Car Rental in Calgary

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Calgary, Canada
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Calgary Airport
Compact
Mazda 2 or similar
Mazda 2
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Zoom Rent A Car
$40.98 / per day
Downtown
Economy
Chevrolet Spark or similar
Chevrolet Spark
  • 4
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Dollar
$53.44 / per day
Calgary Macleod Trail
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$55.35 / per day
Downtown
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$58.64 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Calgary Airport
Full-size
Toyota Camry or similar
Toyota Camry
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$63.12 / per day
Calgary Airport
Compact Elite
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$82.29 / per day
Calgary Airport
Mini Van
Dodge Grand Caravan or similar
Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 7
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$102.26 / per day
Downtown
Luxury
Chrysler 300 or similar
Chrysler 300
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Dollar
$63.58 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 22:21 on 2024-03-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
English, French
Currency
CAD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$65 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
40 - 70 km/h or 25 - 43 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 110 km/h or 50 - 68 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
9.2 / 10

Why rent a car in Calgary?

Renting a car in Calgary is a good idea - not only you’ll be able to drive around this interesting city and visit its many neighborhoods and landmarks, you’ll also have the freedom to visit the great province of Alberta and its many nature areas including Banff National Park.

Calgary

One-Way Car Rentals in Calgary

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Calgary and drop off in another city include:

  • From Calgary to Vancouver - 121 offers from $71.91 per day
  • From Calgary to Edmonton - 33 offers from $69.12 per day
  • From Calgary to Jasper - 4 offers from $88.39 per day
  • From Calgary to Saskatoon - 13 offers from $81.37 per day
  • From Calgary to Toronto - 47 offers from $115.27 per day

Top ways to enter Calgary

  • Calgary Airport: Also known as YYC Calgary Airport, it handled 17.3 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet, and has flights by around 15 other airlines. Located 20 km (12.4 miles) northeast of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.

City facts

  • Calgary has a dry climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature is 23.2 °C (73.8 °F) in July, the warmest month, and -0.9 °C (30.4 °F) in December and January, the coldest. Calgary has low annual rainfall though the rain it does get falls mosly in the summer with little rain from  December to February when  Calgary experiences significant snowfall every winter.

  • Calgary has often been mentioned as one of the cities with the highest quality of living in North America and the whole world. Factors like very high levels of income, high public safety, and availability of many services contribute to the high livability. Calgary is also the richest city in Canada by median household income.

  • With a population of 1.23 million (plus an additional 150,000 living in the metropolitan area), Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the fourth-largest in all of Canada. Calgary is also one of the fastest-growing large cities in North America, its population having increased by 13% from 2011 to 2016.

Top destinations and activities

  • Calgary Tower. Going to the top of one of the city’s most famous landmarks is a special experience. Not only will you see all of the city from above, on a clear day you can also spot the Rocky Mountains to the west. Besides the observation deck the tower also has a restaurant and a bar.

  • Glenbow Museum. One of the largest museums in North America has more than 20 galleries and countless collections that focus both on the local history and such different topics as Canadian art, geology, First Nations history, and cultures from around the world.

  • Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center. A large nature reserve on the eastern outskirts of the city near the Bow River, Inglewood Wildlands is home to nearly 300 species of birds, including great gray owl, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, and osprey, as well as mammals, fishes, and butterflies.

  • The Calgary Zoo. Located in the Bridgeland-Riverside neighborhood, the Calgary Zoo is one of the city’s most beloved attractions and also the most-visited zoo in Canada. Often named among the best zoos in the world, it is divided into several sections such as Destination Africa, Canadian Wilds, Creatures of the Night, and Penguin Plunge. On top of that, there’s also the Prehistoric Park with life-sized dinosaurs and a landscape that’s been created to look prehistoric.

  • The Hangar Flight Museum. Also known as the Aero Space Museum, this place and its exhibits of airplanes and helicopters from various eras is an aviation enthusiast’s dream. Appropriately located near Calgary International Airport, the museum is about a 20-minute drive northeast of the city center.

