Transportation options to Trail include car travel, public transportation, and air travel (to Trail Regional Airport, West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, and Spokane International Airport).
While Trail is quite walk-friendly, it is best to have a vehicle for venturing out to nearby communities in the area. Car rentals are available in the city.
Car Travel
Access Trail from Vancouver (631km/392mi) and the West Coast via Highway 3, as far as Nancy Greene Lake, and then Highway 3B via Rossland. From Lethbridge, Alberta (533km/331mi) and points east, follow Highway 3 westbound, and pick up Highway 3B approximately 10km/6mi west of Salmo. From Castlegar (31km/19mi), follow Highway 22 south. From Spokane, WA (216km/134mi), drive Highway 395 to Kettle Falls, and then Highway 25 to the Canada/US border crossing at Patterson or Waneta.
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Getting to most destinations outside the city limits requires a vehicle. Car rentals are available in Trail, as well as taxi service. Winter tires or chains are required for winter driving as highway conditions can be hazardous, especially on mountain passes in the area.
Public Transportation
Greyhound currently operates two buses per day from both Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta. The City of Trail, in conjunction with BC Transit, operates buses servicing the greater Trail area. Each weekday, three buses travel to Castlegar, with a connection to Nelson.
Air Travel
Scheduled air service from Vancouver, operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines, is available to the Trail Regional Airport, off Highway 22A, 11km/7mi south of downtown. It is possible to arrange (in advance) for a rental car to be delivered to the airport.
Service from Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, operated by Air Canada Jazz, flies into nearby West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, approximately 30km/20mi north of Trail. Car rentals are available. Visitors from the United States may prefer to fly into Spokane International Airport, 195km/121mi south of Trail, and rent a car to complete their journey.
Stop by the Trail Visitor Centre and pick up free maps of downtown Trail and the Kootenay Rockies region.
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Transportation Service Providers