- Must visit
National Gallery of Canada
Canada’s national art museum is renowned for Indigenous, Canadian, and international works in a landmark glass building.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$71
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$90
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 18 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 31 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
351 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 trains from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 351 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 18 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, while a flight costs an average of $440.
Distance: 218 miles (351 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$101 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $440 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 57m Average total duration 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON:
A bus is $61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON costing on average $101.
A bus is $400 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON costing on average $440.
Other travel options to Ottawa, ON take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 27m.
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
Tickets start at around $101 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-38.47. The journey takes 4h 27m versus 4h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:52 AM Toronto, ON | 4h29 | 3:21 PM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:52 AM Toronto, ON | 4h29 | 4:21 PM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:42 PM Toronto, ON | 4h18 | 12:00 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:42 PM Toronto, ON | 4h18 | 1:00 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:27 PM Toronto, ON | 4h44 | 3:11 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:38 PM Toronto, ON | 4h33 | 3:11 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:27 PM Toronto, ON | 4h44 | 4:11 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 19:08. The fastest train covers the 218 miles (351 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 218 miles (351 km) |
Average train duration 4h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 7:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ottawa, ON — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ottawa, ON trip today.
Canada’s national art museum is renowned for Indigenous, Canadian, and international works in a landmark glass building.
This major national museum explores Canada’s human history, cultures, and civilizations across expansive permanent galleries.
This national museum presents military history, artifacts, and immersive galleries from early conflicts to modern service.
Ottawa’s best-known market district mixes heritage streets, shops, culture, and lively public spaces near major landmarks.
This linear waterfront park along the Rideau Canal is ideal for walking, cycling, and iconic city views in every season.
A broad ceremonial boulevard linking downtown to the National Gallery, known for embassies, monuments, and classic capital views.
BeaverTails are hand-stretched fried pastries topped with cinnamon sugar or sweets. They became an Ottawa icon through the original ByWard Market stand.
Shawarma is a city staple in Ottawa, shaped by a large Lebanese community. Expect spit-roasted meat, garlic sauce, pickles, and turnips in wraps or plates.
Poutine is fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. In Ottawa it is a beloved late-night comfort food, often found in chip trucks and casual diners.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal Canadian ingredients and polished tasting menus. Elegant setting for a high-end Ottawa meal.
Long-running casual spot known for generous Ottawa-style shawarma, garlic potatoes, and wraps. A reliable choice for one of the city’s defining foods.
Famous ByWard Market counter serving the city’s signature fried pastry. Casual, fast, and essential for a classic Ottawa snack stop.
Moderate for Canada. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and transit are manageable for most visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafes, rounding up or $1-2 is common for counter service.
The train connection between Toronto, ON and Ottawa, ON is a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two vibrant Canadian cities. VIA Rail Canada provides regular service on this route, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable seating and beautiful views of the Ontario landscape along the journey. With multiple departures daily, travelers can easily plan their trips whether for business or leisure.
Traveling from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON takes approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. There are 7 direct connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore the capital city of Canada without any transfers.
The first daily train journey from Toronto to Ottawa departs at 10:47 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the capital city. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 10:50 PM, allowing late-night arrivals for those who prefer a later travel option.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey from Toronto to Ottawa is $44 (39.6€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $94 (84.6€), making the lowest fare an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Canada's capital city.
Parliament Hill, the heart of Canadian democracy, has been a symbol of national pride since its construction in the 19th century. This stunning Gothic Revival architecture not only houses the offices and chambers for members of Parliament but also serves as a gathering place for Canadians during significant events and celebrations. As you stroll through these historic grounds, take note of the iconic Peace Tower that stands tall above it all—an enduring reminder of our commitment to peace.
The Rideau Canal is an engineering marvel completed in 1832 that connects Ottawa to Kingston and was originally built for military purposes. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into one of the world’s largest skating rinks each winter, drawing locals and tourists alike to glide along its frozen waters amidst picturesque scenery. In summer months, enjoy leisurely boat rides or scenic walks along its banks while soaking up vibrant views filled with lush greenery.
The National Gallery of Canada showcases an impressive collection spanning centuries—from Indigenous art to contemporary masterpieces—and is housed within a striking glass-and-granite building designed by architect Moshe Safdie. Its significance lies not just in its vast array but also in how it fosters appreciation for both Canadian artists like Tom Thomson and international icons such as Van Gogh or Monet. Don’t miss out on exploring the breathtaking Great Hall where light pours through soaring windows; it's truly an experience that elevates your understanding of art's role in culture!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Toronto, ON to Ottawa, ON by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ottawa, ON, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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