Ottawa to Toronto Drive: Complete Guide [2024]

Ottawa and Toronto are two of the most popular cities in Canada, that attract thousands of tourists every single year. Both places have their own significance, Ottawa tells you about Canadian history while Toronto gives you a perfect vibe of being in a world-class city.

Whether you are a local or a tourist, the drive from Ottawa to Toronto it’s quite simple, and it can easily be done by using various modes of Transportation. One of the best ways to get from Ottawa to Toronto is by renting a car.

In this article, we have shared all the information that you need to know before continuing your journey from Ottawa to Toronto. We have covered everything from the best routes to where to stop. So, stick to the article and you are all good to go.

Is Ottawa closer to Toronto?

Yes, Ottawa is closer to Toronto than any other major city in Canada. The distance between the two cities is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) by road, and they are both located in the same province of Ontario. If you rent a car then you can expect to reach Ottawa to Toronto within 4 hours & 40 minutes.

Toronto is the largest city in Canada, while Ottawa is the capital of the country. Both cities are major economic and cultural centers, which in turn makes them popular tourist destinations.

Distance From Ottawa to Toronto

The distance from Ottawa to Toronto is about 403 kilometers(via Hwy 7). To be very exact it pretty much depends upon the route you have taken for your drive from Ottawa to Toronto. There are various modes of Transportation that you can take to reach your required destination like train, flight, and car (depending upon your budget).

For example, if you choose the train, then it will take around 4 to 5 hours to complete the whole journey while if you choose the flight, it roughly take an hour to reach Toronto.

If you are running short on time and want to reach Ottawa as fast as you can, then flight is a convenient option for you. But if you are looking for a relaxed and more comfortable journey then a train ride which costs around $55 to $140 is a good option for you.

If you are tight on budget then travelling by bus is the best budget-friendly option that you can have. It takes around four to five hours to complete the whole journey and only costs you about $30-$59 CAD. Although the travel time on both train and bus is quite similar, the space and comfort in both transportation are not same at all.

In my opinion, the best mode of transportation that you can take from Ottawa to Toronto is ‘Renting a Car’. This allows you to drive at your own pace and stop at the charming location in town whenever you want. The whole journey takes around three to four hours and will cost you around $50 per day plus gas charges.

Toronto to Ottawa Drive Time

Usually, the drive time from Toronto to Ottawa is about 4-5 hours without taking any stops. If you are making frequent stops for food or washroom breaks, then driving time may increase depending on how often you are stopping your vehicle.

During the rush hours(mornings and evenings), the travel time is expected to increase compared to the normal hours. So it’s better to begin your journey early in the morning, to avoid facing any traffic jams.

Why are the choices to reach Toronto from Ottawa?

Driving a car(either rental or your own) from Ottawa to Toronto allows you to stop anywhere you want. If you go with the flights you might reach your destination on time, but it will cost you around $130 CAD which is significantly higher as compared to renting a car.

Taking a bus is the cheapest and most affordable option that you can have from Ottawa to Toronto, but it is less comfortable and takes up to 6-7 hours to complete the whole journey.

The train journey is quite comfortable and scenic but its operating times are weird. If they are running late on time, then it might spoil your whole day, or even the whole trip, if you have planned to visit somewhere else.

So lastly, we are left with driving a car, I think it’s the best option that you can take from Ottawa to Toronto. You can drive the vehicle at your own pace, and stop wherever you want, either for food or washroom breaks. Avoid traveling during the peak hours early morning and late evening, as everyone will be in a great rush to reach their home as soon as possible.

Best Route from Ottawa to Toronto

The best route from Ottawa to Toronto is the 401 highway. The route is also popular as the Lake Ontario Route, which is about 450 kilometers from Ottawa and takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete the whole journey if you’re taking frequent stops in between.

Hwy 401 is the most popular route that connects the two largest cities of Ontario, Ottawa and Toronto. Firstly, you need to Get on Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 W. Then Take ON-416 S and ON-401 W to Eastern Ave/Eastern Ave Diversion in Old Toronto, Toronto. Take exit 1 from Don Valley Pkwy S.

Now, Take Richmond St E to Bay St, Merge with Eastern Ave/Eastern Ave Diversion, Use the right 2 lanes to turn slightly right onto Richmond St E and Turn right onto Bay St you have reached your required location.

Pros: Fastest route: Arrive in Toronto in record time which makes it ideal for tight schedules. Well-maintained: Four lanes of smooth pavements give you a comfortable and smooth ride. Plenty of amenities: Gas stations, rest stops, and food options are readily available.

Cons: Traffic on 401 highway can get very congested around Toronto, especially during the peak hours of the day.

Best Scenic Route From Ottawa to Toronto

Highway 7 has the best scenic view while heading from Ottawa to Toronto. As you move ahead in your journey you will come across many charming villages, like Westport and Carleton Place.