  • Calgary Zoo. Surpassed only by the one in Toronto in size, Canada’s second-largest zoo is also one of the best. Made up of various recreated ecosystems found around the globe, the Calgary Zoo is home to a stunning variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo is located on St. George’s Island, just east of the city center.

Traffic and parking

  • The speed limits vary between different roads. The general limits are 90 km/h to 110 km/h on motorways and outside cities and from 30 km/h to 50 km/h inside cities.
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05%. Driving under influence exceeding the limit is a criminal offence and can lead to hefty fines, a driving ban, and even imprisonment.
  • The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • If you’re the driver, you need to have your license with you at all times.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. This rule is strictly imposed with high fines.
  • The phone number for emergencies is 911.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in eastern Canada. However, as of January 2023, there are no toll roads in Alberta. 

In the rest of Canada, payment methods and fees differ for different toll roads. It is best to look them up in advance, finding the information for each province in which you plan to travel. You can also use a toll calculator to calculate the approximate fees for your upcoming ride.

Ideas for day trips

  • Banff National Park and Lake Louise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the most famous national park in Canada, Banff is famous for its mountains, turquoise lakes, and canyons, a great diversity of flora and fauna, and world-class hiking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

  • Waterton Lakes National Park. Featuring such varied habitats as grassy prairies, alpine meadows, mountains, lakes, and wetlands, this national park is a true Canadian wilderness. It borders the Glacier National Park in the state of Montana, U.S., another great wild place to visit.

  • Edmonton. Alberta’s capital and second largest city, Edmonton is best known for its extractive industries, but the city also has vast and beautiful parks, as well as great museums, galleries, and science centers.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car type in Canada is an economy, but travelers also like intermediate and fullsize. Getting a fullsize car is a good idea if you plan to travel outside the city and into nature areas. The most popular rental cars are the Kia Rio, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Nissan Rogue.

Further destinations

  • Jasper National Park. The size of a small country, Jasper is more remote than Banff and, therefore, feels even wilder. Characterized by alpine lakes, swift rivers, canyons, and the beautiful Athabasca Falls, the area is home to a variety of fauna including grizzly bears, great horned owls, bighorn sheep, moose, and porcupines. Thanks to a lack of human settlement and artificial light in the area, Jasper has also been designated a dark sky preserve and is a great place to view the northern lights at certain times of the year. Located about 410 km (255 miles) northwest of Calgary, Jasper can be reached in about 4 hours and 40 minutes.

  • British Columbia. Alberta’s neighbor to the west, BC is home to the city of Vancouver on the west coast, great wine in the Okanagan and beautiful national scenery including Yoho National Park.

  • Washington and Montana. The two U.S. states bordering Alberta are just a few hours drive away from Calgary and offer just as much in terms of regional history, hospitality, and natural beauty as their Canadian counterpart.

Car Rental Prices in Calgary

  • Large cars - from $41 per day
  • Medium cars - from $41 per day
  • Vans - from $102 per day
  • Premium cars - from $64 per day
  • Small cars - from $53 per day
  • SUVs - from $59 per day

Money-saving tips

Here's a list of the things you can do to get a good rental car deal in Calgary:

  • Compare rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit in months when the rental prices are cheapest. According to our data, visiting Calgary is the cheapest in December when renting a car is about 21% cheaper than the yearly average and about 43% cheaper than renting a car in July. However, in December it can be harder to get around due to heavy snowfall in the province.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah
This article was reviewed and updated by Hannah, the adventurer behind That Adventurer, a travel blog for active travellers. If you like exploring new places by hiking, biking, kayaking or paddleboarding, then you’ll enjoy That Adventurer’s travel guides. Originally from the UK, Hannah has lived in Canada, Norway and France.

