Transportation

GETTING AROUND IN A FLASH

You’ll discover that travelling to and within Edmonton is a snap, regardless of where you’re coming from or the hotel you stay in after your arrival.

PLANES

Edmonton is served by Edmonton International Airport (EIA), one of Canada’s fastest-growing airports, which serves more than six million passengers annually.

EIA is located 29 km/18 miles — about 20-30 minutes from downtown — and serves many international, national and regional airlines. EIA is committed to moving you smoothly through the airport with exemplary customer service. To learn more about services, find flight options or more, download the airport guide. On the web flyeia.com.

• EIA offers non-stop flights to more than 50 destinations such as Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix and London.
• EIA is a bright, modern facility. Within it, Central Hall features convenient retail, food and beverage services, an observation deck, centralized pre-board screening and many amenities for passenger comfort. Translation services are available in multiple languages. An international currency exchange is also available.
• Airport Express offers convenient check-in and transportation for EIA travellers staying downtown, with two self-serve Air Canada and WestJet check-in kiosks and two Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS). Hotel web check-in services are also available at a number of local hotels, giving travellers a quick, easy way to check in for flights right from the hotel lobby.
• Fly Thru for same day travel within Alberta gets you through security faster and offers convenient reserved parking stalls in both Easy Parkade and Value Park for faster access to the terminal, plus a dedicated parking exit lane for speedier service, and Priority Valet which offers you curbside vehicle drop-off and pick-up right at the departures level.
• NEXUS is available at EIA for frequent international travellers. If you qualify, enrolling can greatly speed up your time in customs and make your journey through EIA hassle-free.
• Taxi-fare from the International Airport to the city centre is about $45. Fares to other locations are charged by a zone (not metered) rate.
• Sky Shuttle Bus services are available for $15 to or from downtown, the west end or the University of Alberta and must be booked in advance. Call 780-465-8515 or visit skyshuttle.com to book.
• For customer service and general airport information, call 780-890-8382.

TRAINS

VIA Rail’s internationally known transcontinental train, The Canadian, operates six times per week (three trips each way) through Edmonton.

• Rail passengers can travel east on VIA to Saskatoon, Winnipeg or Toronto, or head west to Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver.
• Make tracks aboard the luxurious Snow Train Express to Jasper that has departures from Edmonton on Friday with return trips from Jasper on Sunday evenings. The Express also conveniently connects with The Canadian for westbound service to Vancouver.
• VIA’s depot is at 12360-121 St. For reservations, call 1-888-842-7245.

BUS

• Greyhound Bus Lines (1-800-661-8747) provides excellent service to Edmonton from anywhere in North America.
• Service to and from Calgary, Fort McMurray and Red Deer is also available from Red Arrow (1-800-232-1958).
• City buses and transportation include Edmonton Transit and Light Rail Transit (LRT). Day passes and all other fare products are sold at more than 200 retail locations across the city.
• There are also transportation and tour companies that offer local excursions. (See page 43)

AUTOMOBILES

Edmonton is on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway, considered the most reliable, quickest route across Western Canada.

• Edmonton is 514 km (320 miles) north of the Montana, U.S.A./Canada border
• Edmonton is 294 km (184 miles) north of Calgary
• Edmonton is 362 km (226 miles) east of Jasper
• Edmonton is 404 km (252 miles) northeast of Banff

FINDING YOUR WAY

Numbers rather than names designate the majority of streets and avenues in Edmonton, making it easy to locate addresses.

• Numbered avenues run east and west; numbered streets run north and south.
• Edmonton Transit Service offers quick, easy transportation to major facilities such as Commonwealth Stadium, Rexall Place, Northlands, Downtown, and the University of Alberta.
• Taxis are usually available at hotels, shopping centres and major venues. In areas without a taxi stand, it’s usually quicker to call for service rather than hail a taxi.

Edmonton International Airport provides service to over 50 non-stop destinations
Photo: Edmonton International Airport

Mountain memories from Via Rail
Photo: Travel Alberta

Edmonton’s LRT offers convenience and speed
Photo: Edmonton Tourism

Easy highway access to scenic splendours
Photo: Travel Alberta

An adventure in the foothills as the Canadian Rockies line the horizon
Photo: Travel Alberta

Edmonton Transit’s LRT
Photo: Edmonton Tourism