Want to get out of Calgary for the day without driving? Whether you’re trying to avoid traffic and parking, don’t have access to a car, or maybe you just want to let someone else take charge of the wheel, there are plenty of places to explore by bus or shuttle. You can actually get from Calgary to some of Alberta’s most popular day-trip destinations, from mountain towns to the Badlands and beyond.
Here are five destinations in Alberta that you can reach from Calgary without a car.
Banff is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think of an easy mountain day trip from Calgary, and you can get there without driving yourself. Brewster Express is a shuttle service that connects Calgary and Banff, so you can leave the driving to someone else. The shuttle picks up at Calgary International Airport, and if you’re staying downtown, you can also arrange pickup directly from your hotel.
This summer, the shuttle will run until Oct. 31, with multiple departures available throughout the day. Adult fares start at $66.75 one way when booked as part of a round trip before taxes and fees, while children’s fares start at $59.80.
Once you arrive, the Brewster Express will drop you off at your Banff hotel or lodge or at the Brewster Transportation Centre, which is right in the heart of downtown Banff. From there, you can spend the day exploring the town on foot, or use Roam transit to get around if you want to venture farther.
When: Running daily until Oct. 31, 2026
Time: First pickup time at 6:15 a.m., last pickup time at 8 p.m.
Where: Calgary International Airport – 2000 Airport Rd. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Adults: $66.75 one way, Children: $59.80, Infant: Free
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Drumheller’s Badlands are about as different from Calgary as you can get. And now, getting there from the city is easier, thanks to a new direct Flixbus service.
Flixbus launched a direct Calgary-to-Drumheller route in May 2026, with stops in Calgary including downtown, Whitehorn and Calgary International Airport. The service offers two trips per day, with fares starting at under $25 one way, although the exact price can vary depending on when you book.
You’ll be dropped off at the Downtown Plaza in Drumheller, which also connects to the ValleyConnect shuttle. The free hop-on, hop-off service launched this summer to help visitors get around the valley, with stops at places like the Royal Tyrell Museum, the Hoodoos, and Atlas Coal Mine.
There’s one important catch, though: Valleyconnect operates only on Fridays and Saturdays until Aug. 29, so plan your trip around its schedule if you want to use it to get between attractions.
When: Running daily until mid-Sept. 2026
Time: First departure leaves at 7:50 a.m., second departure leaves at 2:40 p.m.
Where: Pickup spots at: 123 11th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta., and Calgary International Airport – 2000 Airport Rd. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $23.98; children under 2 ride for free
If you want to get out of the city for the day but don’t want to spend hours travelling, Red Deer is a great option. FlixBus also runs a direct shuttle bus service from Calgary to Red Deer, with multiple pickup points around Calgary, including downtown, Calgary International Airport, Anderson, Crowfoot, Whitehorn and Brentwood.
The trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, so you can leave in the morning and still have most of the day to explore. Flixbus currently has eight daily trips, with the first bus leaving Calgary at 6 a.m. and the last departing at 5:25 p.m.
Tickets start at $27.98 one way, although fares can change depending on your travel date and how far in advance you book. The bus drops passengers at Parkland Mall in Red Deer, and once you get off, Red Deer Transit can help you get around to all the stops within the city.
When: Runs daily, year-round
Time: First bus departs at 6 a.m., Last bus departs at 5:25 p.m.
Where: Multiple departure spots including: Calgary International Airport, Anderson, Crowfoot, Whitehorn, and Brentwood Station
Cost: Starting at $28.98. Kids under 2 ride for free
A day at Lake Louise is pretty hard to beat, and getting there from Calgary is a lot easier than you might think. Brewster Express also offers shuttle service from Calgary to Lake Louise, and the shuttle runs throughout the summer season until Oct. 31. The journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, so you’ll want to start your day early. The earliest departure leaves at 6:15 a.m. from select downtown Calgary hotels, and arrives at Lake Louise around 9:30 a.m. There are also departures from the Calgary International Airport, with the first shuttle leaving at 9:30 a.m. and arriving at the lake at 1 p.m.
You’ll also want to pay close attention to the return trip when booking, as the Brewster Express has limited direct return departures from Lake Louise, and the latest option leaves Lake Louise at 3:15 p.m. and arrives back in Calgary around 7:30 p.m.
When: Running daily until Oct. 31, 2026
Time: First Departure: 6:15 a.m., Last Departure: 3:15 p.m.
Where: Calgary International Airport – 2000 Airport Rd. NE, Calgary, Alta., or request pickup from: Marriott Downtown Calgary, Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, Fairmont Palliser, The Westin Calgary Hotel, Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre
Cost: Starting at $137 for adults, and $89.05 for children ages 6 to 15; children under the age of 6 ride for free
If you’re up for a longer day away from Calgary, Edmonton is another city you can reach without getting behind the wheel. Red Arrow runs a daily service from Calgary to Edmonton, with trips taking around three hours and 45 minutes.
The current schedule includes several departures throughout the day, with the earliest service starting at 8 a.m. and arriving in Edmonton around 11:50 a.m. Later departures run throughout the day, but for a day trip, you’ll want to take a morning bus to maximize your time in the city.
A one-way ticket currently averages $74.57, although Red Arrow now offers both Basic and Flex fares, so the price can vary depending on the seat type you book.
The Red Arrow departs from its Calgary Downtown Ticket Office and arrives at its Edmonton Downtown Ticket Office, which is close to the Bay/Enterprise Square LRT Station and several Edmonton Transit connections, making it quite easy to get around the city once you’re there.
When: Runs daily, year-round
Time: First Departure at 8 a.m., Last Departure at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Departs from 606 5th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Average price: $74.57; children under 2 ride for free (if sitting on a lap)
So the next time you’re itching to get out of the city but don’t feel like spending the day driving, just remember, there are plenty of other ways to get around Alberta.
Happy exploring!
Prices and schedules were accurate as of Aug. 17, 2026. Transportation fares and departure times can change.
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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