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Trains from Montreal to Ottawa

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Montreal - Ottawa Train Schedule

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Train Trip Information: Montreal to Ottawa

There are 5 daily trains from Montreal to Ottawa. Traveling by train from Montreal to Ottawa usually takes around one hour and 38 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in one hour and 31 minutes.

Distance103 mi (166 km)
Fastest train1h 31m
Lowest price$29.94
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceVIA Rail
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Montreal to Ottawa

(Based on 28 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Hassan

April 30, 2022- Visiting family

VIA Rail

Pros: Very comfort. Cons: Price. Tips: Highly recommended.

Pros: Very comfort. Cons: Price. Tips: Highly recommended.

5.0

soukaina

March 30, 2022- Business

VIA Rail

Pros: i loved the staff very much. Cons: Nothing, thanks. Tips: No.

Pros: i loved the staff very much. Cons: Nothing, thanks. Tips: No.

5.0

Abraham

February 25, 2022- Solo travel

VIA Rail

Pros: Was nice trip!!! Cons: For some regent case , when you provide phone number would be nice. Tips: No.

Pros: Was nice trip!!! Cons: For some regent case , when you provide phone number would be nice. Tips: No.

5.0

Line

January 30, 2022- Solo travel

VIA Rail

Pros: The comfort. Cons: The wifi.

Pros: The comfort. Cons: The wifi.

5.0

Abbas

September 11, 2021- Solo travel

VIA Rail

I was calm and peaceful

I was calm and peaceful

What is the price of a train ticket from Montreal to Ottawa?

$34.87 is the average price of a bus ticket from Montreal to Ottawa. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$105$70$35JunJul

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Montreal to Ottawa will vary between $39 and $98. Planning a train trip to Ottawa within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Montreal over the next 7 days is $49. 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.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JASONDJFMAMJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Montreal to Ottawa by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for May. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $34 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Montreal to Ottawa in August, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $45 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 Ottawa from Montreal will be about $27.29 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Montreal to Ottawa?

VIA Rail is the one and only train line which connects Montreal to Ottawa. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
VIA Rail51h 39m$47.48
  • VIA Rail

    VIA Rail

    VIA Rail, also known as Via Rail Canada or simply VIA, provides service across the Canadian provinces and territories, including 5 daily trips between Montreal 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

How long is the train ride from Montreal to Ottawa?

The train ride from Montreal to Ottawa takes an average of 2 hours and 16 minutes. The distance is approximately 198.1 kilometers (123.1 miles).

Is the train ticket from Montreal to Ottawa cheap?

Tickets from Montreal to Ottawa on Via Rail Canada average about $36. If you were to book your trip at least 20 days out, you can expect to save almost $6. If you have some flexibility on when you are planning to travel, midweek train schedules tend to be less busy and cheaper.

Is there a direct train from Montreal to Ottawa?

VIA Rail Canada offers 9 routes from Montreal to Ottawa per day, 7 of which are direct. In Montreal, the train departs from 895 Rue de la Gauchetiere O and arrives into the Ottawa Train Station.

Is it safe to travel by train from Montreal to Ottawa 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 Montreal to Ottawa?

The distance between Montreal and Ottawa is approximately 103 miles, or 166 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 31 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for trains, as many passengers take the train to Ottawa at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Montreal at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

How many trains are there each day?

There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Montreal to Ottawa.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Ottawa to Montreal.

City Information

Montreal

Effortlessly blending quaint old buildings with the high-rises of the 21st century, Montreal is an exciting destination for adventure-seekers as well as introverted travelers. We even propose Montreal as a fantastic bachelorette party destination to consider. At the beating heart of this modern city is the quarter of Old Montreal, where you can find horse-drawn carriages and cobblestone streets. As you meander through the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural genius of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, which is one of the most iconic structures of the city. For those who wish to stay close to nature, the gigantic Parc du Mont-Royal will satisfy all your needs. In the warmer months of the year, you can rent a boat and row on Lac des Castors, which offers amazing views.

Montreal is heaven for fans of French cuisine. The top-rated traditional French restaurants converge in the Old Montreal quarter, and some local favorite names include Toque, LOV, Crew Collective & Cafe. For those looking for Canadian specialties, head over to Schwartz’s.

The principal rail station for Montreal is the Central Station, which is served by both VIA Rail and Amtrak. If you are traveling by bus, head to the Montreal Coach Terminal (aka Gare d'autocars de Montréal) from where you can catch buses operated by Greyhound and several other carriers. The city’s main airport is the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is located in the nearby city of Dorval.

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 Montreal?

Main departure station: Dorval-Montreal VIA Rail Station (near YUL airport)

There is one train station in Montreal.

All train stations in Montreal:

  • Dorval-Montreal VIA Rail Station (near YUL airport)

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 arrival 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

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Ottawa to Montreal?

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