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Calgary to Nelson from CA$122: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Calgary, Canada
to
Nelson, Canada

How to Get from Calgary to Nelson: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$122 - OtherBest price
288 kmDistance
6h 12m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Calgary to Nelson with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  38m
Estimated price
CA$0-0
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
8h  45m
Estimated price
CA$122-179
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 288 km
Duration: 6h 12m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  4m
Estimated price
CA$0-0
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h  11m
Estimated price
CA$0-0
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
CA$207-593
Company
Air Canada, WestJet
Plane
Average Duration
6h  12m
Estimated price
CA$552-769
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Calgary to Nelson

Your journey from Calgary to Nelson showcases a shift from the vibrant city life to the serene landscapes of the Kootenay region.

Best Neighbourhoods in Nelson

Nelson offers vibrant neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and attractions.

Downtown Nelson
• Bustling arts scene with galleries and studios.
• Diverse dining options from casual to upscale.
Fairview
• Family-friendly atmosphere with parks and playgrounds.
• Scenic views of Kootenay Lake and mountains.
Rosemont
• Known for its historic architecture and quaint streets.
• Close to hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit Nelson's Attractions

Timing your visits can truly enhance your experience in Nelson's charming attractions.

The Nelson Museum
Visit on weekdays, especially mid-afternoon, to enjoy quieter exhibits.
Baker Street
Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays attract fewer shoppers.
Kootenay Lake
Plan your visit during weekdays in late spring for fewer crowds.

Nelson Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Nelson experiences a diverse climate with warm summers and snowy winters, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. The best times to visit typically fall in late spring and early fall, as milder weather enhances your enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation in Nelson

A visit to Nelson isn’t complete without savoring the bison burger at The Outer Clove, where the focus on local, farm-fresh ingredients elevates the dining experience. This contrasts with Calgary’s more bustling steakhouse scene, providing a cozy atmosphere and flavors that capture the essence of the Kootenays.

Calgary - Nelson operators

Explore transport companies operating between Calgary and Nelson, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
1-800-232-1958
Website
https://redarrow.ca/

Bus from Calgary Downtown Office to Fort Macleod, AB

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
CA$1228-1229
Contact phone
+1 778 382 7729
Website
https://mountainmanmikes.ca/

Bus from Fort Macleod, AB to Fernie, BC - 1701 9 Ave

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
CA$1229-1793
Contact phone
+1 250 362 0080
Website
https://www.kootenaygateway.com/

Bus from Fernie Alpine Resort, BC to Nelson, BC

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Cranbrook Airport to Nelson, BC

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Kelowna Airport to Nelson, BC

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
westjet.com

Plane from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Cranbrook (YXC)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
CA$1221-812

Plane from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Kelowna (YLW)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
CA$1222-1223

Plane from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Penticton (YYF)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
CA$1224-1225
Website
aircanada.com

Plane from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Castlegar (YCG)

Average Duration
4h 56m
Estimated price
CA$1226-812

Plane from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Kelowna (YLW)

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
CA$1227-541
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
1 800 663 7867
Website
www2.gov.bc.ca

Other from Kootenay Bay, BC to Balfour, BC

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
CA$1794-1794

Calgary to Nelson: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Calgary and Nelson offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🌲 Upon arriving in Cranbrook, the journey to Nelson continues with a total travel time of about 6 hours and 12 minutes by plane. 💰 The cost of flights between Calgary and Nelson typically ranges from C$552 to C$769, making it a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel between these two beautiful Canadian cities.
Departure Point
Calgary Airport
Arrival Point
Cranbrook Airport
🚌 Starting your journey from Calgary you will embark on an 8 hour and 38 minute scenic bus ride to Nelson.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your bus ticket with companies such as Greyhound, Ebus, or Mountain Man—it’s crucial to compare schedules and book in advance, especially since the journey takes approximately 8 hours and 38 minutes.
• Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle for the trip; while there may be restroom breaks and stops, the options can be limited near the highway, so it's wise to have some food handy to keep you energized.
• Upon arrival in Nelson, head to the Nelson Transit Terminal located at 502 Front St; familiarize yourself with local bus schedules in advance at nelson.ca as this can help you coordinate your next steps efficiently without unnecessary delays.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Calgary to Nelson.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Calgary and Nelson is approximately 288.1 km. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by driving and taking a car ferry, it takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes to reach Nelson from Calgary; and by taking a bus, it takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes to reach Nelson from Calgary.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option to travel from Calgary to Nelson is to fly and then take a bus. This option takes approximately 6 hours and 9 minutes and costs between C$322 to C$1007, depending on the airline and time of booking. However, the cheapest option is to drive and take a car ferry, which takes about 8 hours and 45 minutes and costs between C$121 to C$188.
When traveling from Calgary to Nelson the prices for a bus ticket typically range from C$149 to C$234.
To travel from Calgary to Nelson without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes, and ticket prices range from C$148 to C$242.
Unfortunately, there is no direct link between Calgary and Nelson by bus. However, there are bus services available that have transfers along the way. The journey from Calgary to Nelson by bus takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes, including transfers. The bus services are operated by Red Arrow and Mountain Man Mikes Bus Service.
The flight between Calgary and Nelson typically takes around 3 hours and 34 minutes with one stopover. There is no direct flight available from Calgary to Nelson, so passengers will need to make a stopover during their journey. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but generally, prices can range from around $300 to $600 for a round-trip ticket.
There are several options for accommodation near Nelson. There are at least 22 hotels available in the area, with prices starting at C$103 per night.