Montreal to Ottawa Bus

Montreal to Ottawa by bus

Your bus journey from Montreal to Ottawa

Ready to travel across Canada? Get there in style with a little help from Virail. Our powerful search engine has put together all the information you need from thousands of travel companies. That's why we have everything you need to know about your bus journey from Montreal to Ottawa.

There are 33 journeys by bus from Montreal to Ottawa each day, with the earliest departing at . The last bus leaves Montreal at . Although the exact duration may vary depending on the time of day, bus company, and traffic conditions, you can expect to spend an average of 2 hr 45 min traveling. This bus journey costs, on average, $44.88. Again, prices might vary according to time of the year, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, it's always a good idea to book your bus journey early.

Sit back and relax

You'll start your journey at the Gare d'Autocars de Montreal, which can be found downtown. Take care - sometimes travelers get confused with the Terminus Centre-Ville, another bus station that runs local services. The Gare d'Autocars is for inter-city travel and is located at the Berri-UQAM station on the Montreal Metro.

There are just over 100 miles between Montreal and Ottawa, and this journey will see you cross the provincial border from Quebec into Ontario. The buses operated by a local company, Autobus Maheux, are modern and comfortable, with free wifi connections onboard and climate control. Most buses are also equipped with power outlets and USB plugs, allowing you to chill out with your favorite device as you travel.

When you're traveling on this route, you'll be able to bring two pieces of luggage with you. In winter, many travelers bring sports equipment like ski or snowboarding gear. If this is the case for you, it's a good idea to advise the bus company in advance. You may need to pay an additional charge to secure a spot for your extra luggage.

These buses don't usually have an onboard bathroom, and there are no snacks or meals served onboard. However, there are plenty of amenities at the stations at both ends of the journey.

Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, but it's only the fourth largest city in the country, with a population of just under one million. Despite its small size, it has plenty to offer travelers. This is the best city to visit if you're interested in Canadian history or culture: Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum, the National Gallery, and the Canadian Museum of Nature are all high on the list for most visitors. Here you can really explore the history and heritage of this country.

Ottawa boasts an impressive seven national museums - but if time is limited, you might just want to head for Parliament Hill. If you're lucky, you'll see a display like the Changing of the Guard, which showcases Canada's Commonwealth culture. The parliament buildings here were inspired by London and even have their very own Canadian version of Big Ben: the Peace Tower. It's a great spot for a photo op or, if you're a political buff, you can enjoy a free guided tour of the buildings. For a truly authentic Canadian experience, you can also take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Centre, home to the world-famous Mounties. The chance to see a Musical Ride practice - with the horses and their uniformed riders moving in perfect formation - is a special treat and one which many visitors savor.

Your experience in Ottawa will be vastly different depending on the time of year that you go. In summer, the city is a haven for cyclists, and people take boat trips down the Rideau Canal. A day trip might bring you to one of the nearby provincial parks, which will be green and vibrant. On really hot days, locals love to escape from the city and visit nearby Lake Ontario. Here you can relax on the beach or hit the water for paddle surfing, kayaking, or other sports.

You can even try your hand at some water sports without leaving the city! The Ottawa River offers urban rafting trips, with some knuckle-biting action on thrilling white water. There are more placid activities, too. Sightseeing cruises regularly set sail on the river, and the electric Aqua-Taxi offers you a unique way of getting around. The view from the water shouldn't be missed. In fact, many locals say that it's one of the best ways to see the city and admire its intriguing blend of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.

In winter, expect to find a completely different city. Canadian winters are famous for a reason! Eastern Canada doesn't have the spectacular slopes that you'll find out west, but there's still enough to keep skiers and snowboarders happy. The gentle trails of Edelweiss Valley, a short journey from the city, are ideal for beginners. For something more challenging, head out to Calabogie Peaks, where you'll find Ontario's highest vertical drop - a skiing experience that's not for the faint-hearted!

The city itself is beautiful in winter, too. When the temperatures drop, the Rideau Canal freezes over and is transformed into the world's largest outdoor skating rink. Have some fun on the ice or just sit in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by while you enjoy a hearty hot chocolate. Many restaurants and cafes offer cozy, heated outdoor patios. Even when the mercury is down, Ottawa will keep you entertained. There's always something to do in Canada's capital city!