Sleeping in Airports

Calgary Airport Guide

sleeping in calgary airport
(photo credit: SleepingInAirports / February 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Calgary Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

A female security officer even directed me to a gate she said was quiet and safe because it was frequently patrolled by security. – snowshoecat

YYC Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Calgary International Airport.

What to Expect

Calgary Airport (Code: YYC) comprises two interconnected terminals with five concourses. Terminal 1 handles domestic travel with Concourses A, B and C, while Terminal 2 handles transborder and international travel with Concourses D and E. All are connected with walkways and a ten-passenger shuttle. Terminal 2 operates under a “call-to-gate” system” in which passengers wait in a main seating and shopping area until their flight information is posted and the gate opened. Dining, shopping and services are spread out throughout the airport, both airside and landside. WiFi is free, and charging areas can be found in sporadic areas of the airport. Economy class passengers can buy access to three of the airport’s four lounges, all offering showers.

Calgary Airport Guide
(Photo by SleepingInAirports / Feb 2019)

Sleeping in Calgary Airport

YYC Airport staff and security generally tolerate sleeping travellers, and there are plenty of chairs and bench seating throughout the airport. However, the airport is well-lit, so consider an eye mask. On the airside (Terminal 1, Gate A24), a designated quiet area equipped with cozy loungers, seating, and courtesy yoga equipment.

Some reviewers have shared that on the landside of Terminal 2, there is a quiet space with comfortable seating for sleeping under the escalator near Arrival door 16. The third floor of Arrivals has also been mentioned as a quiet place with comfy seating.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are two in-terminal hotels and a few others within easy shuttle distance. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Calgary Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

Calgary Airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

The YYC Quiet Space offers recliner-style seating and yoga/stretching equipment for passengers looking to rest or decompress.
Location: Domestic Terminal, airside, near Gates A24.

While this space is intended for short breaks and relaxation, it is not a designated overnight sleeping area, and seating may fill up during busy periods.

As with sleeping in any public space, keep valuables secured and within reach, and consider using luggage locks.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers.  If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in public areas doesn’t feel workable, there are two hotels connected to the terminal and several nearby options with free shuttles.

Hotels at Calgary Airport

  • Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel – Connected via indoor walkway. Day-use rooms may be available on request. » Check Rates
  • Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal – Connected by skywalk on the Mezzanine level. In fair weather, access is also possible by crossing from the Arrivals level near Door 10 (Air Canada area). » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport with free airport shuttles

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Calgary Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Domestic Departures
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Terminal, Concourse C, near Gate 12. Hours: 4:30 AM – 12:30 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (a “cell-phone-free quiet zone”). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Maple Leaf Club) • Prepaid lounge passes (must be purchased in advance via Air Canada) •  Aeroplan elite, Star Alliance Gold Business/First class on Air Canada / Star Alliance, eligible cardholders, guest passes.
  • WestJet Elevation Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Terminal, Concourse B, Level 2, accessible from domestic and some connecting international passengers. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:15 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • All other access: WestJet Rewards Platinum / Gold / Silver members, WestJet business-class passengers.
International Departures
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Terminal, Concourse C, near Gate 12. Hours: 4:30 AM – 12:30 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (a “cell-phone-free quiet zone”). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Maple Leaf Club) • Prepaid lounge passes (must be purchased in advance via Air Canada) •  Aeroplan elite, Star Alliance Gold Business/First class on Air Canada / Star Alliance, eligible cardholders, guest passes.
  • Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, International Terminal, Concourse D, Level 2, near Gate D80. Hours: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (CAD 59 per person for up to 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary for eligible international Business Class and Star Alliance premium passengers.
US Transborder Departures
  • Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, U.S. Departures area, Concourse E, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection, across from Gate E85. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM (based on U.S. flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (CAD 59 per person for up to 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary for eligible Business Class or premium airline passengers departing to the U.S.
  • Aspire WestJet Garden Lounge – Location: Airside, Transborder Terminal, Concourse E, adjacent to the Aspire Transborder Lounge. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM (aligned with U.S. flight schedule). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (CAD 59 per person) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary access for eligible WestJet Business Class, Platinum and Gold Rewards members, and selected premium fare passengers.

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Free drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are available throughout the terminal, both before and after security.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules. The following locations are reported to operate 24 hours, though hours can change seasonally:

  • Airside, Domestic Departures – A&W (A Gates) • Euro Cafe (A Gates) • Tim Hortons (A Gates • C Gates)
  • Landside, Domestic Terminal – 7-Eleven (Arrivals)

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coat and luggage storage is available. Here are some sample rates per 24-hour period: Coat CA$ 2 / Carry-on Bag CA$ 5 / Checked Bag CA$ 10 / Oversized Bag CA$ 15. A valid photo ID, boarding pass, and travel itinerary are required to use this service. Payment is by credit or debit only. Location: Arrivals Level, landside, Information Booth. Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and charging stations are available throughout the terminal, though they can be inconsistent in placement. Bringing a portable power bank is recommended.

Showers

Showers are available inside select lounges [ see Airport Lounges above ] and at the OraOxygen Wellness Spa.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Calgary Airport. Connect to the “YYC-Free-WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Services – The UPS Store provides shipping and courier services, mailbox rentals, office supplies, and basic business services.

