How does public transport operate on weekends?

Public transportation in Calgary (Calgary Transit) operates on weekends, but with some changes compared to weekdays. Below is a detailed overview of bus, CTrain (light rail), and On Demand services, as well as tips for comfortable travel.

CTrain (light rail)

Schedule:

  • Saturday: 5:00 a.m.–1:30 a.m. (every 10–15 minutes).
  • Sunday and holidays: 8:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m. (every 15–20 minutes).

Changes in 2025:

  • Two-car trains: Starting in March 2025, a pilot project will be implemented on the Red and Blue lines, with two cars running on weekends instead of three or four. Exceptions:
  • Special events (e.g., Calgary Stampede, Flames hockey games).
  • Peak hours (12:00–18:00 on Saturdays) – additional trains will be added.

Station closures:

  • May 17–20, 2025: 7th Avenue stations will be closed for renovation. Shuttle buses will replace the CTrain.

Buses

Main routes:

  • Frequency: 30–60 minutes (depending on the route).
  • Schedule:
  • Saturday: 6:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m.
  • Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Night buses (Route 300):

  • Route: Somerset-Bridlewood ↔ Saddletowne via Downtown.
  • Schedule: 12:00 a.m.–5:00 a.m., every 30 minutes.
  • Cost: Regular fare.

School express routes:

  • No service on weekends.

On Demand Service

Who is it for: Residents of remote areas (e.g., Livingston, Carrington).

Schedule:

  • Saturday: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

How to book:

  1. Calgary Transit On Demand app: Book your trip 45 minutes in advance.
  2. Phone: 403-262-1000.

Cost: Regular fare (cash not accepted).

Tips for weekend travel

  1. Use apps:
  • Transit or Moovit – show real-time arrivals and route changes.
  • My Fare – for purchasing e-tickets.
  1. Avoid peak hours:
  • The busiest CTrain lines are the Red Line (Somerset-Bridlewood ↔ Tuscany) between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  1. Check for updates:

Changes in 2025

  • Energy conservation experiment: Reducing the number of CTrain cars will cut energy costs by 15–20%.
  • Free transfers: Valid for 90 minutes from the time the ticket is activated.

Conclusion

Public transportation in Calgary operates on a modified schedule on weekends but remains accessible. For a comfortable trip:

  • Plan your routes using the Transit App.
  • Be aware of reduced CTrain service.
  • Use On Demand in remote areas.