Travelling from Calgary to Drumheller will become significantly easier this summer as FlixBus launches a new direct bus route connecting the two Alberta destinations.
The service will begin operating on May 14, 2026, giving residents and tourists a convenient car-free option to explore Alberta’s world-famous Badlands, dinosaur attractions and unique landscapes.
Direct Service to Drumheller and Royal Tyrrell Museum
The new FlixBus route will include stops in downtown Drumheller and at the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to paleontology.
The route is expected to benefit both day-trippers and international tourists seeking easier access to one of Alberta’s top visitor destinations.
Free ValleyConnect Shuttle Launches June 26
In addition to the intercity bus service, a free local shuttle known as ValleyConnect will begin operations on June 26, 2026.
The hop-on, hop-off shuttle will connect visitors to several of the region’s most popular attractions, including:
- Drumheller Hoodoos
- Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
- East Coulee School Museum
The service is designed to help visitors explore more of the area without relying on private vehicles.
Boost for Tourism in Alberta’s Badlands
According to Travel Alberta, the Drumheller region currently attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually and is projected to generate approximately $786 million in visitor spending by 2035.
The province has identified the region as a strategic tourism development zone, with significant investments planned to expand attractions, accommodations and year-round experiences.
Officials Welcome Improved Transportation
ValleyConnect Project Manager Lana Phillips said the new transportation options will provide more than just convenience.
“These new services are about more than getting visitors from one place to another,” Phillips said. “They help people experience more of the region, spend more time in our community and support the local businesses that make Drumheller so special.”
Provincial and Local Support
The ValleyConnect initiative is funded in part through provincial programs supporting smaller communities, with additional contributions from local business and tourism organizations.
Community leaders hope the enhanced transportation network will increase overnight stays and strengthen the local economy.
FlixBus Expands Across the Prairies
The Calgary–Drumheller route is part of FlixBus’s broader expansion across Western Canada.
The company recently announced new services linking Alberta with major Prairie destinations including:
- Winnipeg
- Brandon
- Swift Current
- Moose Jaw
A Car-Free Adventure to Alberta’s Dinosaur Capital
Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, Drumheller offers visitors dramatic landscapes, fossil discoveries and iconic attractions that draw tourists from around the globe.
With direct bus service from Calgary and a free local shuttle, exploring the Badlands is becoming more accessible than ever.
The new transit options are expected to make Drumheller an even more popular summer destination for families, students and international visitors seeking a memorable Alberta adventure.
Courtesy: dailyhive
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