Ultimate Guide on Ottawa to Toronto Drive

Are you making a trip from Ottawa to Toronto? If so then you are at the right place.

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 a common simple, and it can easily be done by using various modes of Transportation. One of the best ways to get from the capital city of Canada, Ottawa to the financial hub of the country, Toronto is by a drive(car).

Here we have shared all the information that you need to know before making a drive from Ottawa to Toronto. We have covered everything from the best routes to where to stop.

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.

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 450 kilometers. 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.

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 and you will be at your required location.

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.

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 taking stops for food or a washroom break, 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.

Why to choose Ottawa to Toronto Drive?

Driving from Ottawa to Toronto is the best way to reach a required location. Driving a car 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 If you want to reach the location on time. You can drive the vehicle at your own pace, and stop wherever you want, either for food or washroom breaks.

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 not taking any 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 asphalt 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.

The route initially starts from Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 W. Then it Continues on Hwy 7/Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7. Now Take ON-115 S and ON-407 W to Eastern Ave/Eastern Ave Diversion in Old Toronto, Toronto. After that take exit 1 from Don Valley Pkwy S.

Now you need to Merge with Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 W and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 145 for ON-7 toward Carleton Place/Toronto. Drive Continue onto Don Valley Pkwy S and take Richmond St E to Bay St.

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 town 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.

Directions: Ottawa to Toronto Drive

There are two main routes you can take when driving from Ottawa to Toronto, each one has its pros and cons.

Route 1: Via Highway 401 (Faster, but potentially more traffic)

• Distance: Approximately 449.7 km (279 miles)
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours 20 minutes (without traffic)
• Directions:
  • Start in downtown Ottawa and head southwest on Albert Street/Ottawa 42 towards O’Connor Street.
  • Turn left onto O’Connor Street and then take a slight right to merge onto the Trans-Canada Highway/ON-417 W.
  • Continue on the Trans-Canada Highway/ON-417 W until you reach the ON-416 S exit towards ON-401.
  • Take the ON-416 S exit and then continue onto ON-401 W.
  • Keep left at the Y junction to continue on ON 401 Express.
  • Take exit 375 to merge with Don Valley Pkwy S.
  • Take exit 1 toward Richmond St/Downtown.
  • Merge with Eastern Ave/Eastern Ave Diversion and then take a slight right onto Richmond St E.
  • Turn right onto Bay St.
• Pros: This route is the fastest option and doesn’t have any tolls.
• Cons: Highway 401 can be very congested, especially during peak hours(morning and Evening).

Route 2: Via Highway 7 and 407 (Scenic, potentially less traffic, but have tolls)

• Distance: Approximately 403.0 km (250 miles)
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes (without traffic)
• Directions:
  • Start in downtown Ottawa and head southwest on Albert Street/Ottawa 42 towards O’Connor Street.
  • Turn left onto O’Connor Street and then take a slight right to merge onto the Trans-Canada Highway/ON-417 W.
  • Continue on the Trans-Canada Highway/ON-417 W until you reach exit 145 for ON-7 towards Carleton Place/Toronto.
  • Take exit 145 and continue onto Hwy 7/Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7.
  • Continue straight onto Hwy 7/Trans-Canada Hwy until you reach Keep left to continue on ON-115 S.
  • Take the exit toward ON-407 W (toll road).
  • Continue onto ON-407 W and pay the toll.
  • Take the exit onto ON-404 S toward Toronto.
  • Continue onto Don Valley Pkwy S.
  • Take exit 1 toward Richmond St/Downtown.
  • Merge with Eastern Ave/Eastern Ave Diversion and then take a slight right onto Richmond St E.
  • Turn right onto Bay St.
• Pros: This route is more scenic with tonnes of scenic natural views and may be less congested than Highway 401, especially during peak hours.
• Cons: You will need to pay tolls on the 407 ETR which will cost you around $30 CAD extra.

Directions: Toronto to Ottawa Drive

Driving from Toronto to Ottawa also has two main routes, One gives you a scenic journey through a diverse landscape, and the other one is best if you are in a hurry.

Route 1: The Highway 401 Whiz (Faster, potentially more traffic)

• Distance: Approximately 449.7 km (279 miles)
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours 17 minutes (without traffic)
• Directions:
  • Start in downtown Toronto and head north on Bay St. towards Front St.
  • Turn right onto Front St. W and then left onto the ramp to Gardiner Expressway E.
  • Merge onto the Gardiner Expressway E and keep right at the fork to continue toward York St.
  • Take the Don Valley Pkwy N exit and merge onto Don Valley Pkwy N.
  • Keep left at the fork to continue toward ON-401 E and merge onto ON-401 E.
  • Continue on ON-401 E until you reach the ON-417 E exit towards Ottawa.
  • Take the ON-417 E exit and keep left at the fork to follow signs for ON-417 E/Ottawa and merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 E.
  • Take exit 119 for Rue Metcalfe and follow signs for Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89.
  • Continue onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89, turn left onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89, and then turn right onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89.
  • Turn left onto Albert St/Ottawa 42 and you’ve reached your destination in Ottawa!

