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There are 4 daily trains from Québec to Ottawa. Traveling by train from Québec to Ottawa usually takes around 5 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in 5 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 236 mi (379 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 22m |
| Lowest price | $53.66 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from Québec to Ottawa
(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: No need to rent car! Helpful staff. Timeliness of schedule. Cons: This was a long trip and it would have been nice to receive a complimentary bottle of wTer or cup of coffee. Tips: I didn't use WiFi but saw travelers who did.
5.0
Pros: Easy ride,. Cons: Allocate single seats on empty rows first. Tips: Seat back and relax.
The average price for a train ticket from Québec to Ottawa is $60.49, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 23 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $45.73 more.
Ticket prices for the train from Québec to Ottawa often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $85,
If you're thinking of traveling from Québec to Ottawa during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $125 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Québec to Ottawa, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $45.73 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Québec to Ottawa. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 4 | 5h 52m | $72.71 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 4 daily trips between Québec 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.
The distance between Québec and Ottawa is approximately 236 miles, or 379 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 22 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 Québec to Ottawa tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Québec at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to Ottawa. 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 Ottawa to Québec.
Boasting quaint cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals, Québec City will make you feel like you are in France, with a unique Canadian touch. The city’s prime attraction lies in its Old Quarter, which features winding cobblestone streets and some of the city’s most iconic architectural marvels such as the Citadel or the Notre-Dame Basilica. Take a stroll around the quarter, and you might find yourself transported to Europe. If you wish to take a break from the hustles and bustles of a big city for a while, drive 9 miles northeast of the Old Town and you will reach Montmorency Falls Park, with its iconic 272-foot fall. The park’s idyllic beauty and its amazing landmarks will certainly strike a chord with nature lovers. For those who just can’t have enough with the town’s interesting history, head over to Place-Royale, which was the original birthplace of the French Colony and the French-American community.
Québec City’s food scene features a very strong French influence. If you want to try local specialties with a distinctive French twist, try La Traite or Le Clocher Penché. For lavish dinners, head over to Restaurant Initiale. And for a chic bachelorette party trip, plan to hit up Québec City's spas and book an afternoon tea.
The city’s principal VIA Rail train station is the Gare du Palais, and the main bus station is right next to it. The main airport in the city is the Jean Lesage International Airport, 8.1 miles west of the city.
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.
There are two stations in Québec where you can board the train to Ottawa.
Sainte-Foy
Gare du Palais
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
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