If you’re standing in downtown Montreal and wondering how far is Montreal to Ottawa, you’re basically looking at a two-hour gap between two completely different worlds. It’s close. Really close. But anyone who tells you it’s a simple "one hour and forty-five minute" drive is probably lying to you—or they haven't driven through the construction on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge lately.
Distance is a funny thing in Canada. We don't measure it in kilometers; we measure it in coffee stops and traffic jams.
Technically, the distance is about 200 kilometers (roughly 124 miles) depending on where you start and which bridge you take out of the city. It’s the kind of distance that makes it the perfect day trip, yet just far enough that you feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere. You leave the chaotic, European energy of Montreal and, a couple of podcasts later, you’re staring at the Gothic Revival architecture of Parliament Hill.
The Highway 417 vs. Highway 50 Debate
Most people just mindlessly follow Google Maps, which almost always funnels you onto the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 417). It’s the most direct shot. You take the 40 West out of Montreal, it turns into the 417 once you cross the Ontario border, and boom—you're in Ottawa.
But there’s a secret. Or at least, a scenic alternative.
The Quebec side—Highway 50—is a different beast entirely. It’s often quieter, though it used to be notorious for being a single-lane deathtrap in certain sections. Thankfully, most of that has been fixed. If you're starting from the North Shore of Montreal, like Laval or Saint-Eustache, taking the 50 through Gatineau is often faster. Plus, you get to look at trees instead of just the back of a transport truck. Honestly, if you have the time, the 50 feels more like a road trip and less like a commute.
How far is Montreal to Ottawa by train?
Not everyone wants to drive. I get it. Driving in Montreal is basically an extreme sport.
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VIA Rail is the go-to here. The train distance doesn't change, but the time fluctuates wildly. Usually, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The real "pro tip" for the train isn't about the distance, though—it’s about the station. If you’re heading to the west end of Ottawa, get off at Fallowfield. If you're going downtown, stay on until the main Ottawa station on Tremblay Road.
The train is great because you can actually work, but let's be real: it's rarely cheaper than driving if there are two or more of you. You're paying for the luxury of not screaming at someone for merging without a blinker at the Cavendish exit.
The "Hidden" Factors That Add Distance
When you ask how far is Montreal to Ottawa, you have to account for the "Montreal Factor."
If you leave at 4:30 PM on a Friday? That 200km journey might as well be 1,000km. It can take an hour just to get off the island. Between the ongoing repairs on the Metropolitan (the elevated highway that everyone loves to hate) and the unpredictable closures of the tunnels, you need to buffer your time.
Then there’s the weather. A "quick drive" in January can turn into a four-hour odyssey through a whiteout in Rigaud. The stretch of the 417 between the border and Casselman is famously windy. When the snow starts blowing sideways across those flat farmers' fields, your speed is going to drop to 60 km/h real quick.
Breaking down the travel times
Let's look at the reality of the clock, not just the odometer.
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- Driving (Optimal conditions): 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Driving (Friday rush hour): 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Bus (Orleans Express): About 2 hours 30 minutes. They usually have Wi-Fi, but don't bet your life on the connection speed.
- Cycling: About 10 to 12 hours for the ultra-fit. There’s actually a beautiful route called the Route Verte on the Quebec side that takes you through small towns like Montebello. It’s spectacular, but your legs will hate you.
Why the "Mid-Point" matters
Since the distance is about 200km, the halfway mark is right around the Ontario-Quebec border, near the town of Rigaud or Vankleek Hill.
If you're making the trip, you have to stop at St-Albert Cheese Co-op. It’s slightly off the 417, but it’s a law for locals. You get the squeaky curds. If the curds don't squeak, did you even go to Eastern Ontario? This is the kind of detail that GPS won't tell you, but it's the difference between a boring drive and a proper Canadian road trip.
Navigating the Ottawa end
Once you finally arrive, the "distance" isn't quite over. Ottawa is sprawling. If you’re going to Kanata (where the Sens play), you've still got another 20 minutes of driving after you "reach" Ottawa. If you’re heading to the Market, you’re right there.
Interestingly, the geography changes the vibe. Montreal is dense and vertical. Ottawa is flat and spread out. You'll notice the speed limits feel more "suggested" in Quebec, whereas Ontario provincial police on the 417 are notoriously strict once you pass the 110 km/h zones.
Final Logistics Checklist
To make this trip actually work, stop thinking about the 200km and start thinking about the timing.
First, check the bridge status. The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge is the main artery connecting Montreal to the west, and it’s currently a mess of repairs and lane closures. If it's backed up, you might want to swing south and take the 20 through Dorion, though that has its own set of stoplights that will test your patience.
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Second, gas up in Ontario if you can. Prices are historically a few cents cheaper per liter once you cross the border, though the gap has narrowed lately. Every little bit helps when you're frequenting the 401/417 corridor.
Third, if you're taking the bus, the Gare d'autocars de Montréal is right at the Berri-UQAM Metro. It's super convenient. In Ottawa, the bus drops you off at the VIA station, which is connected to the LRT (the light rail). The LRT in Ottawa has a bit of a reputation for breaking down when it sees a snowflake, so have a backup Uber app ready just in case.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To ensure your trip between Montreal and Ottawa is as smooth as possible, follow these specific steps before you leave the house:
- Check the "Quebec 511" app: This is the only way to know if a bridge is suddenly closed or down to one lane. Google Maps is good, but 511 is the source of truth for Montreal's infrastructure woes.
- Download your media: There are several "dead zones" for cell service on Highway 50 and even parts of the 417 near the border. Don't rely on streaming your favorite playlist.
- Plan your exit: If leaving Montreal, aim for "The Window"—either before 2:00 PM or after 7:00 PM. Anything in between is a gamble with your sanity.
- Validate your arrival point: If you are meeting someone in Ottawa, ask if they are in "Ottawa" or "Gatineau." They are right across the river from each other, but taking the wrong bridge at rush hour can add 30 minutes to your trip.
Knowing how far is Montreal to Ottawa is easy; navigating the quirks of the 200 kilometers between them is where the real expertise comes in. Safe travels on the 417.