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Nelson, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta from $90: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Nelson, Canada
to
Calgary, Canada

How to Get from Nelson to Calgary: 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.

$90 - OtherBest price
288 kmDistance
6h 8m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Nelson to Calgary 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
Mountain Man Mikes Bus Service
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
8h  17m
Estimated price
$110-150
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
8h  45m
Estimated price
$90-140
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 288 km
Duration: 6h 8m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  52m
Estimated price
$60-270
Company
Mountain Man Mikes Bus Service
Bus
Average Duration
10h  42m
Estimated price
$110-160
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
4h  36m
Estimated price
$150-600
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
6h  8m
Estimated price
$154-435
Company
Air Canada, WestJet
Plane
Average Duration
6h  44m
Estimated price
$410-600
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Traveling From Nelson to Calgary

The route from Nelson to Calgary offers a fascinating shift from Nelson's laid-back, scenic beauty to Calgary's dynamic urban landscape and vibrant cultural scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Calgary

Calgary boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Downtown
• Home to the iconic Calgary Tower.
• Vibrant nightlife and dining options abound.
Kensington
• Known for its eclectic shops and cafes.
• Hosts the lively Kensington Farmers' Market.
Inglewood
• Features charming historic architecture.
• Offers cultural attractions like the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.

Best Times To Visit Calgary's Attractions

Timing your visits to Calgary's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Calgary Zoo
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Stephen Avenue
Explore in the late afternoon on weekdays for a relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists.

Calgary Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Calgary experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers, making late spring and early fall the best times to visit for ideal weather. Be mindful that rapid weather changes can impact your travel plans, so packing layers is always a smart choice.

Dining Recommendation

When in Calgary, savor the Alberta beef at Charcut Roast House, where the focus on locally sourced ingredients and innovative preparations creates a lively dining atmosphere. This culinary experience stands in stark contrast to Nelson's more rustic offerings, introducing you to bold flavors and a vibrant urban ambiance.

Nelson - Calgary operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 778 382 7729
Website
https://mountainmanmikes.ca/

Bus from Nelson, BC - 512 Railway Street to Calgary, AB - 11488, 24 Street SE

Average Duration
10h
Estimated price
CA$110-150
Contact phone
+14036689600
Website
https://thecanadabus.com/

Bus from Banff, AB - Mount Royal Hotel to Calgary, AB - Crowfoot LRT Station

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
CA$25-35
Contact phone
+1 250 362 0080
Website
https://www.kootenaygateway.com/

Bus from Nelson, BC to Panorama Mountain Resort, BC

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Nelson, BC to Cranbrook Airport

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Nelson, BC to Kelowna Airport

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
https://www.aircanada.com

Plane from Castlegar (YCG) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
6h 29m
Estimated price
CA$330-600

Plane from Kelowna (YLW) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
CA$95-400
Website
https://www.westjet.com

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

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
CA$150-600

Plane from Penticton (YYF) to Calgary (YYC)

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
CA$110-370
Ferry
Contact phone
1 800 663 7867
Website
http://www2.gov.bc.ca

Ferry from Balfour, BC to Kootenay Bay, BC

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
CA$0-0

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

Traveling between Nelson and Calgary 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.

Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the schedule for Mountain Man Mike's Bus Service at their website here to plan your transfer times, as you'll need to switch buses at the Douglas Glen Terminal in Calgary.
• Bring snacks and water for your journey; while the bus offers comfort, there can be long stretches without stops, especially between Nelson and Douglas Glen.
• Upon arrival at Calgary's 11488, 24 Street SE station, use the Calgary Transit trip planner to navigate your way to your final destination seamlessly, as the station is well connected with public transport options.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Nelson to Calgary.

Or choose the category:
The cheapest way to get from Nelson to Calgary is to take a car ferry and then drive. This option costs between C$123 and C$191 and takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes. The car ferry allows you to bring your own vehicle, which can be more cost-effective than renting a car. The drive from the ferry to Calgary offers scenic views of the Canadian Rockies.
The fastest way to travel from Nelson to Calgary is by taking a bus to the nearest airport and then flying to Calgary. This option typically takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes.
The distance between Nelson and Calgary is approximately 288 km. The most common route is to take Highway 3 from Nelson to Highway 22 in Alberta, which leads directly into Calgary. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions, but it usually takes around 4-5 hours to complete the journey.
The most convenient and budget-friendly option to travel from Nelson to Calgary without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 49 minutes, and ticket prices range from C$150 to C$233. You can check with Greyhound or other bus services for the most up-to-date schedule and fares. Alternatively, you can also consider flying from Castlegar Airport to Calgary International Airport, although this may be more expensive.
The duration of the journey from Nelson to Calgary is approximately 9 hours and 49 minutes, including any necessary transfers.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Calgary. There are over 402 hotels to choose from, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices start as low as C$71 per night, providing affordable options for travelers.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Nelson and Calgary. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey starts at Nelson - 512 Railway Street and includes a transfer at Fort Macleod before reaching Calgary Downtown Office. The total travel time is approximately 9 hours and 49 minutes, including the transfers.
To catch the bus from Nelson to Calgary you need to go to the Nelson - 512 Railway Street station. This is where Mountain Man Mikes Bus Service operates their bus services for this route.
The Nelson to Calgary bus service operated by Red Arrow arrives at Calgary Downtown Office station.
WestJet offers flights from Cranbrook Airport to Calgary Airport, making it the only airline that flies directly between Nelson and Calgary. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The fastest way to get from Nelson to Calgary is by taking a direct flight from Cranbrook Airport to Calgary Airport. This flight is operated by WestJet and typically takes around 50 minutes.
The flight from Nelson to Calgary is approximately 50 minutes long. This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. Cranbrook Airport offers direct flights to Calgary Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.
The cost of a bus from Nelson to Calgary ranges from C$156 to C$228.

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