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
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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:
- Download the My Fare or Transit app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register (a Calgary myID account is required for monthly/discount passes).
- Select the ticket type and enter your payment details (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted).
- The purchased ticket will appear in your app wallet.
- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.