A road trip through the Canadian Rockies often starts in one city and ends in another. If you’re landing in Vancouver and planning to finish in Calgary, returning the vehicle to the original pickup location would mean backtracking hundreds of kilometres. For this reason, booking a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary is the best choice for travelling across Western Canada.
Some rental companies in Canada, such as Final Rentals, offer this route, and you can explore without backtracking. Our guide explains how one-way rentals between Vancouver and Calgary work, what to expect in terms of fees and availability, and how to plan your booking smoothly.
The drive from Vancouver to Calgary is one of Canada’s classic mountain road trips. Most drivers follow Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, often connecting with Highway 5 via the Coquihalla between Hope and Kamloops. The full journey is about 970 kilometres and is usually broken into manageable driving sections, depending on how many scenic stops you want to include.
Some one-way rentals include a one-time drop charge or a mileage/kilometre charge, and the amount varies by location and other factors. If you change your return plan after you’ve started, companies can apply different rates or extra fees, so decide on your drop-off early. Here are the benefits of choosing a one-way car rental from Vancouver:
The best route depends on your time, what you want to see, and what’s happening on mountain highways the day you travel. Here are some routes you can take with a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary.
In good weather and light traffic, the pure driving time is usually around 10 to 11 hours, with few long stops. Once you add fuel breaks, meals, and photo opportunities, it easily becomes a full day on the road. For most travellers, splitting the journey into two days is the better option.
Stopping points along the way include Hope or Chilliwack, Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Golden. As you approach Alberta, Lake Louise and Banff are natural highlights before reaching Calgary.
This is the sunshine-and-lakes alternative to the main mountain corridor. Driving to Kelowna takes roughly 4.5 hours from Vancouver via Highway 1 and Highway 97C, also known as the Okanagan Connector. In summer, you can enjoy lake views, roadside fruit stands, relaxed dining spots, and winery country without taking a longer multi-day national park loop.
If your goal is the Canadian Rockies, plan time for the mountain towns and scenic viewpoints, not just the drive itself. If Moraine Lake is on your list, be aware that private vehicles are currently restricted on Moraine Lake Road, with only limited exceptions. In most cases, you’ll need to use a shuttle service or authorized transportation rather than driving your rental car directly to the lakeshore.
For the Rockies drive, add Lake Louise to Jasper. The Icefields Parkway, Highway 93 North, is a 232-kilometre route between Lake Louise and Jasper. Services along this road are limited and seasonal, generally operating from June to September. There is only one fuel station on the entire stretch.
The total cost of a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary typically includes the base daily rate, location fees, taxes, optional add-ons, and, in some cases, a one-way drop-off fee. Here’s what you can expect:
Vancouver to Calgary car rental rates vary widely by season, demand, and vehicle class, so “average” prices are only meaningful when you compare the same dates and similar cars.
For a 3-day rental from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) during a quieter travel season, compact cars usually cost around CAD 200 to 250 total, or about CAD 70 to 80 per day.
Compact SUVs are often around CAD 250 to 300 total (about CAD 80 to 95 per day), while midsize SUVs typically range from about CAD 280 to 330 total, or CAD 90 to 110 per day.
Bigger vehicles cost much more. Full-size SUVs often start at around CAD 500 or more for three days, and large passenger vans can go over CAD 1,000, depending on demand.
Larger vehicles increase significantly, with full-size SUVs often starting around the CAD 500+ range for three days, and passenger vans potentially exceeding CAD 1,000.
Some companies apply a one-way drop fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original fleet location. However, if you rent from a company with established operations and a branch in Calgary, the one-way fee may be reduced or even waived.
When planning a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary, fuel is usually the highest extra expense, but it’s easy to estimate. Average gasoline prices in Canada are around CAD 1.15–1.25 per litre for regular fuel, although prices can vary by city and station.
For example, if you’re driving about 1,000 km and your vehicle averages 8 L/100 km, you’ll use roughly 80 litres of fuel. At CAD 1.20 per litre, that works out to approximately CAD 96 for the trip (80 L × 1.20). You can adjust the distance, fuel efficiency, and gas price to match your specific plans.
If you plan to stop inside national parks like Banff or Jasper, you’ll need a park pass, which costs $12.25 per adult per day or $24.50 per day for a family/group. If you’re simply driving through without stopping, you don’t need a pass. Scenic routes such as Highway 93 North (the Icefields Parkway) have different rules, so check in advance.
Most rental counters offering a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary include unlimited mileage and Third Party Liability. Unlimited mileage lets you drive without paying extra per kilometre, which is ideal for longer trips. Third-party liability covers damage or injury caused to other people or their property while you’re driving. It does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself, so it’s wise to review your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage before travelling.
A Vancouver to Calgary road trip is a great way to experience one of Canada’s most breathtaking journeys. Choosing a one-way car rental gives you the freedom to move forward without doubling back and pausing for amazing views. Plan your route wisely, compare total rental costs, and prepare for mountain driving conditions.
Rent a car in Canada with Final Rentals to enjoy a one-way journey from Vancouver to Calgary. Select Vancouver International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Many rental companies allow one-way bookings between Vancouver and Calgary. When arranging a car rental from Vancouver to Calgary, you can collect the vehicle at locations such as Vancouver International Airport or a downtown branch and return it to a Calgary branch. Availability depends on vehicle supply and seasonal demand, and some providers may charge a one-way drop-off fee.
Most major rental providers include unlimited mileage for this route, which is ideal for a nearly 1,000-kilometre trip. However, policies can vary by company and vehicle type. Always check the rental terms to confirm, as unexpected mileage charges can occur.
The best car rental from Vancouver to Calgary depends on the season and your travel plans. In summer, a compact car or midsize SUV is usually sufficient. During winter, from October to April, a vehicle with winter tyres or all-wheel drive is strongly recommended due to mountain passes and changing weather conditions. If you’re travelling with family or extra luggage, an SUV or minivan may offer more comfort and space.
