
Thunder Bay to Ottawa bus
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Journey Information
There are 12 intercity buses per day from Thunder Bay to Ottawa. Traveling by bus from Thunder Bay to Ottawa usually takes around 21 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Ontario Northland bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 24 minutes.
Distance | 671 mi (1079 km) |
Shortest duration | 21h 24m |
Cheapest price | $208.13 |
Most frequent service | Ontario Northland |
Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Thunder Bay to Ottawa?
The average price for a bus ticket to Ottawa is $213.18, Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus is one of the most eco-concious way to travel on this route. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on bus tickets everytime, we search all of the best bus options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Thunder Bay to Ottawa?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Thunder Bay to Ottawa. Ontario Northland connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Ontario Northland | 12 | 21h 56m | $221.12 |
Ontario Northland
Ontario Northland has been running buses since 1937 and continues to provide essential intercity service across Canada's second-largest province. Onboard their vehicles, passengers will find Wi-Fi connectivity described by passengers as excellent. Ontario Northland's clean and comfortable vehicles also include power outlets, air conditioning, and restrooms. Ontario Northland trips from Thunder Bay to Ottawa usually take about 21 hours and 56 minutes, with an average ticket price of .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Thunder Bay to Ottawa during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the bus ride from Thunder Bay to Ottawa?
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 56 minutes to cover the 1079 kilometers from Thunder Bay to Ottawa. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 24 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.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Thunder Bay?
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 12:00am. To see the times for all buses from Thunder Bay to Ottawa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many bus trips to Ottawa are there per day?
City Information
Thunder Bay

Image credit: Unsplash
Thunder Bay is a city on Lake Superior, near the US border in Minnesota. It is home to the second largest curling stone in the world and offers impressive natural scenery and historic architecture.
Thunder Bay has exciting outdoor locations and kid-friendly activities, like the Loch Lomond Ski Area for snowboarding and skiing and the Kakabeka Falls offering a great view of the waterfall. The Terry Fox National Historic Person Plaque is a top historical site in the city, while art lovers can check modern pieces by native artists at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Check out Centennial Park, which combines recreations with a living museum. Thunder Bay features the Centennial Conservatory for seeing flowers, and the Quetico Provincial Park is ideal for canoeing and camping.
Downtown Thunder Bay South is the city center, where you can view numerous cultural attractions and landmarks. The city hosts the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition every August, an annual fair for all ages. You can check out Hoito Restaurant, one of the oldest in Canada, for its Finnish-Canadian cuisine and the booming craft brewery scene in the city.
You can visit Thunder Bay by train, with most routes provided by Ontario Northland.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Thunder Bay?
Main departure station: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Buses to Ottawa leave from 3 stations in Thunder Bay.
All bus stations in Thunder Bay:
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Lakehead University
1010 Dawson Rd
Where does the bus arrive in Ottawa?
Main arrival station: Ottawa - Hospital - General Campus
Buses arrive in Ottawa at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Ottawa:
Ottawa - Hospital - General Campus
Ottawa - CHEO
Ottawa Train Station
Kanata - OC Transpo Terry Fox
Get around town with Moovit
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