A road trip from Calgary to Lethbridge is a journey as smooth as the rinks that the Calgary Flames glide on. The best part? There are plenty of transportation modes to choose from!
If you want to know more, you’re on the right page. We’re here to spill the secrets on how to get to Lethbridge from Calgary for those craving some southern adventure. No horses are required for this one, by the way, but go ahead and don a cowboy hat for added travel pizzazz if you like!
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What is the distance between Calgary and Lethbridge?
The distance between Calgary and Lethbridge is 212 kilometers. This means the estimated travel time when going from one to the other is about 2 hours and 7 minutes by car and 45 minutes by plane.
How do you drive from Calgary to Lethbridge?
To drive from Calgary to Lethbridge, you have to stay on Highway 2 for hours until you see the exit to Lethbridge.
As you can tell, it’s a short road trip, but you’ll be amazed by the sights along the journey.
There’s almost no need to look at a map or start up a navigation app to help you find your way. All you need is this trusty guide and Taylor Swift’s All Too Well looped 13 times (the 10-minute version, of course).
Step 1: Head over to Highway 2
To get to Lethbridge from Calgary, one needs to head south. No matter where your starting point is in the city, you have to make your way to Highway 2.
Here’s a fun fact in case you didn’t know: this path is what connects Calgary to other exciting places in Alberta!
Step 2: Drive south
Once you find yourself on Highway 2, continue driving south for around 200 kilometers. Make sure to look out the window from time to time to witness the magnificent landscapes along the way.
Step 3: Look out for signs
Along your journey on Highway 2, pay attention to any signs that indicate Lethbridge and take that exit. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself enjoying the sights of this exciting city.
Aside from driving a car, what other ways can you get to Lethbridge from Calgary?
You can also get to Lethbridge from Calgary by riding a bus or by plane.
1. Going to Lethbridge from Calgary by Bus
There are multiple bus companies that can safely take you from Calgary by bus. A great example of this is Red Arrow, which has around 9 trips per day. We suggest booking a ticket in advance because most trips require that.
Step 1: Confirm your trip schedule
First order of business: confirming your trip schedule with your travel buddies! Gather the gang, compare schedules, and set a final date for your exciting trip ahead. This will avoid inconveniences that come with rebooking your bus rides.
Step 2: Book a ride
Now that you’re all set in terms of schedule, you can now book a ride. Simply go to the bus company’s website to see the available trips on your desired date of departure.
Remember to also take note of the pick-up location and check which one works best for everyone traveling.
Step 3: Make preparations
After successfully booking your ride to Lethbridge, you can now start making preparations for your trip!
To kickstart your preparations, here’s what we usually do to prepare: pack snacks for the ride, bring comforting items like a blanket, eye mask, compression leggings or a neck pillow, and charge portable chargers.
In addition, we suggest bringing a disposable film camera if you want to take interesting snapshots during your trip.
This is also a good time to book an accommodation. For your stay, consider Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge.
Step 4: Go to the pickup location
The long-awaited day has finally arrived! Bring your packed bags and head over to the pickup location, pronto – the bus won’t wait for you.
We recommend arriving at the pickup location at least 15 to 30 minutes in advance.
Anyway, once you’re there, you can finally relax! Bon voyage, fellow traveler!
2. Going to Lethbridge from Calgary by Plane
Though taking the plane from Calgary to Lethbridge is expensive, it’s a lot quicker than going by car. Compared to a 2-hour drive, this would take you to Lethbridge in 45 minutes (excluding the time to check-in, board, etc).
As of the moment, WestJet is the only airline that will take you to Lethbridge from Calgary. However, Air Canada may accommodate flights on this route in the future.
Step 1: Set your final trip schedule
Hold on – before booking a flight, you should first finalize your trip schedule. This way, you can avoid the hassle from last-minute changes, rebooked flights, and so on.
Step 2: Book your flight
Now that you know the final date of your departure, it’s time to book a flight. For convenience, If you’re traveling with a group of people, we suggest booking flights while you’re on a call or while you’re all together.
Otherwise, one person can also be in charge of booking a flight ticket for everyone.
Anyway, check what time works best for you on the available flights. If you’re going to be in Lethbridge for weeks, listing your luggage for check-in might be the best idea.
On the other hand, a carry-on luggage should be sufficient if you’re only staying for a few days. It’s also significantly cheaper.
Step 3: Gather your travel essentials
Now that your trip is finally on the horizon, it’s time to prepare for it! Gather your travel essentials in advance to avoid forgetting anything important.
To help you pack smartly for your plane ride, here’s a short list of what we personally like bringing along:
- Compression leggings
- An episode of a series we want to catch up on (it’s a short trip, after all)
- A captivating novel (you can’t have too many entertainment options!)
- A portable charger
- Headphones
- Toiletries (check the liquid carry-on luggage limit in advance)
- Travel pillow
Step 4: Head to Calgary International Airport
Your flight is in a few hours, so it’s time to make your way to Calgary International Airport! The most convenient way to do so is to book a ride from one of the ride hailing apps available in the city like Lyft or Uber.
Otherwise, you can always ride the bus or the C-train to get there.
Step 5: Check in for your flight
After arriving at the airport and undergoing the security checks, look at the Flight Information Display System for information about your flight.
If it’s already accepting check-ins, you should head over to the counter. However, if the counter’s still closed, just take a seat, grab a snack, and wait until it opens.
Step 6: Find the gate assigned to your flight
Everything’s set, so you’re free to roam around and explore the airport. However, before doing so, we suggest finding the gate assigned to your flight first.
While exploring, also make sure to listen in to the announcements just in case there are changes to your assigned gate.
Step 7: Hop on the flight
Once your flight is ready for boarding, you can now line up to get on the plane.
Here’s a handy tip: if you want to avoid the initial rush that comes after the announcement, stay seated until you see the line get shorter. After all, the seats are reserved so you won’t have any trouble getting a seat.
Please keep in mind that this strategy works best for travelers with small carry-on bags, as sometimes people line up to ensure an overhead space for their luggage.
Safe travels!
