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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Ottawa and Edmonton. The average train journey from Ottawa to Edmonton takes 69 hours, but some VIA Rail Canada train trips are as short as 67 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 1764 mi (2838 km) |
| Fastest train | 68h 0m |
| Lowest price | £228.39 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail Canada |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Ottawa to Edmonton?
VIA Rail Canada is the one and only train line which connects Ottawa to Edmonton. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail Canada | 3 | 2d 21h 30m | £263.65 |
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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton is approximately 1764 miles, or 2838 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 69 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 67 hours and 52 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Ottawa to Edmonton. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Ottawa at 11:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 Edmonton 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.
Edmonton
An urban center coexisting peacefully with nature, Edmonton offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities that will keep you engaged. One of the city’s most notable trails is the North Saskatchewan River Trail, which features 150 km of trails. Adventure-seekers can explore the trail on bikes or on foot, and the scenery will certainly amaze you. If you wish to explore the city’s art scene or cultural life, head over to Downtown Spark, which is an immersive art program made by local artists. For those who just want to lay back and enjoy the sun, the perfect spot would be Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park.
If you are looking for a unique pub experience, head over to Central Social Hall, which offers amazing local dishes. For those who are simply looking for a cup of coffee, Nook Cafe considers itself to be the coziest hangout spot around.
The city’s primary railway station is the Edmonton Train Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s principal airport is the Edmonton International Airport, which is located 14 miles south-southwest of the city.
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 Edmonton?
Image credit: 117Avenue
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Edmonton VIA Station
The Edmonton VIA Rail Station is the center of intercity rail travel in Edmonton. Located 5.5 kilometers northwest of downtown Edmonton, the station first opened in 1998. Due to its unique location, trains have to reverse into or out of the station. It is served by only one VIA Rail line: the Canadian line, which runs across the entire country, from Toronto to Vancouver. The nearest hotels are available just one kilometer away from the station.
Train stations in Edmonton:
Edmonton VIA Station
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