Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Rental Companies in Calgary

Calgary has a wide range of car rental companies, both international and local, offering vehicles for various budgets and needs. Most rental companies have locations at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and in downtown Calgary.

Major Rental Companies:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Multiple locations, including the airport and downtown. Known for good customer service.
Hertz: Available at the airport and other city locations. Offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars.
Avis: Conveniently located at the airport and downtown. Offers one-way rentals.
Budget: Affordable options with locations at the airport and in the city.
National Car Rental: Popular for business travelers and loyalty programs.
Alamo: Budget-friendly and family-oriented options.
Thrifty/Dollar: Affordable rates, often with discounts for longer rentals.

Local Companies:

Driving Force: Offers a variety of vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, which are ideal for mountain trips.
Economy Rent a Car: Budget-friendly options for short-term rentals.

2. Costs of Renting a Car

The cost of renting a car in Calgary depends on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Here’s a breakdown:

Economy Cars: CAD 40–70 per day.
Mid-Size Cars: CAD 60–90 per day.
SUVs: CAD 80–150 per day (ideal for winter or mountain driving).
Luxury Cars: CAD 150–300+ per day.
Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available, with rates starting at CAD 250–400 for economy cars.

Additional Costs:

Taxes and Fees: Expect to pay an additional 15–20% in taxes and fees.
Insurance: CAD 20–40 per day for collision damage waiver (CDW) or liability insurance.
Extras: GPS (CAD 10–15/day), child seats (CAD 10–15/day), and winter tires (if not included).

3. Rental Procedures

Renting a car in Calgary is straightforward, but here’s what you need to know:

Booking: It’s best to book online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and winter).
Documents Required:
- A valid driver’s license (international visitors may need an International Driving Permit if the license is not in English or French).
- A credit card in the renter’s name for the deposit.
- Passport or government-issued ID for identification.
Pick-Up: At the airport, rental counters are located in the Rental Car Centre, accessible via a short walk from the terminal. For downtown locations, check the address and hours of operation.
Deposit: A hold of CAD 200–500 is typically placed on your credit card as a security deposit.

4. Local Driving Regulations

Driving in Calgary is relatively straightforward, but here are key regulations to keep in mind:

Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- School and playground zones: 30 km/h during designated hours.
- Highways: 100–110 km/h.
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Cell Phones: Hands-free devices are required; using a handheld phone while driving is illegal.
Right Turns on Red: Permitted unless a sign indicates otherwise.
Winter Driving: Roads can be icy from November to March. Ensure your rental car has winter tires (mandatory in some areas of Alberta).
Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Avoid drinking and driving entirely.

5. Insurance Requirements

Car rental companies in Calgary offer several insurance options. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have coverage:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car. Costs CAD 20–30/day.
Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. Often included but check the coverage limit.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Costs CAD 5–10/day.
Credit Card Coverage: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance. Confirm with your provider before declining the rental company’s insurance.

6. Age Restrictions

Minimum Age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Young Driver Fee: Drivers under 25 may incur an additional fee of CAD 15–30/day.
Senior Drivers: There is no maximum age limit, but some companies may require additional documentation for drivers over 70.

7. Fuel Policies

Full-to-Full: Most companies operate on a full-to-full policy, meaning you’ll receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. Keep your fuel receipt as proof.
Prepaid Fuel: Some companies offer prepaid fuel options, but this is usually more expensive than refueling yourself.
Gas Stations: Gas prices in Calgary range from CAD 1.50–1.80 per liter (as of 2023). Gas stations are plentiful in the city and along major highways.

8. Key Considerations for Driving in Calgary

Traffic: Calgary has a well-organized road network, but rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) can cause delays, especially on major routes like Deerfoot Trail and Crowchild Trail.
Parking:
- Downtown Calgary has metered parking (CAD 2–5/hour) and parkades.
- Free parking is available in residential areas, but check for time restrictions.
Navigation: Use GPS or apps like Google Maps or Waze. Calgary’s streets are laid out in a grid system, making navigation easier.
Toll Roads: There are no toll roads in Calgary or Alberta.
Winter Driving: If visiting in winter, be prepared for snow and icy conditions. Drive cautiously and keep an emergency kit in the car.

9. Exploring Nearby Attractions

A rental car is ideal for visiting Calgary’s nearby attractions. Here are some popular destinations and driving tips:

Banff National Park: 1.5-hour drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). A Parks Canada pass is required (CAD 10.50/day per adult).
Lake Louise: 2-hour drive from Calgary. Arrive early to secure parking.
Drumheller (Dinosaur Valley): 1.5-hour drive northeast. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Hoodoos.
Kananaskis Country: 1-hour drive west. Great for hiking and outdoor activities.
Waterton Lakes National Park: 3-hour drive south. Stunning scenery and fewer crowds.

10. Tips for First-Time Visitors

Plan Ahead: Book your rental car and accommodations early, especially during summer and winter holidays.
Check Weather Conditions: Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a phone charger for long drives.
Be Wildlife Aware: Watch for wildlife on highways, especially near Banff and Kananaskis.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent a car and explore Calgary and its breathtaking surroundings with ease. Safe travels!

Calgary

Car Rentals