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Montreal to Ottawa from $21: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Montreal, Canada
to
Ottawa, Canada

How to Get from Montreal to Ottawa: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$21 by busBest price
166.1 kmDistance
2h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Montreal to Ottawa with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
VIA Rail
Train
Average Duration
2h 
Estimated price
$23-90
Recommended
Company
Orléans Express
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$21-50
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 166.1 km
Duration: 2h

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  10m
Estimated price
$28-45
Company
Air Canada
Plane
Average Duration
2h  35m
Estimated price
$173-757
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Montreal to Ottawa

The journey from Montreal to Ottawa offers a fascinating contrast between Montreal's vibrant, multicultural vibe and Ottawa's rich history and political significance.

Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Ottawa features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

ByWard Market
• Vibrant market with local produce and artisan goods.
• Energetic nightlife scene with numerous bars and restaurants.
Downtown Ottawa
• Home to national museums and historical landmarks.
• Great access to public transit and shopping options.
The Glebe
• Picturesque streets with boutiques and cafes.
• Attractive parks and proximity to the Rideau Canal.

Best Times To Visit Ottawa's Attractions

Timing your visits to Ottawa’s top attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Parliament Hill
Early mornings or late afternoons offer smaller crowds and stunning views.
Rideau Canal
Visit in the winter for ice skating or on weekdays for calmer summer walks.
National Gallery of Canada
Wednesday evenings feature fewer visitors and special programming events.

Ottawa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Ottawa experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, making it essential to pack appropriately for your visit. The best times to explore are spring and fall, when milder temperatures enhance your travel experience without the extremes of humidity or snow.

Dining Recommendation

Try the beaver tail pastry at the iconic BeaverTails stand, which offers a delightful twist on dessert with its fried dough topped with various sweet toppings. This casual and vibrant atmosphere stands in contrast to Montreal's sophisticated dining scene, showcasing Ottawa's focus on local ingredients and a playful take on traditional fare.

Montreal - Ottawa operators

Explore transport companies operating between Montreal and Ottawa, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 888 842-7245
Website
http://www.viarail.ca/

Train from Montréal to Ottawa

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
23-90
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 833 449 6444
Website
https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/

Bus from Montréal station to Gatineau

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
21-50
Contact phone
+1 866-307-0002
Website
https://autobusmaheux.qc.ca/?lang=en

Bus from Montréal, QC - Gare d'autocars to Gatineau, QC - 34 MAISONNEUVE

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
23-40
Contact phone
514-228-2303
Website
https://tourexpress.ca/

Bus from Montreal, QC - Station Berri-UQAM to Gatineau, QC - Maisonneuve/Allumettières

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
25-29
Plane Show flights
Website
http://www.aircanada.com

Plane from Montreal (YUL) to Ottawa (YOW)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
260-1000

