Calgary International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

YYC is about 17 km from downtown Calgary: the Route 300 BRT gets there in 30-40 minutes for 3.60 CAD, a taxi in 20-30 minutes (up to 45-55 at peak times or in snow) for 45-55 CAD. Those who want the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue and downtown life find reliable chain hotels in Downtown; those arriving late or departing at dawn can stay in the northeast quadrant of the city, 13 minutes from the terminal, at lower prices.

Downtown Calgary

City centre · About 17 km from the airport; the Route 300 BRT links the terminal to downtown in 30-40 minutes, a taxi in 20-30 minutes (40-50 at peak times or in winter conditions).

Best for: Travellers who want to visit downtown, the Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue, using the rapid bus to the airport.

Pros

Recent, well-reviewed chain hotels, minutes on foot from the Calgary Tower and the Telus Convention Centre
Stephen Avenue and the CORE Shopping Centre reachable on foot

Cons

No direct rail connection with the airport: a bus or taxi is always needed
On event weekends (the Stampede, concerts) hotel prices rise quickly

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn By Hilton Calgary Downtown: Recently opened hotel about fifteen minutes on foot from the Calgary Tower and the Telus Convention Centre; buffet breakfast included and a gym often mentioned in reviews.
The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton: Hilton boutique hotel 8 minutes on foot from the CORE Shopping Centre, in the heart of Downtown; 4-star with Mexican cuisine in the in-house restaurant.

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Northeast Calgary (Marlborough)

Airport area · About 13 minutes by car from the airport; the area is served by the Marlborough station on the CTrain's blue line.

Best for: Travellers with a very early or very late flight who want to stay minutes from the terminal, at lower prices than downtown.

Pros

Minutes from the terminal, useful for single-night layovers or dawn departures
Close to the Calgary Zoo and the Sunridge Mall shopping centre

Cons

Getting downtown still takes 15-20 minutes by CTrain or car
A commercial/residential area with little evening life outside the hotels

Recommended hotels in this area

Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre: On 33rd Street NE, about 13 minutes from the terminal and a short walk from the CTrain's Marlborough station; close to the Calgary Zoo and Sunridge Mall.

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