The journey also has many stunning natural attractions like Bon Echo Provincial Park which is known for its ancient rock paintings. Keep in mind, that it’s a longer journey, so take your time and enjoy the driving experience along the scenic view of nature.

The route might take an extra 20 to 30 minutes. But believe me, this extra time is worth it, to enjoy those beautiful and mesmerizing views.

Additional Information: The scenic route from Ottawa to Toronto takes longer time than Highway 401. So make sure you have enough time if you want to explore any such charming places during your drive from Ottawa to Toronto.

There is no doubt that the best scenic route from Ottawa to Toronto is Highway 7. The whole journey is filled with many small towns, farms, and natural parks which makes the journey more memorable.

Best Places to Stop While Driving via Highway 401

Highway 401 is the fastest way to reach Toronto from Ottawa and taking frequent breaks is necessary for a safe and fun trip. Here, we have made a list of places where you can stop while you are driving from Ottawa to Toronto.

• Cambridge – Cambridge Food Terminal: If you are feeling hungry after hours of driving then you really need to stop at the ‘Cambridge Food Terminal’. It has more than 20 vendors that serve everything from Indian curries to Vietnamese pho, and also the fresh seafood.

• Gananoque – 1000 Islands Tower: Explore Hill Island just before the USA border and climb onto the top of the tower where you will be amazed by fantastic views of Thousand Islands National Park.

• Kingston: The place is great to check out historical spots like Fort Henry National Historic Site or take a stroll by the St. Lawrence River in Confederation Park.

• Belleville – Moira River Conservation Area: Looking for a place to get away from the highway noise and reconnect yourself with nature? Just follow the scenic trails through forested wetlands to enjoy a peaceful picnic by the tranquil Moira River.

• Brockville – Fort Henry: It’s a great place for historical adventure at Fort Henry which was built back in the 1800s. Taking a walk around the walls and learning about Canadian military history is literally the best way to explore the fort.

Remember, all these are the best possible stops that you can take while traveling from Ottawa to Toronto. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to take a break at every single stop. It’s totally up to you, which when you want to choose or which one you want to skip.

Best Places to Stop While Driving via Highway 7 and 401

Here, we have made a list of places where you can stop or take a break if you are traveling between Toronto and Ottawa via highways 7 and 407.

• Markham (Hwy 407): Hakka Legend: This hidden gem in Markham is perfect if you want to try some authentic Hakka cuisine with bold flavors. Besides that, the place is quite popular for its stir-fried chicken with chili peppers and black bean sauce.

• Peterborough (Hwy 7): Black Dog Tavern: Craving some delicious food during your journey then head straight to The Black Dog Tavern to enjoy a warm pub atmosphere along with some delicious dishes like beer-battered fish and slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches. *Don’t forget to explore their fantastic locally crafted beers.

• Smiths Falls (Hwy 7): The Perth Country Club: The Perth Country Club is a great place where you can enjoy beautiful waterfront views and a seasonal menu to enjoy delicious food made from fresh, locally grown ingredients. Don’t forget to check out their special seafood dishes and Sunday brunch as it is quite popular in the town!

• Minden Hills (Hwy 7): Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park: The provincial Park allows visitors to hike scenic trails and people can also paddle a rented kayak in the lake.

• Presqu’ile Provincial Park (Hwy 401, near Brighton): If you are looking for a place to relax in nature then visiting the Presqu’ile Provincial Park is all you need. The place is known for its hiking scenic trails and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family.

• Napanee (Hwy 401): Dundurn Castle: Here, visitors can have a guided tour of this grand mention, in which they will be able to learn fascinating history about the place along with exploring the beautiful gardens and interior of the mansion.

The cheapest way to get from Ottawa to Toronto

The cheapest way to get from Ottawa to Toronto is by Bus. It completes the whole journey in around five to six hours and will cost you around $30 to $50 CAD. Megabus, FlixBus, and Greyhound are some of the popular names that you can consider while traveling from Ottawa to Toronto.

You can also book a train for a journey from Ottawa to Toronto, where the fair starts from $81, and the whole journey will take about 4-5 hours to complete. As the journey is more comfortable at the same time, it’s more expensive than the bus.

Carpooling is also a great option that you can consider. But their availability and timing can be less predicted as compared to a bus or train. There are chances that you can find a ride from Ottawa to Toronto, as low as$30 – $40 per person but it only happens once in a while.

** The fare of the transportation may be higher during the peak seasons. So you are required to book in advance so that you can grab the best possible deal.

If you are running short of time, then consider going with the fastest mode of Transportation, that is flight. And if you have plenty of time, then you can consider any option as per your budget.

Ultimately, the cheapest way to get from Ottawa to Toronto will depend on your specific priorities. But by comparing prices and other factors, you can find the option that perfectly matches your needs. As per my recommendation, the cheapest mode of transportation is the Bus and if you want to drive then it’s a rental car.