Montreal to Ottawa: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Montreal and Ottawa offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Montreal to Ottawa, covering a distance of approximately 197.9 km, which can be completed in just 2 hours and 10 minutes by car. 💸 The cost of traveling from Montreal to Ottawa by car ranges from C$38 to C$61, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to explore the capital city of Canada.
Average price
C$39 - C$62
🚆 Traveling from Montreal to Ottawa by train is a convenient and efficient option. VIA Rail operates five daily services, making the journey take approximately 2 hours. 🌿 The scenic route covers a distance of 186 km, offering travelers a quaint and relaxing experience. With departures from the Montréal station, the train smoothly arrives at Ottawa station with ease. 🎟️ Prices for the train ride between Montreal and Ottawa can range from C$31 to C$122, providing a budget-friendly means of transportation for those looking to explore the beautiful capital city of Canada.
Departure Point
Montréal station
Arrival Point
Ottawa station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Montreal to Ottawa, VIA Rail offers a catering service where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and beverages directly from the onboard café. Depending on your seating option, you may also be eligible for meal service in First and Business Classes, featuring a more extensive menu.
• The train service for this route primarily provides three seating options: Economy, Business, and First Class. Economy provides comfortable seating and standard amenities; Business Class offers more spacious seating, power outlets, and complimentary snacks; while First Class is the most luxurious with larger seats, premium meals, and priority boarding. For additional comfort and services, consider upgrading to Business or First Class.
• On this route, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) is the main operator. Amtrak (amtrak.com) may also offer limited services; however, it's advisable to check their website for the latest travel information. For local transport options, check out OC Transpo (octranspo.com), the public transport service in Ottawa.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Montreal to Ottawa by taking a direct flight that only lasts 47 minutes. Air Canada provides flights from Montreal Airport to Ottawa Airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience. ✈️ In just 2 hours and 35 minutes, you'll be able to cover the distance between Montreal and Ottawa, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the capital city and its many attractions. 💸 Depending on the time of booking and availability, the prices for flights between Ottawa and Montreal can range from C$234 to C$1023, offering options that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
Montreal Airport
Arrival Point
Ottawa Airport
🚌 The 3-hour bus journey from Montreal to Ottawa begins at Montréal station and concludes at Gatineau station, operated by Orléans Express. 🌳 Enjoy the scenic route as you travel the distance of 186 km between the two cities. The bus prices range from C$28 to C$68, offering an affordable and comfortable mode of transportation for your trip. 🎟️ If you prefer an alternative option, consider taking the train towards Toronto with Via Rail Canada Inc. This 2-hour journey provides another convenient way to reach Ottawa from Montreal, departing from Gare Centrale station.
Departure Point
Montréal station
Arrival Point
Gatineau station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance with Orléans Express or Via Rail to secure the best fare—prices vary from C$28 to C$67, and booking ahead gives you additional flexibility.
• When you arrive at Gatineau station, take note that it’s less busy than major city hubs, but have your phone's GPS ready to navigate local transport options like buses or taxis if you're heading directly to downtown Ottawa.
• Make the most of your journey by checking out the amenities on board the Orléans Express bus; they offer free Wi-Fi and snacks, which allows you to stay connected or enjoy a light meal as you travel through the scenic routes between Montreal and Ottawa.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Montreal to Ottawa.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Montreal and Ottawa is 166 km. By car, it takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to travel from Montreal to Ottawa, while by train, the travel time is around 2 hours. If you prefer to fly, the flight duration is about 2 hours and 34 minutes. Finally, if you choose to take the bus, it will take around 3 hours to reach Ottawa from Montreal.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Montreal to Ottawa is by bus, with prices ranging from C$28 to C$67 and a travel time of 3 hours. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to take a train, which takes only 2 hours and costs between C$29 and C$113.
The train ticket prices from Montreal to Ottawa range from C$29 to C$113, depending on the class and type of train service chosen. The bus ticket prices for travel between Ottawa and Montreal range from C$28 to C$67, depending on the bus company and type of service selected.
To get from Montreal to Ottawa without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 198 km. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Renting a car or using your own vehicle offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Keep in mind that prices for car rentals may vary, ranging from C$37 to C$60.
There are several options for traveling from Montreal to Ottawa without a car. The quickest and most convenient option is by train, which takes approximately 2 hours and costs between C$29-C$113. Alternatively, you can consider taking a bus, which takes around 3 hours and costs between C$28-C$67. If you prefer to fly, there are flights available that take about 2 hours and 34 minutes, with prices ranging from C$214-C$1068.
Yes, there is a direct link between Montreal and Ottawa. VIA Rail operates trains that depart from Montreal and arrive in Ottawa every four hours, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. Orléans Express also operates direct bus services between Montreal and Ottawa, with departures five times a day and a journey time of approximately 3 hours.
The flight between Montreal and Ottawa is relatively short, with a typical duration of 49 minutes for a direct flight. However, it is important to note that flight durations may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. In terms of cost, prices for flights between Ottawa and Montreal can range from C$218 to C$1010, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of promotions or discounts.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Ottawa with over 307 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at C$76 per night, providing a range of options to suit different budgets.