Calgary to Vancouver: How Far Is the Trip?

If you’re visiting Calgary from the U.S. and thinking, “Vancouver looks close—should I try to squeeze it in?”—you’re not alone. Plenty of travellers have the same idea.

After all, both cities are major Western Canadian hubs, and both show up on every “Top Places to Visit in Canada” list. So… how far is Calgary from Vancouver, Canada? And is it worth trying to do both?

The short answer: yes, it’s possible. But it’s not quick. And for some visitors, especially if you’re tight on time, it might be biting off more than you can chew.

If you’re curious whether this is a side trip or a whole expedition, read on.

How Far Is Vancouver from Calgary?

Totally valid to ask this. On a map, the two cities look fairly close. But the truth is, this isn’t a quick hop—it’s a full-on cross-mountain journey.

I’ve made the trip several times, in multiple ways, and while it’s absolutely worth doing, it requires a bit of grit, especially if you’re only in Canada for 5–7 days.

If you’re coming up from the States—say, Seattle, New York, or Chicago—and you’ve landed in Calgary for the Stampede, some hiking, or a Rockies road trip, don’t assume Vancouver is a casual detour.

That said, if you’ve got an adventurous streak (or a few extra days), there are ways to make it work—and make it memorable.

How to get from Calgary to Vancouver

🛣️ By car:

970 km (600 miles) of driving, minimum. That’s 11 to 12 hours straight—without factoring in gas, lunch, or that 40-minute stop you’ll definitely take at Lake Louise. Honestly, I’ve never done this drive in one go without needing a nap by the end.

However, if you’ve got the time, this drive has it all. Postcard-perfect mountain views, crystal clear glacial lakes, and BC’s answer to the Napa Valley, the Okanagan wine region.

🚗 My advice: Make it a mini road trip. Overnight in Banff or Revelstoke. Grab some jerky and fresh local fruit. You’ll pass national parks, hot springs, waterfalls, and coffee stands run by mountain hippies.

Then do a night or two in Kelowna to relax on its golden beaches and visit a winery or two. You won’t regret it. Check out my Vancouver to Calgary road trip guide for some more great ideas.

✈️ By air:

Flying from Calgary International (YYC) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can also fly into Abbotsford International (YXX), which takes around an hour. Just remember—you’ll find yourself an hour from downtown with minimal transport options.

After adding in airport time, security, and transport, you’re looking at 3.5–4 hours door-to-door. I usually fly WestJet or Air Canada and try to book morning departures—delays are less common and prices are often lower.

🚌 By bus:

Yes, technically possible. Ebus and Rider Express make the trip, but it’s long—13 to 15 hours. If you’re young, broke, and love watching pine trees blur by a window, you’ll be fine. If not, this might not be your best memory of Canada.

Keep in mind that, depending on your travel dates, the bus may be more expensive than flying. So, unless you’re looking to stop somewhere along the way, I’d advise against it.

🚂 By train:

There’s no regular passenger train between Calgary and Vancouver. The luxurious Rocky Mountaineer does this route, but it’s more of an “experience” than a means of transport. Think $1,800+ CAD, white-tablecloth meals, and panoramic windows. Beautiful? Yes. Practical for most? Not really.

So, Should You Do It?

If you’re visiting from the U.S. or abroad and only have 4-5 days, trying to see both Calgary and Vancouver is ambitious. Even if you’re flying, the travel time alone eats up a good chunk of a day.

But if you have a week or more, it’s a fantastic idea—especially if you like road trips, scenery, or layering your Canadian vacation with both mountains and ocean.

What I usually recommend:

• Spend 4 days in Calgary and the Rockies
• Drive or fly to Vancouver (if you’re driving, be sure to spend a day checking out Banff!)
• Spend 3 days in the city + a day on Vancouver Island if you’re speedy
• Fly home from YVR instead of circling back to Calgary

That way, you avoid doubling back, and you get two very different sides of Canada in one trip.

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Calgary to Vancouver: Final Thoughts

So, how far is Calgary from Vancouver Canada? Pretty far. It’s not a side trip—it’s a whole segment of your vacation. But if you plan for it and don’t try to rush, it’s 100% worth it.

You’ll go from mountains to ocean, cowboy boots to sushi bars, glacier lakes to sunset beaches.

Just don’t treat it like an afternoon outing. That’s how road rage and bad sandwiches happen.

If you’ve got any questions, need itinerary help, or want to share your own stories from the road, drop a comment or connect with me over at Vancouver Planner. I’m always happy to help fellow travellers figure out if it’s worth the detour.