An Alberta passenger rail system is officially in the works and its routes are so nice
Alberta is moving ahead with a long-term passenger rail strategy that will see a rail network built between Edmonton and Calgary, along with expanded regional and airport connections.
The Passenger Rail Master Plan, which was released on June 5, 2026, outlines a 30-year network that includes plans for a high-speed train of up to 320 km/h between Edmonton and Calgary via Red Deer, with up to one train per hour in the key corridor.
Frequent airport-express and commuter rail service is also part of the plan, including all-day service every 20 minutes for Calgary International Airport, Airdrie, Edmonton International Airport and St. Albert, and commuter-peak services for other connections.
“Major infrastructure projects don’t happen overnight. They require thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and a clear vision for the future. The Passenger Rail Master Plan gives us that foundation,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a release.
“This investment will help advance the next phase of planning as we explore opportunities to better connect Alberta’s communities, airports and economic hubs.”
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Government of Alberta
It will also see higher-speed service between Calgary and Banff at over 160 km/h, along with regional connections aimed at improving access to tourism and employment hubs.
“We know passenger rail connections between Calgary and Edmonton and their international airports are a priority for Albertans. 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,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
According to its website, the province is moving ahead with the first steps of the plan with a $15 million investment over three years to support:
- planning for a passenger rail connection between Edmonton’s light-rail transit (LRT) system and the Edmonton International Airport
- initial planning for a central station in downtown Calgary
- engagement with industry to assess private‑sector market capacity, financing approaches, business models and investment strategies to advance passenger rail
The Province is even thinking long-term with its vision, outlining potential routes by the time the 2080s roll around.
The plan was announced in 2024, with a vision for a passenger rail system that would include public, private, or hybrid passenger rail between Calgary and Edmonton.
The province committed $9 million to support the development of the plan in the 2024 budget, and it was expected to be completed by 2025.
You can learn more about the project online.