Overview
Welcome to YYC Calgary International Airport, the primary air travel gateway to Calgary, the Canadian Rockies, and the province of Alberta.
As one of Canada's four busiest airports, YYC is a modern, efficient hub that serves over 18 million passengers annually.
It is the headquarters and primary hub for WestJet, and a focus city for Air Canada, offering a vast network of non-stop destinations across North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia.
Whether you're starting a Rocky Mountain adventure, visiting for business, or catching a connecting flight, YYC provides a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
The airport is designed for effortless navigation, from its well-organized check-in halls to its spacious gate areas, making it ideal for business travellers, families, and solo adventurers alike.
What to See & Do
While the main activity at YYC is travel, the airport offers a wealth of amenities and attractions to enhance your journey. The terminal is clean, architecturally engaging, and features an impressive collection of local art and exhibits that celebrate the spirit of Calgary and Southern Alberta.
- Dining: From quick bites to sit-down meals, YYC's dining scene is diverse. You can find local Alberta flavours, popular national chains, and international cuisine across all concourses. Enjoy a pre-flight meal at popular spots like a local brewhouse or a classic steakhouse.
- Shopping: Explore a wide range of retail options. Browse the duty-free shops in the International Terminal for tax-free liquor, cosmetics, and luxury goods. You'll also find stores offering everything from travel essentials and electronics to local souvenirs and high-end fashion.
- Airline Lounges: For those seeking comfort and quiet, several airline and pay-per-use lounges are available, offering complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and business services.
- Kids' Play Areas: Travelling with children is made easier with several fun-filled play areas. These zones are designed to let kids burn off energy before their flight, featuring interactive structures and games.
- Art and Exhibits: Take a moment to appreciate the various art installations throughout the terminals. These thoughtfully curated pieces, from sculptures to murals, reflect the region's rich culture and natural beauty.
Facilities & Amenities
YYC Calgary International Airport is equipped with extensive facilities to ensure passenger comfort and convenience. The terminal is clean, well-maintained, and user-friendly. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, along with numerous charging stations for your electronic devices.
Four Information Desks, staffed by friendly Customer Care Ambassadors, are strategically located to assist with directions, lost and found, and local tourism advice. For families, private nursing rooms and family-friendly washrooms are available.
Pet relief areas are located both pre- and post-security for those travelling with animals. The airport is fully accessible, with barrier-free services to support all travellers.
Getting There
YYC is conveniently located in northeast Calgary, approximately 18 minutes from the downtown core, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
- Address: 2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6W5, Canada.
- Parking: YYC offers a range of paid parking solutions, including short-term lots for pick-ups and drop-offs, and long-term parkades for extended stays. Pre-booking your parking online through the Park YYC system is highly recommended for the best rates. An AMA membership can also provide discounts.
- Public Transportation: Calgary Transit provides efficient bus service. The Route 300 BRT offers a direct, limited-stop ride to the city centre. Route 100 connects the airport to the McKnight-WestWinds LRT station, linking you to the broader light rail network. Fares are the standard transit rate.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Taxis, sedans, and rideshare services like Uber are available on the Arrivals level for convenient pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Car Rentals: All major car rental companies have counters located on the Departures level, making it easy to pick up a vehicle for your Alberta adventure.
Best Time to Visit
As a 24/7 transportation hub, the "best time to visit" relates to your travel schedule. To ensure a stress-free departure, it is crucial to arrive with ample time.
The standard recommendation is a minimum of two hours before domestic flights and three hours for all international and U.S.-bound flights. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
Note for U.S. travellers: Access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility is generally restricted to within three hours of your scheduled departure time to manage passenger flow.
The airport experiences peak-traffic periods during the early morning (6-9 a.m.) and late afternoon/evening (3-7 p.m.), as well as during major holidays. Always check security wait times on the YYC website before you leave for the airport.
History & Significance
Originally established in 1938 as McCall Field, Calgary International Airport has grown from a small prairie airfield into one of Canada's most important transportation hubs.
Ownership was transferred from the City of Calgary to the federal government in 1966. Since 1992, it has been operated by The Calgary Airport Authority, a not-for-profit organization.
The airport has undergone significant expansions, including the opening of the International Terminal in 2016, which doubled the size of the facility.
Today, YYC is a critical economic engine for the region, facilitating tourism and trade and connecting millions of people to the world-renowned attractions of Calgary and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Navigating the Airport
YYC is a large airport, and navigating between concourses can involve significant walking. The domestic and international terminals are housed within a single, interconnected building.
To help passengers move between areas, the airport operates the YYC LINK passenger shuttle. These custom-designed electric vehicles run on a dedicated path, connecting Concourses A, B, C, and D/E for post-security passengers.
Clear, consistent signage is present throughout the terminal.
For detailed directions to your gate, a restaurant, or an amenity, you can use the interactive terminal maps available on the YYC website and on digital kiosks located throughout the airport.
The maps provide real-time, turn-by-turn directions to make your journey through the terminal simple and efficient.
Visitor Tips
To make your experience at YYC as smooth as possible, keep these insider tips in mind:
- Pre-Book Parking: You can save a significant amount on parking fees by booking online in advance through the official Park YYC website.
- Check Wait Times Online: Before heading to the airport, check the live security screening wait times on the YYC website. This allows you to plan your arrival time more accurately.
- Stay Hydrated: Water bottle filling stations are located post-security, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it up before your flight.
- Know Your Terminal: Domestic, U.S., and International flights depart from different concourses. Double-check your flight information to ensure you go to the correct check-in and security area.
- Use the YYC LINK Shuttle: If you have a tight connection or limited mobility, take advantage of the free YYC LINK shuttle to move quickly between the domestic and international areas post-security.