Top 20 Cities near Calgary

  1. 246.0 km / 152.9 miles away
  2. 399.8 km / 248.4 miles away
  3. 452.6 km / 281.2 miles away
  4. 518.4 km / 322.1 miles away
  5. 638.5 km / 396.7 miles away
  6. 661.7 km / 411.2 miles away
  7. 661.8 km / 411.2 miles away
  8. 666.2 km / 414.0 miles away
  9. 686.4 km / 426.5 miles away
  10. 727.0 km / 451.7 miles away
  11. 784.9 km / 487.7 miles away
  12. 804.8 km / 500.1 miles away
  13. 1191.4 km / 740.3 miles away
  14. 1791.8 km / 1113.4 miles away
  15. 2541.1 km / 1579.0 miles away
  16. 2620.3 km / 1628.2 miles away
  17. 2689.2 km / 1671.0 miles away
  18. 2689.4 km / 1671.1 miles away
  19. 2691.1 km / 1672.2 miles away
  20. 2696.5 km / 1675.5 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Calgary

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Calgary?

Car rental prices in Calgary vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Calgary
$30.74
January
$35.32
February
$37.54
March
$40.29
April
$70.31
May
$134.88
June
$154.70
July
$114.20
August
$63.35
September
$42.36
October
$28.03
November
$37.33
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Calgary is November (when prices average $28.03 per day). This is 57% cheaper than the yearly average and 82% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $154.70).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Calgary?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in February, the average renter keeps their car for 7 days, and in November, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Calgary
6
January
7
February
7
March
7
April
6
May
6
June
7
July
7
August
6
September
6
October
5
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Calgary?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Calgary is September, and the least popular is April.
Monthly searches in Calgary by pick-up date relative to the average
64%
January
64%
February
74%
March
50%
April
86%
May
167%
June
153%
July
125%
August
172%
September
103%
October
77%
November
64%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 3
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Routes Car Rental, Dollar, Zoom Rent A Car, Avis, Thrifty
Popular car categories SUVs, Large cars, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price $41 per day
Cheapest supplier Zoom Rent A Car

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Routes Car Rental Jeep Wrangler 4 2 SUVs
Routes Car Rental Nissan Rogue 5 3 SUVs
Routes Car Rental Toyota Corolla 4 1 Large cars
Routes Car Rental Dodge Durango 5 3 SUVs
Zoom Rent A Car Honda CR-V 4 2 SUVs
Zoom Rent A Car Mazda 2 4 1 Medium cars
Avis Hyundai Elantra 4 2 Large cars
Dollar Toyota RAV4 5 2 SUVs
Dollar Toyota Corolla 4 1 Large cars
Routes Car Rental Kia Sorento 4 2 SUVs

