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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Ottawa to Kitchener. Traveling by bus from Ottawa to Kitchener usually takes around 8 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Rider Express bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 274 mi (440 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 5m |
| Cheapest price | US$35.67 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Ottawa to Kitchener?
US$36.84 is the average price of a bus ticket from Ottawa to Kitchener. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in April. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$47 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Ottawa to Kitchener in August, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$69 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 29 days in advance to save US$19.30 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Ottawa to Kitchener?
There are 3 bus lines from Ottawa to Kitchener available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book-a-Ride | 3 | 8h 15m | US$36.87 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 11h 0m | US$54.67 |
| Rider Express | 2 | 7h 16m | US$50.79 |
Book-a-Ride is a Canadian bus company that plays a vital role in the country's public transportation infrastructure. With numerous routes connecting cities across Canada, including daily connections from Ottawa to Toronto, and Ottawa to Kingston. Onboard amenities on Book-a-Ride coaches include air conditioning, restrooms, power outlets, and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey for passengers. With an average of daily trips and extra legroom in seats, Book-a-Ride provides reliable and comfortable transportation for travelers throughout Canada.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 4 trips per day from Ottawa to Kitchener, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 16 minutes to cover the 440 kilometers from Ottawa to Kitchener. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Ottawa to Kitchener for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet."
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ottawa to Kitchener, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Ottawa to Kitchener every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Ottawa to Kitchener; ticket prices start at US$76.48.
City Information
Ottawa
If big cities such as Toronto or Montreal appear too crowded for your taste, consider Ottawa for a change. Boasting a small-town vibe with a vibrant art scene, the city will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Ottawa’s star attraction is the Rideau Canal, which meanders its way through the city center. In the summer months, the canal is full of boats and cyclists who wander about, and in the colder months of the year, it becomes the largest ice skating rink in the world. If you are a fan of architecture, don’t miss out on Parliament Hill, which features three amazing neo-Gothic structures. For those who seek to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Gatineau Park, located just 15 minutes from Downtown, offers the reprieve you need.
Ottawa features a very diverse food scene that caters to everyone’s needs. If you just can’t get enough of French delicacies, head to Signatures Restaurant, which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to try out Canadian signatures, try Atelier instead.
The main intercity train station in town is Ottawa Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s air services are handled by the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, which is located 5.5 miles south of the city’s downtown.
Kitchener
Kitchener is a charming city in Southeastern Ontario with a rich cultural heritage that is full of surprises. History buffs can step back in time at Doon Heritage Village and Joseph Schneider Haus National Historic Site, two award-winning attractions evoking an agrarian lifestyle that characterized the area in the 19th and early-20th centuries. Parks and golf courses offer luscious green spaces, and Kitchener has also built a reputation as a popular skiing destination. The Huron Natural Area, located on the perimeter of the city, is an excellent way for outdoor enthusiasts to leave urban comforts behind and embrace the vast woodland surroundings typical of the region.
A product of the city's German community that dates back to the 1800s, Kitchener hosts an annual Oktoberfest—the largest festival of its kind outside of Bavaria and a must-visit event for beer lovers. A thriving theatre scene displays blockbuster shows as well as local productions in venues across the city, such as The Square.
The central Kitchener railway station provides efficient links to the likes of London and Toronto. Regional transport across the Waterloo region is provided by bus, while two nearby airports offer convenient air travel throughout Canada.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Ottawa?
Main departure station: 200 Commissioner St
Buses to Kitchener leave from 5 stations in Ottawa.
All bus stations in Ottawa:
200 Commissioner St
Ottawa (Bayshore Dr-Woodridge Cres)
1300 St. Laurent Blvd
Ottawa West Bus Stop - 2685 Iris St.
Kanata
Where does the bus arrive in Kitchener?
Main arrival station: 1 Victoria St S Bus Stop
Buses arrive in Kitchener at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Kitchener:
1 Victoria St S Bus Stop
Kitchener
65 Sportsworld Xing Rd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Kitchener to Ottawa?
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