5.0
Pros: Great service -a quick, easy, economical and pleasant way to travel. Cons: All good. Tips: Try the train if you haven’t before.
5.0
Pros: I would suggest one seat between people. Cons: As above. Tips: Be nice.
Montreal to Ottawa train
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Train Trip Information: Montreal to Ottawa
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Montreal to Ottawa. Traveling by train from Montreal to Ottawa usually takes one hour and 36 minutes, but the fastest VIA Rail train can make the trip in one hour and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 103 mi (166 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 31m |
| Lowest price | $30.62 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | VIA Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Montreal to Ottawa
(Based on 20 ratings and reviews)
4.9
Price trends for trains from Montreal to Ottawa
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 5 | 1h 37m | $48.70 |
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
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).
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.
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.
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.
The distance between Montreal and Ottawa is approximately 103 miles, or 166 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 36 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.
Trains from Montreal to Ottawa are the most crowded on Saturday. 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.
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.
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 Train Station
There is one train station in Montreal.
All train stations in Montreal:
Dorval Train Station
Where is the train station in Ottawa?
Image credit: shankar s.
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Tony Webster
Link to image attributionMain 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
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