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Find competitive rental car prices at Calgary International Airport (YYC) with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, compact cars, people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare car hire from on-airport counters and nearby off-airport providers, with fast pickup at the terminal or a short shuttle to the Rental Car Centre. Driving to downtown takes around 25 to 35 minutes and Banff about 1.5 to 2 hours, so book early for summer, the Calgary Stampede and the ski season.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| In the YYC Airport Terminal | Immediate access on arrival, wide selection of vehicles | Higher prices due to airport fees, long lines (queues) at busy times |
| Car Rental Centre | One location for all major companies, free shuttle from the terminal, often less crowded | Requires a short wait for a shuttle bus (usually under 10 minutes) |
| Off-airport locations | Usually cheaper, free shuttle service is often available | Longer travel time to the rental office (15-30 minutes), some offices have limited opening hours |
Pickup Process: After collecting your luggage, follow signs to the Car Rental area on the Arrivals level. The Car Rental Centre is reached by a shuttle bus from the pickup area outside the terminal.
On average, car rentals at Calgary Airport cost around CAD $97 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from CAD $13 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport. Off-airport locations near YYC often cost less and may avoid the 11-15% airport concession fee. Factor in a 15-30 minute shuttle each way.
Time your booking to Calgary’s seasons. For July’s Calgary Stampede and summer, book 2-4+ weeks ahead. In Jan–Apr (outside spring break), watch for price drops and last-minute deals.
Play with trip length. Rentals of 5+ days often unlock cheaper weekly rates. Adding or removing a day can lower the total.
Pick the smallest car that fits. Economy and compact cars are usually cheapest. SUVs surge in price in winter.
Use our comparison in one search. Check multiple brands, vehicle classes, dates and pickup spots, and include any within-city one-way fees (often about $25-50) in the total.
Plan fuel and return. Refuel at city stations along Airport Trail before drop-off and return on time to avoid extra-day charges.
| Area | Parking Options | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Short-Term | Parkade adjacent to terminal | Convenient for returns, higher hourly rates |
| Airport Long-Term | Economy lot with shuttle service | More economical for longer rentals, additional time needed for shuttle |
| Cell Phone Lot | Waiting area | Useful if dropping off/picking up passengers before returning vehicle |
| Return Areas | Dedicated zones at Car Rental Centre | Clearly marked; follow signs for your specific rental company |
Local Driving Rules from YYC:
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Drumheller
Edmonton
Is there a difference between renting at the terminal versus the Car Rental Centre? Most major rental companies have desks at the airport’s Car Rental Centre, which connects to the terminal. You pick up your car there. Some cheaper companies are located off-airport and use shuttles to get you there. They might offer slightly lower prices.
What extra fees should I expect when I rent from YYC Airport? When you rent from the airport, the rental company adds an airport fee of about 11-15% to your bill. You might also pay extra for another driver, for a young driver or for optional equipment.
How long does it take to get a rental car at YYC Airport? At normal times, it should take you 15-30 minutes from when you get to the rental counter to when you drive away. During busy periods like Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and holiday weekends, you might wait up to 45-60 minutes.
Is there anything I should know about traffic when I leave the airport? Airport Trail can get busy during rush hour. You might also find roadworks on Airport Trail and nearby roads, which can cause delays. You should check Alberta 511 for the latest traffic news before you leave.
Can I pick up a car at the airport and drop it off somewhere else in Calgary? Most rental companies let you do one-way rentals inside the city. They usually charge a small extra fee of about $25-50 for this. The exact cost depends on the company and the drop-off spot.
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