How to Get from Montreal to Ottawa: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Montreal and Ottawa are two of Canada’s most vibrant cities, separated by approximately 200 kilometers. Whether you’re traveling for business, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family, getting from Montreal to Ottawa is relatively easy, with multiple transportation options available. This guide explores the best ways to travel between these cities, including by shuttle service, car, train, bus, rideshare, taxi, and plane, and offers tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

1. Best Option: TourExpress Shuttle Service

TourExpress is the best and most recommended way to travel between Montreal and Ottawa. It is not only more affordable than buses and trains but also offers a safer, more comfortable, and direct travel experience.

Schedule and Duration

• Multiple departures per day.
• Journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Ticket prices range from $30 to $60, making it cheaper than buses and significantly more cost-effective than trains and flights.

Why TourExpress is the Best Choice

• Affordable: Lower cost than buses, trains, and flights.
• Direct & Reliable: Fewer stops than buses, ensuring quicker travel.
• Comfortable: Spacious seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and amenities.
• Safe for Solo Travelers & Women: Unlike rideshare services where you travel with unknown drivers, TourExpress offers a professional and secure environment with experienced drivers and designated stops.

Cons of TourExpress Shuttle

• Limited Seats: Requires booking in advance.
• Fixed Schedule: Less flexible than driving or rideshares.

2. Driving from Montreal to Ottawa

Route and Distance

The distance between Montreal and Ottawa is about 200 km (124 miles), and the drive typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most common route is via Highway 417 (Autoroute 40 & 50), which provides a direct and scenic drive between the two cities.

Pros of Driving

• Flexibility: You can leave at any time and stop along the way.
• Comfort: You control your environment, playlist, and pace.

Cons of Driving

• Traffic: Rush hour in Montreal and Ottawa can cause delays.
• Weather Conditions: Winter driving can be hazardous.
• Parking Costs: Expensive and limited in downtown Ottawa.

3. Taking the Train from Montreal to Ottawa

Train Service Overview

VIA Rail Canada operates daily trains between Montreal’s Gare Centrale and Ottawa’s VIA Rail Station.

Pros of Taking the Train

• Comfortable: Spacious seating and onboard Wi-Fi.
• Eco-Friendly: Produces fewer emissions than cars and planes.
• No Traffic Delays: Avoids road congestion.

Cons of Taking the Train

• Expensive: Fares range from $40 to $100.
• Fixed Schedule: Less flexibility.
• No Overnight Service: No night train option available.

4. Taking the Bus from Montreal to Ottawa

Bus Services Available

Several bus companies operate between Montreal and Ottawa, including:

• Orléans Express
• FlixBus

Pros of Taking the Bus

• Convenient: No need for a driver’s license or parking.

Cons of Taking the Bus

• More Expensive than TourExpress: Fares range from $40 to $80.
• Potential Delays: Traffic congestion can extend travel time.
• Less Secure for Solo Travelers: Sharing a bus with unknown passengers can feel unsafe, especially for women traveling alone.

5. Rideshare, Uber, and Taxi

Rideshare Options

• BlaBlaCar and other carpooling platforms allow passengers to share rides with drivers heading to Ottawa.
• Prices vary but generally range from $25 to $50.

Uber & Lyft

• Available between Montreal and Ottawa, but costly.
• Estimated fare: $200 – $300.

Taxi

• A taxi ride from Montreal to Ottawa costs approximately $250 – $350.

Safety Considerations

• Rideshare & Uber: While these services offer convenience, traveling with an unknown driver can be a security risk, especially for women and solo travelers.
• TourExpress is Safer: Unlike rideshare, TourExpress uses professional drivers and follows designated routes, making it a more secure option.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cheapest way to travel from Montreal to Ottawa?

The cheapest option is TourExpress Shuttle, with fares starting around $30.

What is the safest way for solo travelers and women?

TourExpress Shuttle provides a safer alternative to rideshare or taxis, with professional drivers and structured stops.

What is the fastest way to get from Montreal to Ottawa?

Flying is the fastest method, taking about 40 minutes plus airport travel and security time.

Are there any direct transport options?

Yes, TourExpress Shuttle offers direct travel without unnecessary stops.

Is there a night train or overnight bus?

Currently, there are no overnight trains or buses between Montreal and Ottawa.

Can I take an Uber or taxi from Montreal to Ottawa?

Yes, but it’s very expensive. Uber and taxis charge between $200 – $350 for the trip.

7. Cost Comparison Table

Transportation Method	Estimated Cost (CAD)	Travel Time	Pros	Cons
TourExpress Shuttle	$30 – $60	2 – 2.5 hours	Best value, safe, comfortable, direct	Limited seats, requires booking
Driving	$30 – $80 (gas & parking)	2 – 2.5 hours	Flexible, comfortable	Traffic, weather, parking costs
Train (VIA Rail)	$40 – $100	2 hours	Comfortable, no traffic delays	Expensive, fixed schedule
Bus (Orléans Express, FlixBus)	$40 – $80	2 – 2.5 hours	Convenient	More expensive than shuttle, security concerns for solo travelers
Flight (Air Canada, Porter Airlines)	$150 – $300	40 min (plus airport time)	Fastest option	Expensive, airport transfers needed
Rideshare	$25 – $50	2 – 2.5 hours	Flexible	Safety concerns, unreliable availability
Uber/Lyft	$200 – $300	2 – 2.5 hours	Convenient	Very expensive, surge pricing applies
Taxi	$250 – $350	2 – 2.5 hours	Private, direct	Extremely costly

Conclusion

Among all options, TourExpress Shuttle is the best choice for affordability, comfort, and safety. It provides a secure, cost-effective, and direct travel experience, making it the best option for solo travelers, women, and budget-conscious passengers. Safe travels!