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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire offers in Calgary. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Pick up at Calgary International Airport (YYC) or downtown, compare deals from major brands and choose the right car for city trips or drives to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. Travelling in winter? Consider an SUV or AWD and request winter tyres from November to April.
Calgary offers several convenient locations to rent a car, each with different advantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary International Airport (YYC) | Available immediately upon arrival, Wide selection of vehicles, Longer opening hours | Extra airport fees may apply, Longer waits during busy travel times |
| Downtown Calgary | Convenient for business travellers, Multiple pickup locations, Often cheaper than the airport | Shorter opening hours than the airport, May require travel to the rental office |
| South Calgary | Less busy than downtown or the airport, Convenient for visiting southern parts of the city | Smaller selection of vehicles, May have limited opening hours |
| North Calgary | Easy to reach from the Trans-Canada Highway, Convenient for travellers going to Banff | Fewer rental companies than the airport or downtown |
On average, car rentals in Calgary cost around CAD $105 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from CAD $13 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup. YYC is convenient but often has surcharges. Downtown locations can be cheaper, just factor in transport time and cost to the branch.
Time it right for Calgary. Summer and the Calgary Stampede sell out fast, so book 3-4 weeks ahead. In spring or fall, compare nearby dates and check again closer to pickup for price drops. Midweek is often cheaper.
Choose the smallest car that fits. Economy cars are fine for city driving. SUVs usually cost more in winter, so only upsize if you plan mountain driving in snowy months.
Check weekly pricing. For 5+ days, weekly rates can be 15-25% cheaper than daily. Sometimes adding a day lowers the total.
Refuel yourself. Fill up before returning. City stations are cheaper than rental refueling rates.
Leverage local parking. Downtown street parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Plan city time then to cut parking costs and always read signage in busy areas like Beltline.
| Area | Parking Options | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Core | Street parking, parkades, surface lots | Paid parking in effect Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM; free on Sundays and holidays |
| Beltline | Street parking, private lots | Residential permits in effect in many areas; time limits apply |
| Kensington | Street parking, small lots | High demand area with limited spaces; check signage carefully |
| Chinook Centre | Free mall parking | Time restrictions may apply during peak shopping periods |
| University/SAIT Area | Campus parking, limited street options | Permits required for campus lots; street parking has strict time limits |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Do I need winter tyres when renting in Calgary? The law in Alberta doesn't require you to have winter tyres, but we strongly suggest you get them from November through April, especially if you plan to travel to the mountains. Most rental companies offer them for an extra fee, usually around $15-20 per day.
What's the best type of vehicle for visiting the Canadian Rockies? If you're driving in the mountains during winter, you'll be safer and more comfortable in an SUV or an all-wheel drive vehicle. In summer, any standard car is fine for most sealed mountain roads.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of? Most rental agreements stop you from driving on unsealed or gravel roads, even in an AWD/4WD vehicle. You should always check your specific contract for these rules. Also, some mountain roads have seasonal or permanent rules. For example, the Bow Valley Parkway/Hwy 1A has seasonal vehicle closures and Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal cars. You can only access it by shuttle or public transport. Many roads in the national parks also require a park pass and you can buy one at the park entrances.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Calgary? For busy times like the summer months and the Calgary Stampede in July, you should book at least 4-8 weeks early. For the Stampede, it's a good idea to book months ahead. During winter and the quieter seasons, booking 1-2 weeks before you arrive is usually enough.
Is it worth paying for an electronic toll transponder? Calgary and the surrounding areas don't have any toll roads, so you won't need a transponder for local driving.
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