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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Ottawa to Winnipeg. Traveling by train from Ottawa to Winnipeg usually takes 44 hours, but the fastest VIA Rail Canada train can make the trip in 42 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 1041 mi (1675 km) |
| Fastest train | 43h 0m |
| Lowest price | $252.79 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail Canada |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Ottawa to Winnipeg?
VIA Rail Canada is the one and only train line which connects Ottawa to Winnipeg. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail Canada | 3 | 1d 20h 8m | $254.75 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 3 daily trips between Ottawa and Winnipeg. 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 Ottawa and Winnipeg is approximately 1041 miles, or 1675 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 44 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 42 hours and 30 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 from Ottawa to Winnipeg are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Ottawa at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Winnipeg to Ottawa.
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.
Winnipeg
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Winnipeg is the capital of Canada's province of Manitoba, located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Art and culture are central to Winnipeg's identity, best experienced at sights including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Forks National Historic Site, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. If you visit between January and March, you may even luck out and see the Northern Lights in Winnipeg's night sky.
Winnipeg is home to a host of memorable outdoor activities, such as soaking in a Nordic Spa, hiking to Hansel & Gretel's "Witch Hut" in Kildonan Park, and skiing at Arctic Glacier Winter Park.
Union Station is Winnipeg's main train station, where cross-country VIA Rail trains depart along the Great Western Way to Vancouver or Toronto, and regional VIA Rail trains head north to Churchill. Winnipeg also connects to several Ontario Northland intercity bus routes. The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International is the city's airport, which used to be a major stop for Greyhound Canada lines before they discontinued their service in the country.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Ottawa?
Image credit: shankar s.
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Tony Webster
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Ottawa Train Station
The Ottawa Station is the central station for intermodal transportation services in Ottawa. Constructed in 1966, the current station is an eclectic mix of modernism and Beaux-Arts, offering a unique design that makes it stand out from the crowd. The current station provides intercity bus services and rail services all from one convenient hub. The rail services are provided by VIA Rail, with possible destinations including Toronto and Montreal. In addition, Ontario Northland offers bus service, and there is also a shuttle bus line from the station to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. On-station amenities include a parking lot with 330 spaces, bicycle parking racks, and disabled access.
All train stations in Ottawa:
Ottawa Train Station
Where is the train station in Winnipeg?
Main arrival station: Winnipeg VIA Station
Winnipeg has one train station.
Train stations in Winnipeg:
Winnipeg VIA Station
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