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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Windsor to Ottawa. Traveling by train from Windsor to Ottawa usually takes around 11 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in 10 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 424 mi (682 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 53m |
| Lowest price | €92.14 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Windsor to Ottawa?
VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Windsor to Ottawa. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 2 | 11h 5m | €116.98 |
VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 2 daily trips between Windsor 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Windsor and Ottawa is approximately 424 miles, or 682 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 53 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Windsor to Ottawa on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Windsor at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 05:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Windsor twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Ottawa to Windsor.
City Information
Windsor
Windsor is a vibrant urban community brimming with first-rate entertainment, luscious green space, and cultural delights—a city where there truly is something for everyone. Visitors can step back in time and experience Windsor's rich history through the ages at the Chimczuk Museum, Willistead Manor, and Mackenzie Hall. With 215 parks, the city is also a haven for outdoor recreation; but nowhere is better than the iconic Windsor waterfront, where strollers are spoiled for choice by a number of world-class gardens, the Ojibway Nature Centre, and the Windsor Sculpture Centre.
Known as a melting pot, Windsor is home to an eclectic blend of artistic styles and culinary surprises. For those who want a real taste of the city, catch a theatre performance at one of the many elite venues dotted around Windsor before hitting downtown to satisfy your appetite with a selection of delicious international foods.
Located across the river from Detroit, Windsor forms one half of the International Gateway between Canada and the U.S.—the second busiest border crossing in North America. The city also acts as a major jump-off point for national travel deeper into Canada via Toronto and beyond.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Windsor?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Windsor VIA Station
Windsor's VIA Rail Station is located on Walker Road, and it is the center of intercity rail services in Windsor. The station opened in 1961, and it received substantial renovations in 2012. The current station features three tracks. Eight daily VIA Rail trains serve the Windsor-Toronto line that originates in Windsor. The station is the seventh busiest rail station in the country, so rush hour can mean a lot of foot traffic through the station. The station's amenities include a lounge, public restrooms, parking spots, and easy access points for people with disabilities.
All train stations in Windsor:
Windsor VIA Station
Where is the train station in Ottawa?
Main arrival station: Fallowfield Train Station
Ottawa receives travelers from Windsor at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Ottawa:
Fallowfield Train Station
Ottawa Train Station
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