free — Canadian icons, souvenirs, premium liquor
• Roots — Canadian outerwear and casual wear
• MAC Cosmetics, L'Occitane — beauty and skincare
• Hudson News — books, magazines, travel essentials
• Hockey shops and Canadian-themed gift stores
• Indigenous-owned shops featuring local Alberta and First Nations artisans

Services and Amenities at YYC

A few extra things that make life easier at YYC.

Family-Friendly Features

• Family washrooms throughout both terminals
• Children's play areas in both terminals (great for layovers)
• Stroller-friendly access throughout
• Family-priority lanes at some security checkpoints

Accessibility

• Wheelchair assistance available — request when booking your ticket
• Accessible washrooms throughout the airport
• Service animal relief areas at both terminals
• Visual paging for hearing-impaired passengers

Other Services

• OraOxygen Wellness Spa — oxygen treatments, full-body massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and showers
• Taylor & Colt — haircuts and hot shaves in the Domestic Terminal
• Self-serve massage chairs are scattered throughout for a small fee
• Luggage storage and lockers on the arrivals level (boarding pass and photo ID required)
• Safe Bag packing service for protective wrapping of luggage, strollers, or bicycles
• Currency exchange and ATMs in both terminals
• Charging stations throughout

Tips for Flying Out of YYC

Arrive earlier than you think. For domestic flights, give yourself 2 hours minimum. For international flights, 3 hours minimum. For U.S. transborder flights, 3 hours minimum because of pre-clearance.

Use YYC Express for security. YYC Express is a free service that lets you schedule your security screening time in advance, putting you at the front of the line on arrival. Available through the YYC website.

Pre-clear for U.S. flights at YYC. Flights to the U.S. require pre-clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Concourse E before you board. Allow extra time.

WestJet flyers — head to Concourse A early. Security lines for WestJet can get long during peak hours. Local tip from frequent flyers.

Tight connections? Use YYC Link. The free shuttle between concourses saves significant walking time.

Download the YYC app. The official app offers real-time flight updates, terminal maps, parking reservations, and security wait times.

Fly out at off-peak times if you can. Mid-morning weekday flights typically have shorter security lines than early mornings or evenings.

Have your passport ready for international. For international flights, have your passport, boarding pass, and any required documentation organized before reaching security.

Tips for Arriving at YYC

A few tips for travellers landing at Calgary.

Have transportation pre-arranged if possible. Especially if you're heading directly to Banff, the Rockies, or other destinations outside Calgary — book your rental car, shuttle, or rideshare in advance.

Tourist information is available at arrivals. Visit the Travel Alberta information kiosk near baggage claim for maps, brochures, and current visitor information.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. No password required.

Currency exchange is available if you've arrived without Canadian dollars. ATMs are typically cheaper than exchange kiosks.

SIM cards for international visitors are available at retail outlets in the airport.

Customs and immigration: All international arrivals must clear Canadian immigration and customs before exiting. Have your passport, declaration card, and any required documentation ready.

YYC at a Glance

Feature	Details
Code (IATA / ICAO)	YYC / CYYC
Location	Northeast Calgary, 17 km from downtown
Address	2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary, AB
Phone	1-877-254-7427
Website	yyc.com
Annual passengers	Over 19 million
Runways	3
Terminals	2 (Domestic + International)
Concourses	5 (A, B, C, D, E)
Main carriers	WestJet (hub), Air Canada (focus city)
Domestic destinations	30+
International destinations	50+
Time zone	Mountain Time (UTC-7 / UTC-6 DST)

Final Thoughts: YYC Is One of Canada's Most Manageable Major Airports

After all the flights through YYC over the years, the one thing I'd say to first-time visitors is this — don't stress about the airport itself. Calgary International is one of the more navigable major airports in Canada. The terminals are well-marked, the concourses are connected, the staff are friendly, and most processes (security, customs, baggage) move efficiently.

If you're flying into Calgary for a Canadian Rockies trip, take a moment to enjoy the airport before heading out. The international terminal especially, is genuinely beautiful, and the mountains are visible from many of the gates on clear days — a hint of the spectacular scenery waiting for you just 1.5 hours west.

For more guides on visiting Calgary, the Canadian Rockies, and the rest of Alberta, keep exploring AlbertaTourist.com. We're here to help you make the most of every trip to the province.

Frequently Asked Questions