Getting around
Edmonton offers an ease of access that is the envy of larger cities, while maintaining the big city conveniences of efficient freeways and light rail transit.
PLANES
Edmonton is served by Edmonton International Airport, Canada’s fifth busiest airport. Located 29 km from downtown, several international, national and regional airlines serve the city.
For details, visit the website at www.edmontonairports.com. In 2000 the $127-million South Terminal was opened, providing air travelers and visitors to the airport with many more amenities. Some of the more notable changes include expanded Canada and U.S. Customs areas, a larger “meet and greet” area for arriving passengers, more space at airline check-in counters, larger baggage carousels and more retail and food services. Other changes include check-in for all Air Canada flights relocated to the South terminal. One-stop or non-stop flights bound for the U.S. now depart from the South terminal, and charter services have new check-in counters in the North Terminal. A passenger bridge connects to the terminal and parkade.
The South Terminal is the centerpiece to a four-phase process designed to enable the airport to handle both the current passenger traffic and future growth.
Work has already begun on a 1,870-square foot Central Hall, which will connect the south and north terminals.
Edmonton is served by more than 200 flights a day. Daily non-stop flights to major USA hub airports, including Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles.
For flight reservations, arrivals, departures, call airlines directly. For customer service and general information, call (780) 890-8382.
TRANSFERS
Taxi fare from the International Airport to the city centre is approximately $35. The fares to other locations are at the metered rate. Sky Shuttle Bus services are available for $11 one-way or $18 return to downtown, the west end or the University of Alberta.
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. VIA’s depot is at 12360-121 St. For reservations, call 1-800-561-8630.
AUTOMOBILES
Edmonton is on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway, considered the most reliable and quickest route across Western Canada. The four-lane divided highway spans Alberta and connects to Prince Rupert and Vancouver in British Columbia, as well as the Yukon, Northwest Territories / Nunavut and Alaska.
Located near the geographic centre of Alberta, Edmonton is 514 kilometres (320 miles) north of the Montana, U.S.A./ Canada border; 294 km (184 miles) north of Calgary; 362 km (226 miles) east of Jasper; 404 km (252 miles) northeast of Banff.
Greyhound Bus Lines (1-800-661-8747) provides excellent service to Edmonton from anywhere in North America. Service to and from Calgary, Red Deer and Fort McMurray is also available from Red Arrow (1-800-232-1958). There are several transportation and tour companies which offer local excursions.
FINDING YOUR WAY
The majority of streets and avenues in Edmonton are designated by number rather than name, making it easy to locate addresses. Numbered avenues run east and west while numbered streets run north and south. A list is located in the white pages of the telephone directory.
Edmonton Transit Service is a quick and easy option to major facilities such as Commonwealth Stadium, Skyreach Centre, Northlands Park, downtown and the University of Alberta.
Taxis are usually available at hotels, shopping centres and major venues. In areas where there is no taxi stand, it’s usually quicker to telephone for service rather than hailing a taxi.
