How to buy a ticket for public transport?

Calgary Transit offers several convenient ways to purchase tickets and passes for buses and CTrain. Below is a detailed description of all available purchase options, ticket types, payment methods, and features of electronic tickets and paper tickets.

Main ticket and pass types

  • Single Ride Ticket: Valid for 90 minutes from the time of activation, allows transfers between buses and CTrain.
  • Day Pass: Unlimited travel on the day of activation until the end of the transit day.
  • Monthly Pass: Valid for one calendar month.
  • Ticket Books: Convenient for those who travel irregularly.
  • Discount and Special Passes: For students, low-income individuals, seniors, weekend group tickets, etc.

Where and how to buy a ticket

1. Mobile apps: My Fare and Transit

  • My Fare is the official Calgary Transit mobile app for iOS and Android. It allows you to purchase single tickets, day passes, monthly passes, and discounted passes online.
  • Transit App - a popular trip planning app that also supports ticket and pass purchases (single, day, monthly). How it works:
  1. Download the My Fare or Transit app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register (a Calgary myID account is required for monthly/discount passes).
  3. Select the ticket type and enter your payment details (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted).
  4. The purchased ticket will appear in your app wallet.
  5. Before boarding, activate your ticket and scan it at the validator on the bus or show it to the inspector. Advantages:
  • Purchase anytime, anywhere.
  • No need to look for ticket machines or ticket offices.
  • Ability to save tickets for future use.

2. Ticket vending machines at CTrain stations

  • Vending machines are located at all CTrain stations.
  • Accept coins, credit and debit cards.
  • You can buy single tickets, day passes, and weekend group passes.
  • Tickets purchased from a machine are valid immediately after issuance and are valid for 90 minutes (single) or until the end of the day (day passes). Important:
    If you have purchased a paper ticket in advance (e.g., in a store), you must activate it (validate it) at a ticket machine before entering the CTrain area.

3. Ticket offices and service centers

  • Tickets and passes can be purchased at Customer Service Centers, City Hall Cashiers, and Village Square Leisure Center.
  • Cash (coins only) and debit cards are accepted.
  • To purchase discounted passes, you must have a valid ID.

4. Shops and supermarkets

  • Many grocery stores and convenience stores in the city sell ticket books and monthly passes.
  • Look for the Calgary Transit sticker at the entrance.

5. Online purchase

  • You can purchase monthly passes and discounted tickets (for delivery by mail or for use in the app) on the official website calgarytransit.com/shop.

Paying for your bus ride

  • You can pay with cash (coins) when you get on, putting the exact amount in the box near the driver (no change is given).
  • You can use a paper ticket (pre-activated) or an electronic ticket in the app.
  • If you need to change buses, ask the driver for a free transfer ticket (valid for 90 minutes).

Ticket usage details

  • Single tickets and day passes are valid on both buses and CTrain.
  • Children under 12 ride for free.
  • Dogs on a leash and animals in carriers are transported free of charge.
  • For group trips on weekends, a special Weekend Group Day Pass is available (up to 5 people, including a maximum of 2 adults).

Discounted and special passes

  • Reduced fares are available for students, seniors, and low-income individuals.
  • To obtain a discounted pass, you must apply through Fair Entry and confirm your eligibility.

Summary

You can purchase a ticket for public transportation in Calgary:

  • Through the My Fare or Transit mobile app (most convenient).
  • At ticket machines at CTrain stations.
  • At ticket offices, shops, supermarkets, and online. The choice of method depends on your needs: for one-off trips, it is convenient to use electronic or paper tickets, and for regular trips, a monthly pass. The system is the same for all modes of transport, and payment is as flexible and modern as possible.