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Canada
Nissan Rogue
February 22, 2024
My trip was amazing! It was my first time driving in Canada, but the lady was really nice and gave me some tips for driving and helped me a lot! Thank you:)
Canada
Honda CR-V
December 4, 2023
Numa Falls, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia Sheep Bridge Hime, Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta
Canada
Nissan Rogue
May 17, 2023
Trip was great the vehicle was awesome
Canada
Nissan Versa
March 19, 2023
We went skiing, dog sledding, hiking and visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Canada
Dodge Durango
August 7, 2022
We drove to Drumheller and visited the Hoodoos, Badlands, and dinosaurs. Then we had a family reunion before exploring the Rocky Mountains. Our Dodge Durango was a good size for 6 of us and was easy to drive.
Canada
Toyota Corolla
May 27, 2022
Visited Calgary, Banff and Jasper.
Canada
Dodge Durango
March 13, 2021
Would forsure recommend, I had issues with many other car companies but not this one
Canada
Kia Rio
November 22, 2020
Distances in Calgary are great, highway are wide and bus transportation outside downtown is very rare. But uber work well too if you have only few place to go.
Canada
Nissan Versa
August 16, 2020
Rent a car! It will give you complete freedom to go anywhere you want in Banff or elsewhere in Alberta.
Canada
Dodge Caravan
February 10, 2020
Calgary is a very expensive city to rent a car, especially if not well in advance. I suspect it's because most rentals in Calgary are corporate and price doesn't matter. This affects my decision to rent a car or not.
United Kingdom
Nissan Versa
October 14, 2019
Good Service, & Location
Canada
Toyota Corolla
September 11, 2019
This city is best explored by car because there are some many cool drives just outside the city and in general the city is fairly spread out.
Canada
Toyota Yaris Advance
August 27, 2019
Icefield parkway worth to have your own car to stop where you want
Canada
Honda Civic
June 17, 2019
Best place to rent a car for a tour of the parks in the Canadian Rockies. We visited 3 National Parks : Banff, Kootenay and Jasper.
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Wrangler
June 14, 2019
Go there
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
May 30, 2019
Short drive to Banff, and totally worth it.
Canada
Kia Rio
May 15, 2019
A lot of downtown parking options.
United Kingdom
Kia Rio
May 10, 2019
I used to live in Calgary. It's a nice, clean city. The new library is beautiful and the Shaw music studio is awesome. A trip to the mountains is a must, beautiful scenery all the way.
United Kingdom
Jeep Wrangler
April 2, 2019
Great city next to the wonderful Rocky Mountains.
Canada
Toyota Yaris Advance
March 8, 2019
I used to live in Calgary. the driving is fast paced. one needs a good map or a very good GPS system as many of the old routes have been altered. the ring road is a very helpful way to get to where you wish to go but once rush hours start one needs to be ready to have lots of patience due to the volumes of traffic.
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Rogue
January 5, 2019
I loved Banff and the surrounding areas. The vehicle was really great with getting around.
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Cherokee
January 2, 2019
Watch your agreement for a mileage/kilometer limit. Ours was 800km max.
Canada
Toyota Yaris Advance
December 21, 2018
Great city
United Kingdom
Mazda 2
October 6, 2018
Barely spent time in calgary, didn’t travel 10+ hours to see just another city. Got the hire car to travel across the rockies out West. Would definately recommend a truck in Autumn ir Winter, you need a vehicle to get around and see some parts of Canada.
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Rogue
September 23, 2018
I highly recommend flying into Calgary, renting a vehicle and heading to the National Parks!
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Wrangler
August 24, 2018
I used the Jeep to see the country around Banff, Kananaskis to Waterton. Beautiful mountains, cool temps, and great Canadians!
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
August 20, 2018
We rented a car for a trip to Banff National Park. Would recommend doing that
Canada
Toyota Yaris Advance
August 12, 2018
Overall, good value and decent service!
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Rogue
August 12, 2018
Renting a car allows you to go outside the city limits. We took a day trip to Drumheller so this worked out well.
Canada
Kia Rio
July 30, 2018
A great place to visit

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Alamo
8.8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Routes Car Rental
6.6 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
39
Total rental companies
13
Average daily price
$64.96
Lowest daily price
$40.98
Total cars available
317

Top 13 Suppliers in Calgary in 2024

Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.8 / 27 reviews
2 locations
$54 - $216
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.6 / 10 reviews
1 location
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.5 / 10 reviews
2 locations
$59 - $138
Dollar
Dollar
Very good 8.4 / 27 reviews
3 locations
$53 - $79
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8 / 16 reviews
3 locations
$54 - $79
National
National
Very good 8 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$58 - $227
Budget
Budget
Good 7.8
1 location
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.8
1 location
Aucomm Car Rental
Aucomm Car Rental
Good 7.6
1 location
$146 - $185
Zoom Rent A Car
Zoom Rent A Car
Good 7.4 / 58 reviews
1 location
$41 - $42
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.3 / 3 reviews
1 location
$77 - $125
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Good 7.1 / 5 reviews
2 locations
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Satisfactory 6.6 / 396 reviews
1 location
$61 - $164
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