Getting Around Red Deer
Red Deer is a compact prairie city in central Alberta, and getting around it is straightforward for a visitor. Most of the practical detail you need is about buses, taxis, walking and cycling, and how you arrive in town in the first place.
Arriving in Red Deer
Red Deer Regional Airport serves the city, but it does not have scheduled airline service. It handles charter flights and general aviation, so most visitors arrive by road instead.
- By car: the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) is the main route. Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes to drive from either Edmonton or Calgary's main airports.
- By bus: several intercity operators connect Red Deer with Calgary, Edmonton and beyond. Cold Shot runs service from Calgary and Edmonton. Ebus operates a route between Calgary and Edmonton with a stop in Red Deer, with multiple trips daily. FlixBus serves Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Regina and Saskatoon. Red Arrow connects Calgary and Edmonton. Rider Express links Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver.
If you are coming from further afield, the nearest commercial airports are Edmonton and Calgary, and you would typically continue to Red Deer by bus or car.
Public Transit
Red Deer Transit is the only form of public transportation in the city and is a good way of getting around. It provides bus service throughout Red Deer, with route, schedule and fare information available from the city.
- Regular bus routes: these cover the city, though schedules have fluctuated and changed, so check your specific route for up-to-date information before you travel.
- Evening service: a Dynamic Shuttle Service operates Monday to Saturday evenings from 8 p.m. to midnight, after regular routes end. Rides can be accessed from Sorensen Station to any bus stop in the city, and shuttles depart at :15 and :45 of each hour.
- Accessibility: Action Bus provides transit for persons with disabilities.
- Disruptions: routes can be detoured — for example, Route 3 has changing detours due to a parkade expansion at Red Deer Regional Hospital. Current information is posted under Transit Disruptions and Notices.
There is no rail, metro or tram network for getting around the city; buses are the public transport option.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
A couple of taxi companies — Alberta Gold and Associated Cab — operate in the city. They can get busy during rush hours or on Friday nights, but are usually fast.
Walking and Cycling
Red Deer is well suited to active travel. The city maintains over 100 km of multi-use and recreation trails for walking, running, roller blading and cycling. In February 2024, Red Deer City Council approved e-scooters on a permanent basis, adding another option for short trips.
Parking
If you are driving, downtown Red Deer offers short-term, daily and monthly parking options. City maps — including Red Deer and neighbourhood maps, transit maps, and property assessments by location — can help you plan where to park and how to get around.