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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Kitchener to Ottawa. The train trip from Kitchener to Ottawa is usually about 7 hours and 24 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest VIA Rail train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 274 mi (440 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 15m |
| Lowest price | $121.25 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Kitchener to Ottawa
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Which train should you take from Kitchener to Ottawa?
VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Kitchener to Ottawa. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 1 | 7h 25m | $151.57 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 1 daily trips between Kitchener and Ottawa. In addition to being completely green-certified, VIA Rail’s new, state-of-the-art trains feature amenities such as free reliable Wi-Fi, wide aisles, ergonomic seats, and wheelchair lifts in every accessible car. VIA Rail is known for its unparalleled customer service and snazzy black and yellow paint scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kitchener and Ottawa is approximately 274 miles, or 440 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Kitchener to Ottawa tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kitchener at 9:00am and arrives in Ottawa around 7 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Ottawa to Kitchener.
City Information
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.
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 is the train station in Kitchener?
Image credit: JustSomePics
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Kitchener VIA Station
Designated as a heritage station, the VIA Rail Station at Kitchener is a one-story brick structure originally built in 1897. It is located on a narrow strip on the outer edge of the commercial center of Kitchener. Alterations to the original structure in the 20th century led to the current simple, horizontal design. VIA Rail trains depart from Kitchener's station heading to destinations including Toronto and Montreal. Local GO Transit and Grand River Transit buses stop near the station. Some well-regarded hotels within 5 km of the station include Comfort Inn, Waterloo, the Delta Waterloo, and the Inn of Waterloo. The station has restrooms, vending machines, and a shop where you can pick up a coffee and lunch.
All train stations in Kitchener:
Kitchener VIA Station
Where is the train station in Ottawa?
Main arrival station: Fallowfield Train Station
Ottawa receives travelers from Kitchener at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Ottawa:
Fallowfield Train Station
Ottawa Train Station
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