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There are 9 daily trains from Ottawa to Toronto. Traveling by train from Ottawa to Toronto usually takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in 4 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 219 mi (352 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 2m |
| Lowest price | $53.18 |
| Trains per day | 18 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from Ottawa to Toronto
(Based on 53 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Cons: Would have liked to have used cash for small purchase, like a coffee which I had instead of having to find my credit card which I put away for security when traveling, only a suggestion. Tips: Make them aware once on the train through announcement, only debit or credit, no cash purchases.
4.0
Cons: Wifi. Tips: Economy seats are better.
5.0
Pros: All good. Cons: Wifi is too slow. Tips: Head phone is must and some movies in laptop or phone Will help you kill 4 hours time.
In the last month, $66.07 was the average price of a train ticket from Ottawa to Toronto. This is a great price, especially considering the length of the route. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $62.58 more than that for a same-day booking.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Ottawa to Toronto will vary between C$78 and C$195. Planning a train trip to Toronto within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Ottawa over the next 7 days is C$102. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Ticket prices for the train from Ottawa to Toronto often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $88,
If you're thinking of traveling from Ottawa to Toronto during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $116 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Toronto from Ottawa will be about C$62.58 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Ottawa to Toronto. However, there are 9 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 9 | 4h 31m | $99.36 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 9 daily trips between Ottawa and Toronto. 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.
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 Toronto is approximately 219 miles, or 352 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 2 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.
"Travelers prefer riding the train on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Toronto. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your train travel for the beginning of the week."
The earliest train departs Ottawa at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. 18 of these are direct connections to Toronto. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Toronto to 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.
Toronto is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a culturally unique experience. One of the most unique landmarks in the city is the Aga Khan Museum, which boasts a beautiful collection of Islamic, Iranian, and Muslim artifacts. If you are interested in art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a definite must-see. For those who want to step away from the bustling city and seek the refuge of nature, take a ferry to Centre Isle, which offers plenty of activities such as biking or hiking.
Toronto’s food scene is vast and extremely vibrant due to the city’s multicultural nature. Bar Isabel is a local favorite that offers amazing Spanish dishes with a cozy vibe. For a more posh experience, head over to Alo Restaurant, which features a five-course tasting menu that will take you on a culinary ride.
The main bus station in the city is the Union Station Bus Terminal, served by various intercity bus services, including Greyhound and Ontario Northland. The main train station in Toronto is the adjacent Union Station, which is the hub for VIA Rail’s intercity services. The city’s airport is the Toronto Pearson International Airport, the busiest airport in Canada.
Image credit: shankar s.
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Tony Webster
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Ottawa Train Station
Fallowfield
Image credit: The City of Toronto
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Michael Caven
Link to image attributionUnion Station is the center of rail transportation in Toronto and Canada's busiest train terminal. First opened in 1927, the station underwent several redevelopment and renovation projects to reach its current state. In 1999, in recognition of the station's importance to transportation history, it was inducted into the North America Railway Hall of Fame. The current station is served by VIA Rail trains and local public transit. The station currently serves over 72 million commuters each year, and as much as 91% of all Toronto passengers pass through this station. Just walking through the station is the perfect way to get familiar with Toronto's locals!
Union Station
Guildwood
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