One-Way Car Rental from Edmonton to Calgary | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Edmonton to Calgary

Can I rent a car from Edmonton to Calgary?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Edmonton to Calgary. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for CA residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID of the respective country.
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 10.85 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version).

Notes: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 10.85 per day.

How much does renting a car from Edmonton to Calgary cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 60/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 73/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 60-224	US$ 0.00-95.60	US$ 178-478	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 68-222	US$ 0.00-95.60	US$ 202-462	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 73-323	US$ 0.00-172.08	US$ 218-531	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 373-373	US$ 163.88-172.08	US$ 757-757	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fee: Understand that most companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals due to the logistical challenges of re-balancing their fleets.
Mileage Policy: Check if the rental agreement includes unlimited mileage, as some companies might set a limit on the distance you can drive.
Vehicle Availability: Ensure the desired vehicle type is available for your route, as some models or sizes may be restricted to specific regions or distances.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Confirm whether crossing provincial or international boundaries is allowed with the rental car, and inquire about any additional fees or required documentation.
Drop-Off Location: Verify the exact drop-off location in Calgary to avoid potential misunderstandings and additional fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose a Rental Company with Multiple Locations: Select a company that has established branches in both Edmonton and Calgary for easier drop-off and customer support.
Book in Advance: Book your one-way rental early to ensure availability and potentially secure better prices on your intended trip dates.
Purchase Insurance Coverage: Consider obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage through the car rental company or a third-party provider for peace of mind.
Plan Your Fuel Stops: Research gas station locations along your route, particularly ones offering convenient access and competitive pricing.
Understand Cancellation Policies: Review the rental company’s policy on changes or cancellations should your travel plans deviate unexpectedly.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
Easy online purchase before your trip

Learn More About QEEQ Insurance

Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
Automatic rebooking when prices drop

Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is generally cheaper than opting for the rental company's full tank option.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Ensure the tank is filled to the required level to avoid additional charges.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $1.50 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed, ideally around 90-100 km/h, for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated as under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption.

Minimize the use of air conditioning and use cruise control where possible.

Edmonton Parking

Parking is available at Edmonton International Airport with rates starting at $5 per hour.

Long-term parking options are also available, with shuttle services to the terminals.

Consider pre-booking parking spaces online to secure better rates.

Calgary Parking

Calgary International Airport offers multiple parking options, including short-term and long-term facilities.

Hourly parking rates start at $6, with daily maximum rates available.

Look for economy parking options for more affordable rates.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and SpotHero can help you find and reserve parking in advance.

The Calgary Parking Authority app provides real-time availability and payment options.

Consider using the Way app for discounted parking rates near airports.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Routes Between Edmonton and Calgary:

Highway 2 - The Quick Drive

Direct Route 3 hours

The most direct route featuring a smooth drive through Alberta's countryside.

Red Deer , Bowden SunMaze , CrossIron Mills in Balzac

Scenic Highway 21

Scenic Route 4 hours

A scenic alternative passing through charming rural landscapes and small towns.

Camrose , Alberta Prairie Railway in Stettler

Eastern Adventure Highway

Experience Route 5 hours

An adventure route showcasing historical landmarks and unique prairie views.

Wainwright Buffalo Park , Drumheller for Dinosaur attraction

Highlighted Trips in Alberta Region:

Journey to Jasper National Park

4.5 hours from Edmonton

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning mountain views and wildlife.

Chip Lake Adventure

2 hours from Edmonton

Discover this tranquil spot ideal for fishing and water activities.

Drumheller's Dinosaur Exploration

1.5 hours from Calgary

Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum and learn about Alberta's rich prehistoric past.

Explore Kananaskis Country

1.5 hours from Calgary

Renowned for its hiking, skiing, and breathtaking scenery.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Check Rental Car Policies: Confirm one-way rental policies and mileage limits to avoid additional fees.

Map Your Journey: Pre-plan stops for fuel, food, and attractions to make the trip smoother.

Fuel Up Strategically: Research fuel stops beforehand, especially for rural or less trafficked areas.

Set a Budget: Include rental costs, fuel, tolls, and meals in your budget planning.

Emergency Preparedness: Pack an emergency kit including a spare tire, first-aid kit, and contact numbers.

Check Weather Conditions: Monitor the weather forecast and be equipped for rain, snow, or wind.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a rental company that offers one-way services between Edmonton and Calgary requires a focus on fees, vehicle variety, and location coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$$	High	Nationwide	Wide selection of vehicles , Convenient location network , Well-maintained fleet
Hertz	$$$	High	Nationwide	Luxury and specialty vehicles available , Comprehensive breakdown assistance , Easy reservation process
Budget Car Rental	$$	Moderate	Regional	Competitive pricing , Good selection of economy models , Frequent promotional deals
Avis Car Rental	$$$	High	Nationwide	Premium customer service , Wide availability of locations , Seamless booking system

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals

Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Calgary Airport Rental Car Center

Operating Hours:

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Location:

The rental car center is located within the parking garage adjacent to the main terminal of Calgary International Airport.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services are available every 15 minutes between terminals and the rental center during peak hours.

Amenities:

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, customer service desks, and waiting lounges.

Nearby Gas Stations:

A refueling station is located 1.5 km from the drop-off point, on Airport Drive.

Pro Tips for Edmonton Airport(YEG) Car Rentals

Consider booking online to secure lower rates and ensure vehicle availability for your desired timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another. This is particularly useful for trips where you do not plan to return to the starting point, such as traveling from Edmonton to Calgary.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals on this route?

Most rental companies charge a one-way fee, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to the original location. It's advisable to compare options across providers to minimize costs.

How long does it typically take to drive from Edmonton to Calgary?

The driving distance between Edmonton and Calgary is approximately 300 kilometers. It usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Can I choose a specific car model for a one-way rental?

While rental companies usually guarantee a class of vehicle, specific models are subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed. It's best to check directly with the rental company.

What should I do in case of a breakdown during the journey?

If a breakdown occurs, contact the rental company's roadside assistance service immediately. The contact number is typically provided on your rental agreement or in the vehicle's documentation.

Ready to Book Your Edmonton to Calgary Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

One-Way Car Rental: Edmonton to Calgary