Chapel – An interfaith chapel offers a quiet space for prayer or reflection. The chapel itself is accessible 24 hours, while the office operates weekday daytime hours.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Private nursing rooms are available throughout the terminal for feeding and changing infants. Baby supplies can be purchased from Sandstone Pharmacy. Facilities are located both before and after security, with family rooms near restrooms in the International Terminal.
  • Children’s Play Area – Small play spaces and themed “YYC Fun Zones” are scattered throughout the terminal. These include soft-play areas for younger children and slightly larger play zones for older kids. Availability and themes vary by terminal and departure area.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Information

  • Information Desk -InfoCentres provide general airport assistance, flight information, and passenger paging. Most locations operate 24 hours, with limited hours in Domestic Arrivals.
  • White Hat Welcome – White Hat Volunteers, easily recognized by their white cowboy hats and red vests, assist travellers with directions and general questions. Calgary Airport also offers the traditional White Hat Ceremony, which can be arranged in advance for arriving guests.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping is available through Safe Bag. Pricing and hours may vary.

Massage – Self-service Shiatsu massage chairs are located throughout the terminal. The OraOxygen Wellness Spa offers paid wellness and relaxation services during daytime hours.
Medical Services

  • Medical Services – A medical clinic provides general and travel-related care, including walk-in services. Hours are limited to weekdays.
  • Pharmacy – Sandstone Pharmacy sells medications and travel essentials during extended daytime and evening hours.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs from major Canadian banks are available throughout the terminal. A U.S. dollar ATM is also available. Fees and withdrawal limits depend on your bank.
  • Currency Exchange – ICE Foreign Exchange operates exchange counters in the International Arrivals area and in the international departures zone.

Pets

  • Pet Relief Area – Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are available before and after security in multiple parts of the terminal.
  • Pre-Board PALS – see “Rest & Relaxation” below.

Shopping

  • Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in international and U.S. departure areas during early-morning to evening hours. Additional retail stores, including convenience shops and bookstores, operate throughout the terminal, with some opening as early as 3:30 AM.

Smoking -Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside specific terminal doors on the Arrivals and Departures levels.

Spa – The OraOxygen Wellness Spa offers oxygen therapy and spa treatments at select terminal locations and inside the in-terminal hotel.

Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Calgary Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Calgary on Tripadvisor.

Airlines
Calgary Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air North • Air Transat • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • British Airways • Central Mountain Air • Delta Air Lines • Edelweiss • Eurowings Discover • Flair Airlines • Lynx Air • KLM • Sunwing Airlines • United Airlines • WestJet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies operate onsite at the airport’s Rental Car Centre: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty. The airport’s Rental Car Centre is located across the street from the Domestic Terminal on the Departures Level. Several companies operate off-site (including Discount) and are reachable via a courtesy shuttle from Bus Bay #22 Arrivals roadway.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Calgary Airport provide free shuttle service. Some of these hotels can be reached using the phones in the airport Bus Bay. Hotel shuttle airport pick-up is available at Bus Bays 16, 17 and 37, located outside of the terminal on the Arrivals Level. Contact your hotel for shuttle service availability and details. Here are some hotels that offer airport shuttle service:

Applause HotelBest Western Plus Port O’ Call HotelBest Western Premier Freeport Inn & SuitesComfort Inn & Suites Calgary Airport South  •  Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport  • Days Inn Calgary Airport   •   Four Points by SheratonHampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North   •  Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport   •   Holiday Inn AirportHoliday Inn Calgary Airport NorthHoliday Inn Express & Suites Airport Calgary   •   Hotel CliqueHyatt Place Calgary AirportLakeview Signature Inn Calgary Airport   •   Marriott Residence InnRadisson Hotel Calgary AirportSandman Calgary Airport  •  Staybridge Suites Calgary AirportSuper 8 Calgary AirportThe Westin Calgary AirportTravelodge Hotel CalgaryWingate by WyndhamWyndham Garden Calgary Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

The YYC Link Shuttle provides a connection between Concourses A, B, C and D within five minutes and includes four stops along the way. Twenty shuttles, each seating ten passengers, run between 6:15 AM – 1:00 AM.

Public Bus

The following public bus routes operate from Domestic Terminal, Arrivals Level, exit Door 7, pillar 7 • International Terminal, Arrivals Level, exit door 15, pillar 32:

  • Route 300 BRT Airport/City Centre – An express, limited stop service to downtown Calgary via Centre Street.
  • Route 100 Airport/McKnight – Westwinds Light Rail Transit (LRT) station – Service to the McKnight – Westwinds LRT station (LRT Blue Line)

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines by debit, credit card and cash or at the 7-Eleven store on the Arrivals Level, door 10.

Red Arrow Motorcoach

Red Arrow provides a daily luxury motorcoach service between Calgary Airport and Edmond, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray and several smaller communities within Alberta. The Red Arrow airport counter is located in Meeting Place B, across from Domestic Arrivals.

Ridesharing

Uber and Lyft are authorized ride-share operators at YYC. To request a ride-share service, use the providers’ mobile app or website.

  • Drop-off location: Arrivals level curbside.
  • Pick-up location: Arrivals level by doors 3, 12 or 15.

Taxi and Executive Sedan

Taxis are available 24 hours a day at taxi stands outside the Arrivals Level. Rates are charged according to the meter, with fares to downtown Calgary in the $40 – $45 range (as of August 2023). Executive sedans, found near the taxi stands, are available on demand and operate on a zone-based flat rate fare. The fare to downtown Calgary is $68.75.

Last updated: 2026-01-22

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.