Major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver are celebrated for their vast and reliable public transportation networks – but what about Calgary? As a quickly growing modern metropolis, Calgary’s public transit network, Calgary Transit is more expansive than you may expect. In fact, there are countless Calgarians who choose public transit for their commute every single day. 

That said, speaking geographically, Calgary is a big place and fairly spread out. As a result, some neighbourhoods are better served by public transit than others. 

If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary and plan to rely on transit for getting around, you’ll want to choose your neighbourhood carefully. 

Does Calgary Have Good Public Transit?

Calgary Transit at a Glance

The CTrain 

The CTrain is a light rail transit system that provides efficient travel through key areas of the city, including the downtown core – where service is free. 

MAX

Calgary Transit operates four Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes called MAX. These routes offer express, long-distance bus service across key areas of the city.  

Buses

In addition to the C Train and MAX, there are hundreds of local bus routes which provide regular connections to other transit services, major commercial and retail areas, and education centres.

What About Regional Transit?

Unlike Toronto (GO Transit) and Vancouver (West Coast Express, RapidBus) which have commuter trains and long-route bus services to these cities’ surrounding suburbs and communities, Calgary’s public transit options are limited to the city proper. 

Buying a home in Calgary soon? Check out these blogs for helpful tips. 

What Calgary Neighbourhoods Have the Best Public Transit?

Sunalta 

Transit Score (69)

Sunalta is a vibrant neighbourhood located just west of downtown It’s known for its historic charm, with a mix of older character homes and some modern apartments. Thanks to its proximity to the city centre, Sunalta attracts a lot of young professionals and some families who are looking for an energetic and convenience-oriented community. 

In addition to bus routes along 14th Street and 17 Avenue, Sunalta has its own C-Train station, with regular service into downtown and the city’s west end. 

Christie Park 

Transit Score (63)

Christie Park is an upscale neighbourhood nestled in Calgary’s southwest. It’s popular among affluent families seeking a serene, suburban lifestyle with easy access to downtown. On the real estate side of things, Christie Park is known for spacious single-family homes, often with large lots and modern, updated interiors.

While most residents drive, Sirocco Station (C-Train), which sits on the border of Christie Park and Signal Hill provides regular connections to downtown. 

Signal Hill 

Transit Score (52)

Just south of Christie Park, Signal Hill is one of Calgary’s most popular family neighbourhoods. Known for its laid-back suburban ambience, great views of downtown and the Rockies, parks, and major shopping centres close by, life in Signal Hill is peaceful and convenient. 

Public transit in Signal Hill consists exclusively of bus routes, however, there are easy connections to the C-Train via Sirocco Station at the edge of the neighbourhood. 

Shaganappi 

Transit Score (66)

Shaganappi is a quaint, upscale neighbourhood popular with young families and retirees. The neighbourhood’s proximity to downtown, coupled with its parks, well-known golf course, and access to the Bow River pathways, creates a balanced urban and outdoor lifestyle. 

Along with a few local bus routes, Shaganappi also has a dedicated C-Train station – Shaganappi Point (Blue Line). 

Beltline 

Transit Score (80)

Located right in the heart of Calgary, The Beltline is an upbeat neighbourhood that doubles as one of the city’s hubs of culture and nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops. It is a hotspot for young professionals and urbanites, offering high-rise condos, trendy apartments, and historic buildings. 

The Beltline is served by a few bus routes along major roadways like 17th Avenue, 8th Street and 4th Street. The C-Train runs parallel to the neighbourhood across the downtown core and is easily accessible by bus or a short walk. 

Sunnyside 

Transit Score (74)

Sunnyside is a picturesque and eclectic neighbourhood situated along the Bow River. Along with its charming older homes, the area is best known for its close-knit community atmosphere, farmer’s market, local shops and cafes, and direct access to scenic pathways along the river. 

Along with local bus connections, Sunnyside also features its own C-Train station. Just one station outside of downtown on the Red Line, residents can quickly access the city centre, or head northbound towards 3 of Calgary’s top post-secondary schools – SAIT, AUAD, and U of C. 

Hillhurst

Transit Score (50)

Hillhurst is a charming and eclectic community located just north of downtown. Right next door to Kensington, which features an old-school theatre, trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, the area is vibrant yet still down to earth. 

Located just west of Sunnyside, Hillhurst offers the same transit connections, however, it does take residents longer to reach C-Train service via Sunnyside Station. 

Bridgeland 

Transit Score (66)

One of Calgary’s most sought-after areas, Bridgeland is located just northeast of downtown along the Bow River. While the neighbourhood features an array of historic and modern homes for all kinds of buyers, Bridgeland is arguably mostly loved for its lifestyle and atmosphere. Neighbourhood residents and visitors from across the city flock to Bridgeland for its wide collection of local businesses including record shops, organic grocers, mom-and-pop restaurants, and quaint cafes. 

Like Sunnyside, Bridgeland also has its own C-Train station, with regular service into downtown or northbound to the NE. 

Brentwood (University) 

Transit Score (70)

Located right next to the University of Calgary (U of C), Brentwood is an amenity-rich suburban community that’s well-suited to a wide range of home buyers. With numerous parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities, Brentwood provides a balanced lifestyle for families, retirees, and even students. 

As you may expect with a neighbourhood next door to Calgary’s biggest university, Brentwood is fairly well-served by transit. In addition to a dedicated C-Train station, the area also has an expansive bus network. 

Varsity 

Transit Score (59)

Varsity is a well-established, family-friendly neighbourhood in northwest Calgary, recognized for its mature trees, spacious lots, and diverse housing options. Varsity’s blend of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience makes it a highly sought-after area. Residents also appreciate the proximity to major shopping centres like Market Mall, as well as access to parks, recreational facilities, and top rated schools. 

Like Brentwood, Varsity has a C-Train station (Dalhousie) as well as several bus routes.

Thinking about making the move to Calgary and buying a home? Read these blogs next. 

What Calgary Neighbourhood Will Suit You Best?

If you’re looking to discover the right Calgary neighbourhood for you, there’s no substitute for the knowledge of a local real estate team – like us, Dolce Real Estate Group. 

Whether you’re new to the city or are a lifelong Calgarian, our unrivalled knowledge of Calgary’s housing stock and communities can help you find a perfect match. 

Perfecting our buying process over close to a decade and a half of on-the-ground experience, we’ve guided thousands of clients through all types of market fluctuations, industry changes, and economic conditions – remaining a top-performing team through it all. 

Looking for a top Calgary real estate team to help you buy or sell? Get in touch! Call 587.229.7108 to reach us or click to send us an email. 

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