Pros: This route is the fastest option, to reach Ottawa and it also has no tolls so there is nothing to worry about.

Cons: Highway 401 can be very congested, especially during peak hours. It has no scenic view to enjoy as Highway 7 has.

Route 2: The Scenic Highway 7 Adventure (Slower, more picturesque)

• Distance: Approximately 403.0 km (250 miles)
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours 26 minutes (without traffic)
• Directions:
  • Start in downtown Toronto and head north on Bay St. towards Front St.
  • Turn right onto Front St. W and then left onto the ramp to Gardiner Expressway E.
  • Merge onto the Gardiner Expressway E and keep right at the fork to continue toward York St.
  • Take the Don Valley Pkwy N exit and merge onto Don Valley Pkwy N.
  • Keep left at the fork to continue toward ON-404 N and merge onto ON-404 N.
  • Take exit 26 toward Express Toll Route/ON-407 E (toll road).
  • Keep right at the Y junction, follow signs for ON-407 E/Express Toll Route, and merge with Express Toll Route/ON-407 E.
  • Keep left to continue on ON-407 E and pay the toll.
  • Take the exit onto ON-115 N and follow signs for Hwy 7/Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7.
  • Continue onto Hwy 7/Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7 until you reach exit 145 for ON-417 E towards Ottawa.
  • Take exit 145 and keep left at the fork to follow signs for ON-417 E/Ottawa and merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 E.
  • Take exit 119 for Rue Metcalfe and follow signs for Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89.
  • Continue onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89, turn left onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89, and then turn right onto Metcalfe St/Ottawa Regional Rd 89.
  • Turn left onto Albert St/Ottawa 42 and you’ve reached your destination in Ottawa!

Pros: The route is perfect if you want a scenic and relaxed driving experience. During the drive, you will come across many small towns and charming villages that are quite soothing to watch.

Cons: This route is longer and takes more time than the Highway 401 option. It has 2 tolls which will cost you around $30 CAD extra.

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.

• Kingston: The place is perfect to check out historical spots like Fort Henry National Historic Site or take a stroll by the St. Lawrence River in Confederation Park. If you want you can also explore Kingston Penitentiary, and grab a launch in downtown Kingston.

• 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.

• Port Hope – Presqu’ile Provincial Park: Take a small refreshing break and enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario. It’s a perfect place for small walks, bird watching, and also for having a small picnic on the beach(if you have enough time).

• Belleville – Moira River Conservation Area: Want 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.

• Belleville – Upper Canada Village: Looking for a place to get a glimpse of the past then explore the restored 19th-century buildings, which showcase how people used to live in their daily lives at that time.

• 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 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 travelling 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 for some delicious food 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 you dare to miss their seafood dishes and Sunday brunch as it is quite popular in the area!

• Minden Hills (Hwy 7): Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park: The provincial Park allows you to hike scenic trails with tall pine trees. You can also paddle a rented kayak in the lake.

• Bon Echo Provincial Park (Hwy 7): Discover old drawings on the park’s big rock face, kayak through the waterways, and camp under a blanket of stars. It’s a magnificent place to experience the true wilderness of nature.

• 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: You can have a guided tour of this grand mention, in which you will 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 it 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 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.

Tips for Travelling From Toronto to Ottawa By Car

Driving from Toronto to Ottawa is a beautiful scenic journey that has a tonne of 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 whole 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 have to 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, you might get stuck in a traffic jam, which is quite frustrating if you are heading for a long journey. So the best possible time is either you begin your journey in the early morning or you can start it after 10:00 AM in the daytime.

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 during the winter time 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 then everything pretty much seems to be alive. Now it’s up to you, which Time is best for you to have a 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 want to travel in business class, then it can go up to$150.

If you’re looking for super comfortable and private cabin overnight travel then the sleeper plus service will cost you around$200.

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: Your 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: Factor in potential costs like parking in Ottawa, 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 want to have a long drive with your friends then I highly recommend you head straight to Highway 7 which will lead you directly to the financial capital of Canada.

The whole drive will take around four to five hours If there is no traffic congestion on the highway.

The whole journey has so many awesome places that you can explore like Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 1000 Islands Tower, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and a lot more.

If you have any doubt about this drive that is 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!