Tips for Travelling From Toronto to Ottawa By Car

Driving from Toronto to Ottawa is a beautiful scenic journey that has so many mesmerizing views of nature. Whether you choose the speedy Highway 401 or the charming Hwy 7, here are some tips that will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip:

• Route selection: Before you head out to drive make sure you have decided which route you want to take for your entire journey. Highway 401 (potential for heavy traffic) is a faster route while Hwy 7 (longer, with tolls on a section) is a more scenic route that takes more time compared to the 401 highway.

• Map & Navigation: Google Maps works perfectly fine if you want to navigate the way. But if you want to be updated about the accident, and traffic stops in real-time, then consider installing Waze, which is more helpful in providing all these details.

• Have Vehicle essentials: Before heading out to the highway, don’t forget to check tire pressure, fluid levels, and lights as they are quite important for your journey. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit that you might need if anything goes wrong.

• Entertainment: Make sure you have some download playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks so that you can entertain yourself while driving the vehicle.

• Speed limits: Be aware of the speed limit while you are driving otherwise you might land yourself in trouble or face heavy fines. Always put on a safety belt and follow all the traffic rules.

• Rest breaks: Take regular breaks after every two hours of driving so that you can stretch your legs and avoid any possible accident due to fatigue or dizziness.

• Sharing the road: Be generous to other drivers, use turn signals properly, and maintain a safe distance to avoid any possible collision.

• Scenic detours: If you are traveling on Hwy 7, then consider having a short detour to explore historic towns like Cobourg and also explore some tourist attractions like Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Best Time to Drive from Ottawa to Toronto

Avoid driving your vehicle during the peak hours of the day, as you might get stuck in a traffic jam, which is quite frustrating and annoying if you are going on a long journey. So the best possible time to begin your journey is either in the early morning or after 10:00 AM in the daytime.

Although there is no such big issue while driving during the winter time. But here are the reasons why you shouldn’t drive. Firstly, the temperature is freezing cold which I don’t really like. Secondly, the visibility is quite low which means there are chances that you might hit someone else with your vehicle.

Ultimately, the best time to drive from Ottawa to Toronto is Summer. Yes, there are no freezing temperatures and everything seems to be alive. Now it’s up to you, which Time is best for you to drive from Ottawa to Toronto.

How much is a bus ticket from Toronto to Ottawa?

Usually, the bus ticket prices from Toronto to Ottawa vary from $20 to $100. The distance from Ottawa to Toronto is about 450 km which roughly takes around 5-6 hours to complete the journey.

Besides that there are some factors that alter the price of the Ticket:

• Bus companies: Megabus, FlixBus, and Greyhound are popular options, and everyone has their own price for the same destination.

• Travel date and time: If you are travelling during weekends or on week hours then you might see a significantly higher ticket price as compared to those who have booked the ticket in advance.

• Travel time and amenities: Some buses take longer routes and also provide additional amenities like Wi-Fi and onboard bathrooms, which can also affect the price of the ticket.

How much is a Train ticket from Ottawa to Toronto?

The price of a train ticket from Ottawa to Toronto on VIA Rail usually varies between $40 – $200. If you want to travel in economy class, then the ticket will start from $40 but if you are looking to travel in business class, then it can go up to$150.

How much does it cost to drive from Toronto to Ottawa?

The cost of driving from Toronto to Ottawa depends on a few factors like:

• Distance: The most direct route is Highway 401, which is about 450 km (280 miles).

• Fuel: Current gas prices in Ontario are around $1.20-1.30 per liter.

• Vehicle: The car’s fuel efficiency significantly impacts the cost. For example, a car with fuel efficiency of 12 L/100km (20 mpg) would use about 54 liters (14 gallons) for the trip, costing roughly $65-$70.

• Tolls: If you take Highway 407 on part of the journey, you’ll encounter tolls that vary depending on the distance traveled and time of day.

Additional expenses: Factors that can additionally increase the costs of the journey like parking, food stops, and any unexpected car maintenance.

Here’s a rough estimate of driving costs from Ottawa to Toronto:

• Fuel: $60-$80
• Tolls (optional): $10-$20
• Parking: $10-$20
• Food: $20-$50

Total: You can expect to spend anywhere between $100 and $170 on driving from Toronto to Ottawa, though the actual cost could be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.

Remember: Traffic congestion, especially on Highway 401, can impact your travel time and fuel consumption. Consider the scenic but possibly slower Highway 7 for potentially lower fuel costs and a more relaxed driving experience.

Final Thoughts: Ottawa to Toronto Drive

If you are heading for a long drive with your friends then I highly recommend you to choose Highway 7 which will lead you directly to the financial capital of Canada, being the shortest in length it’s the best route to take.

The journey is expected to be completed within 4 to 5 hours If there is no traffic congestion on the highway.

The entire route is filled with so many awesome places that you can explore during the journey like Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 1000 Islands Tower, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and a lot more.

If you have any doubt about this drive, whether you should do it or not. Believe me, it will be one of the best drives that you ever had (my recommendation).

Have a Safe Journey!