Ottawa to Burlington train
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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Ottawa to Burlington. Traveling by train from Ottawa to Burlington usually takes around 7 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in 5 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 249 mi (401 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 25m |
| Lowest price | $101.11 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Ottawa to Burlington?
VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Ottawa to Burlington. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 5 | 7h 11m | $109.06 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 5 daily trips between Ottawa and Burlington. 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
Our train 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, train 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 train 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.
The distance between Ottawa and Burlington is approximately 249 miles, or 401 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 25 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 Burlington are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Ottawa at 8:00am 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 5 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 Burlington 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.
Burlington
Burlington is a charming city with enviable access to natural beauty. Its biggest attraction is the celebrated Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest and perhaps most stunning garden in Canada, but Burlington has a lot more to offer. Walking through the historic downtown, marvel at the city's quaint architecture that features Gothic Revival mansions and old-world churches. Burlington also has various outdoor activities available for every type of adventurer, including gentle walks along the Lake Ontario waterfront, jaw-dropping hikes up the Niagara Escarpment, or adrenaline-fuelled rock climbs at Mount Nemo Conservation Area.
The city has a vibrant culinary scene featuring a range of high-quality eateries and several food-focused festivals such as Ribfest, which falls on Labor Day every year. Dozens of bars and nightclubs serve up live music late into the night for those looking for a party.
Just 30 miles from Toronto, Burlington is well-connected and benefits from its proximity to Canada's biggest city. The local VIA Rail station provides convenient rail links across the region, and Burlington is within driving distance of four different international airports.
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
Fallowfield Train Station
Where is the train station in Burlington?
Image credit: Whpq
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Aldershot Station - 1199 Waterdown Rd
Aldershot Station is Burlington's train station, located in the Aldershot neighborhood slightly southwest of downtown. The station consists of a spacious waiting area with public restrooms and several platforms for long-distance VIA Rail trains and commuter GO Transit trains. The station has two large parking lots, but it can sometimes be difficult to find a spot on weekdays. You can board VIA Rail's Windsor to Toronto line or Toronto to New York line from this station.
Train stations in Burlington:
Aldershot Station - 1199 Waterdown Rd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Burlington to Ottawa?
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