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Trains from Ottawa to Windsor

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Ottawa - Windsor Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Ottawa to Windsor. Traveling by train from Ottawa to Windsor usually takes around 10 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in 8 hours and 47 minutes.

Distance424 mi (682 km)
Fastest train8h 47m
Lowest price$90.28
Most frequent serviceVIA Rail
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Ottawa to Windsor

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Janet

September 7, 2019- Visiting family

VIA Rail

Pros: Besides seeing family, I loved the train. Staff was extremely helpful especially in since I'm from the states and had never traveled in Canada before. Cons: Wifi kept going in and out making streaming very difficult.

Pros: Besides seeing family, I loved the train. Staff was extremely helpful especially in since I'm from the states and had never traveled in Canada before. Cons: Wifi kept going in and out making streaming very difficult.

5.0

Mustafa

May 28, 2019- Visiting family

VIA Rail

Pros: I enjoy the seen. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

Pros: I enjoy the seen. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

Which train should you take from Ottawa to Windsor?

VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Ottawa to Windsor. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
VIA Rail410h 29m$90.28
  • VIA Rail

    VIA Rail

    VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 4 daily trips between Ottawa and Windsor. 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

Is it safe to travel by train from Ottawa to Windsor during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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.

How long is the train journey from Ottawa to Windsor?

The distance between Ottawa and Windsor is approximately 424 miles, or 682 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 47 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Ottawa to Windsor are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Ottawa at 11:00am 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.

Is there a direct train from Ottawa to Windsor?

There are 4 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 Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor, ON - CAXEC-0Windsor, ON - CAXEC-1Windsor, ON - CAXEC-2

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Ottawa?

Ottawa Train Station, Ottawa, ON - CAXDSVIA-0

Image credit: shankar s.

Link to image attribution
Ottawa Train Station, Ottawa, ON - CAXDSVIA-1

Image credit: Tony Webster

Link to image attribution

Main 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 Windsor?

Windsor VIA Station, Windsor, ON - CAXECVIA-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

From the Wanderu blog

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