Car Rentals at Calgary International Airport

Calgary Airport (YYC) is international, and is Canada’s fourth busiest airport, recording just over 12 million passengers every year. The airport’s location is approximately 17km, or 11 miles northeast of downtown Calgary, and it is nearby the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. The areas of Whitehorn, Falconridge, Taradale, Saddle Ridge, Huntington and Tuxedo Park surround the airport grounds. Although ground transport is available by buses and taxis, the Calgary Airport car hire companies are busy, as by rented car is a popular way to travel in Canada. Car rental companies are located nearby the terminal building of the airport, and are open at convenient hours for arriving passengers.

Passengers of Calgary Airport could arrive at one of four concourses of the large terminal building, but the car hire companies of the airport are accessible from all areas. They are found on the departures level, across the roadway from the main terminal building, and can also be accessed by the elevator lobby, across the arrivals roadway. The car hire companies of the airport are found at the Car Rental Centre, and include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Auto Europa, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar and Enterprise. These are all internationally recognized companies with many years of experience in the car hire industry. They are also open at all convenient hours for arriving passengers at Calgary Airport, usually from 05:00 or 06:00 in the morning to midnight or later at night. Their hours don’t usually vary over weekends, but there could be exception hours on bank holidays.

The Calgary Airport car rental companies provide vehicles of only the highest quality, and all are of latest models. They could be small and similar to the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift or Kia Rio, or larger such as the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Camry. These are usually vehicles in the Fullsize car categories. The vehicles of all the car hire companies are divided into categories, and passengers will therefore not be hiring a car by its specific make and model, but rather by car group. Vehicles are priced by category as well. in general, the smaller cars are less expensive, and larger SUVs and Minivans have a heavier price tag. However, they can be ideal for certain travellers, especially for groups of up to seven people. Larger vehicles able to accommodate a greater number of passengers include SUVs, such as the GMC Yukon, Dodge Durango and Jeep Commander, and Minivans such as the Dodge Grand Caravan. There may even be 15-seater passenger vans available, similar to the Chevrolet Express. Luxury cars such as the Chrysler 300 can be hired as well, and other popular rentals may include the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Fiat 500, Ford Explorer and the Toyota Rav 4.

An advanced online reservation for a vehicle from one of the airport car rental companies is recommended, as the location can be busy at times. Only a reservation can ensure that your ideal car will be at the airport ready for your arrival. It is also wise to reserve additional items of equipment in advance. Most companies hire child seats, satellite navigation systems and ski-equipped vehicles, and from Calgary Airport, hand controls for disabled drivers may also be available. All items, besides hand controls, will come with an additional price tag, but are well worth the few extra Dollars spent, as they could be essential for a safe and easy driving experience. A child seat is highly recommended if travelling with a baby or young child, as road laws in Canada expect all passengers to be wearing seat belts. Hand controls require an advanced reservation, and are free of charge.

If you will not be returning to Calgary Airport, one way hire services may be possible to arrange, however, it is best to confirm the details of such a rental with your chosen car hire company. One way hires may be allowed in Canada, but vehicles may not be permitted to be driven into the United States, however, your car rental company will be able to provide further details regarding cross-border rentals. Vehicles hired from Calgary Airport can generally be driven to all cities in Canada.

The primary renter of a vehicle should meet the minimum age requirements of the location, which is 21 at most Canadian airports. However, drivers younger than the age of 25 will pay higher rental rates, for young drivers insurance. This is a standard policy at all major car hire companies, and at many rental locations around the world. It could be an amount of around $35.00 per day of car hire, and per underage driver listed on the rental agreement. For payments at the beginning of the rental, a major credit card such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa will be required, but a debit card may be used for payments due at the end of the rental period. When collecting your vehicle from Calgary Airport, ensure that all drivers are present, and their valid drivers licenses are on hand. In some cases, an International Driving Permit may be required. Find out from your car hire company which insurances are recommended, and if any are included in the rental quote.

Driving a vehicle in Calgary is quite simple, provided that you are familiar with handling a vehicle on the right-hand side of the road. The roads of the city are well organised, and there are adequate parking areas at many locations. These could be in the form of road-side parking spaces or parking lots. There are also parking areas at the train stations of the CTrain light rail system of Calgary. Whether driving in town or to nearby cities, always obey the speed limits, which are 50kph in urban areas, 100kph on open roads and 130kph on motorways and highways. One of the main highways from Calgary is the Queen Elizabeth II, leading north towards Red Deer and Edmonton.

Contact your favourite Calgary Airport car hire company for further details required.