The Best Ways to Travel from Montreal to Ottawa: VIA Rail, Bus, and Car

When planning a trip between Montreal and Ottawa, passengers have several transportation options to choose from, each with its own unique advantages. Whether you prefer a relaxing rail journey, a budget-friendly bus ride, or a fast road trip, here's a guide to help you decide which mode of transportation is right for you.

By Train (VIA Rail)

For those who appreciate a comfortable and scenic journey, VIA Rail offers an excellent solution. VIA Rail is Canada's national rail service, known for its reliable service and scenic routes. Here's how to make the most of a VIA Rail trip:

Get to the Station: Start by heading to the VIA Rail station in Montreal. The station locations include St Laurent Shopping Center and the main station in downtown Montreal.

Buy Your Ticket: You can purchase tickets either online or at the station. Check the schedules to find the next train to Ottawa, which departs multiple times a day.

Show Up at the Platform: Arrive at the train station in time to board your train. Present your ticket upon request as you board.

Enjoy the Ride: VIA Rail offers comfortable seating and often provides scenic routes, including views of the Laurentian Mountains to the east and along the St. Lawrence River. The journey takes approximately 2 hours from downtown Montreal to downtown Ottawa.

By Bus

For a more budget-friendly option, bus services are available between Montreal and Ottawa. Here's how to find and use bus services:

Maheux Bus Lines: Maheux Bus Lines operates buses that depart from the Berri-UQAM station in Montreal every hour and arrive in Ottawa. The route covers a span of about 3 hours.

Orléans Bus Lines: These buses also leave from the Berri-UQAM station in Montreal, offering similar schedules and durations.

Tour Express: Tour Express offers bus services with various routes and schedules, providing flexibility for different travel needs.

By Car

If you're in a hurry or enjoy the convenience of a private vehicle, driving from Montreal to Ottawa is an excellent choice. Here's how to get there by car:

Getting on the 417: Take the 417 east out of Ottawa. This route is a scenic drive through the Ottawa Valley, where the flat landscape can be quite vast and unchanging.

Continue onto the 40: Once you are in Quebec, switch to the 40 and continue into Montreal. This route provides a faster way to reach your destination, taking approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

Alternative Route: For a more scenic route with fewer obstacles, consider driving through Gatineau. Use Autoroute 50 in Gatineau to Masson, then follow the 138 to Lachute. This route offers a mix of scenic and modern highway driving.

Additional Considerations

Depending on your arrival in Ottawa, you can use public transportation or a cab to reach your final destination from the city center. Both VIA Rail and bus services provide easy access to downtown Ottawa, with train and bus stations located within the city center.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey from Montreal to Ottawa is a memorable one. VIA Rail and bus services offer convenient and affordable options, while driving allows for flexibility and a faster travel time.