How Far Is Calgary From Edmonton

how far is calgary from edmonton

Understanding the Distance: Calgary to Edmonton

The Geographical Layout

Calgary and Edmonton are two of Alberta’s largest cities. When looking at a map, one can clearly see that these two urban centers are separated by a considerable distance. As the crow flies, Calgary is approximately 277 kilometers south of Edmonton. For those unfamiliar with this measure, it merely means the shortest possible distance between two points on a globe. This figure, however, does not encapsulate the actual distance someone would need to travel by road to go from one city to the other.

  • It's beneficial to understand the geographical layout when planning any travel, including the distance from Calgary to Edmonton.
  • As the crow flies, it's approximately 277 kilometers distance, which doesn't include potential diversions or obstacles on the road.
  • This provides a basic understanding of the geographical distance and direction, but not the travel time or the best route to take.

The Most Efficient Route

Traveling by car from Calgary to Edmonton typically takes the traveler through Alberta's Queen Elizabeth II Highway. This major thoroughfare is the most direct and efficient route between the two cities, with a straight line driving distance of roughly 300 kilometers. Travel time varies depending upon several factors including traffic, weather conditions, and speed. On average, the journey between Calgary and Edmonton via the Queen Elizabeth II Highway takes around three to three and a half hours.

  • The Queen Elizabeth II Highway is the most direct and efficient route when traveling from Calgary to Edmonton by car.
  • The driving distance of this route is roughly 300 kilometers, and the travel time can vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and how fast you're driving.
  • On average, it takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to travel between these two cities via this route.

Alternative Routes and Travel Options

While the Queen Elizabeth II Highway is the most direct route from Calgary to Edmonton, there are alternate routes that travelers may choose for a variety of reasons including scenic drive, avoiding heavy traffic or during road works on the highway. Besides road travel, one can also choose to travel between the two cities by air, which would significantly reduce the travel time. On average, a non-stop flight between Calgary and Edmonton takes about one hour. However, keep in mind that air travel also involves additional time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.

  • There are several alternative routes from Calgary to Edmonton, which may be chosen for their scenic beauty, to avoid heavy traffic or during road works.
  • Traveling by air is another option between the two cities, with a non-stop flight taking approximately one hour, but additional time should be factored in for airport procedures such as check-in, boarding and security screening.
  • The selected mode of travel between Calgary and Edmonton will significantly influence the overall journey time.