Alberta exploring LRT‑to‑airport links in Calgary, Edmonton as first phase of rail plan
Posted Jun 5, 2026 12:21 pm.
Last Updated Jun 5, 2026 6:13 pm.
Alberta is studying how Calgary and Edmonton’s LRT systems could connect directly to their international airports, part of a $15 million investment to advance the province’s newly completed long-term provincial rail plan.
Announcing the investment on Friday, the province says it is moving ahead with recommendations from the newly completed Passenger Rail Master Plan, which maps out a vision for passenger rail service across the province.
The province say initial work is already underway to examine how Edmonton’s LRT could connect to the Edmonton International Airport and how Calgary’s LRT could link to Calgary International Airport.
The plan identifies corridors with the strongest potential demand and economic benefit, including a high‑speed Edmonton–Red Deer–Calgary line with more than one train an hour, a higher‑speed Calgary–Banff route with up to hourly service, and frequent commuter and airport‑express trains.
Calgary International Airport would see all‑day service every 20 minutes, with similar connections proposed for Edmonton International Airport, Airdrie, and St. Albert.
“Our initial work will focus on these connections, allowing us to plan for a network of rail services that connect with LRT, transit and the airports to make it easier for Albertans to get where they need to go,” says Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen.
Premier Danielle Smith’s government first signaled its intention to pursue major rail development nearly two years ago, citing rapid population growth and increasingly congested highways.
Passenger rail in the province is currently limited to tourism service from VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer, and the LRT in Calgary and Edmonton.
