Car hire in Calgary

You will typically need:

• A valid driving licence. If your driving licence is not in English or French, you may require an International Driving Permit.
• A valid passport for identification.
• A major credit card in the name of the renter.

The minimum age to hire a car in Calgary is typically 21 years old. If you are under 25 years of age, you are most likely going to be charged a “young driver surcharge” and restricted to hiring specific vehicle classes only.

Please note that age requirements may vary per supplier, so it is best to check with our Canada Travel Experts prior to booking your car hire.

If you are visiting Calgary but have no plans to go beyond the city, you don’t necessarily need a car. Calgary public transport is comprised of buses and a reliable two-line light rail transit system, the CTrain. The latter features a free-fare downtown zone you can take advantage of on your holiday to Calgary. In addition, downtown Calgary is walkable and offers ample sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities.

If you are planning to explore Calgary and some of the amazing natural wonders surrounding it, including the iconic Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park, we highly recommend hiring a car in Calgary and making the most of your time away.

The default unposted speed limit in Calgary is 40 km/h (approx. 25 mph). Playground and school zones typically have a limit of 30 km/h (approx. 20mph). Major roads, collector roads, and highways are generally posted between 50 and 100 km/h (approx. 30-60mph).

Please note that the above speed limits should be used as a guide only and are subject to change. It is essential to check the most up-to-date regulations prior to driving in Calgary.

Yes, driving in Calgary is considered effortless because of the easy-to-navigate grid-based road system in the city. Streets are numbered, wide and well-maintained. There are a few freeways, Stoney Trail, Deerfoot Trail, Glenmore Trail and Crowchild that serve as the city’s major arteries.

Rush hours and winter conditions can naturally present some driving challenges, so try to avoid them where possible. Speak to our experts for more information on winter tyres and driving in winter.

On-street parking in Calgary is typically free after 6pm, on Sundays, and on designated holidays. To avoid being fined always check the parking signage for any parking restrictions, operational hours and charges, as these vary per location. If you need to park in a residential area, keep in mind that many neighbourhoods require residential permits.

You can hire a car in Calgary with Canadian Affair from as low as £TBC per day.

The driving distance between Calgary and Banff is approximately 130km (approx. 80 miles) via Trans-Canada Hwy or around 1.5 hours driving.

The shortest driving time between Calgary and Vancouver is typically between 10 and 12.5 hours via Trans-Canada Hwy and British Columbia Highway 5 (approx. 980km / 600 miles). The exact driving time though will widely depend on rest stops and weather conditions.

If such a grand adventure is on your bucket list, why don’t you have a look at our epic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver with flights, accommodation and car hire all included in the price? All itineraries on our website can be tailored to your needs, so just give us a call and our friendly Canada Travel Experts will help you.

Yes, Calgary-Vancouver is a very popular one-way route and many car rental companies in Calgary offer it for an additional charge. Check with our Canada Travel Experts how much the one-way fee is and how to pay it before booking your car hire from Calgary to Vancouver.