Getting Around: Ottawa

OC Transpo Overview

The O-Train (light rail) consists of the Confederation Line (Line 1) and the Trillium Line (Line 2).

Line 1 is the main east-west line through downtown, serving Parliament Hill, the Rideau Centre, and the University of Ottawa. Line 2 connects the airport to Line 1 (currently undergoing expansion).

Bus Network & Hubs

An extensive bus network covers all areas of the city, connecting to O-Train stations.
Route maps for O-Train and bus network are available on the OC Transpo website and at major stations.
Major O-Train hubs: Tunney's Pasture, Lyon, Parliament, Rideau, and Blair.
Major Bus hubs: Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, Blair, and various downtown streets.

Ticketing & Fares

Presto Card: A reloadable smart card presents discounted fares. Purchase at OC Transpo customer service centers, select drugstores, and online. Tap your card when boarding buses or entering O-Train stations.

Fare Options

Single-Use Tickets: Available at O-Train stations from vending machines. Cash Fare: If paying cash on a bus, you need the exact fare, as drivers do not give change.

Accessibility

OC Transpo is committed to accessible transit. Most buses are low-floor and equipped with ramps. All O-Train stations are accessible with elevators and tactile warning strips.

Fare Details & Operating Hours

Standard Fares as of 2023/2024, CAD

Adult Cash Fare: $3.75
Adult Presto Fare: $3.70
Day Pass: $11.25 (unlimited travel on buses and O-Train for one day)

Operating Hours & Frequency

O-Train Line 1: Generally operates from early morning (around 5 AM) until late night (around 1 AM on weekdays, later on weekends).
Frequency is high during peak hours (every 5 minutes or less) and slightly reduced during off-peak hours.
Buses: Hours vary by route, with major routes running from early morning until late night. Some routes offer 24/7 service.

Transit Tips

Use Apps

OC Transpo app or Google Maps for real-time tracking.

Day Pass Value

Consider a Day Pass for more than three rides in a single day.

O-Train Downtown

Often the quickest way to move between Parliament Hill, Rideau Centre, and ByWard Market.

Presto Convenience

A reloadable Presto card works well for longer stays, simply tap and go.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services present convenient, direct transportation, notably for late-night travel or when carrying luggage.

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis in Ottawa are identifiable by their roof lights, company branding (e.g., Blue Line Taxi, Capital Taxi), and visible meters inside.
You can hail a taxi on the street, find them at designated taxi stands (common at major hotels, bus/train stations, and the ByWard Market), or call a dispatch service.
Fares are metered based on distance and time. A typical ride within downtown might cost CAD $10-20. Trips from the airport to downtown have fixed rates.
Most taxis accept cash and major credit or debit cards.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber and Lyft are widely available in Ottawa. Download their respective apps and set up an account before your trip.
Fares are generally competitive with taxis, though surge pricing applies during peak demand, increasing costs.
Licensed taxis are regulated, and their drivers undergo background checks. Ride-sharing apps present tracking features, driver and vehicle identification within the app, and in-app payment.
Always confirm the driver and vehicle match the app's details before entering the car. Dedicated taxi stands are available at Ottawa International Airport and VIA Rail stations.

Car Rentals

Renting a vehicle presents flexibility for exploring Ottawa and its surrounding regions at your own pace.
Major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty) at YOW and city locations.
Minimum age for rental typically 21 (surcharges for drivers under 25).

A valid driver's license from your home country and a major credit card in the renter's name are for rental.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred vehicle and potentially better rates.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or French.

Bicycle Rentals & Infrastructure

Bike Share Ottawa

A seasonal program (typically May-October) presents bikes for short-term rental from various docking stations throughout the city.

Private Rentals

Several shops offer bicycle rentals, like Rentabike and Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals. These are often located near major cycling paths.

Cycling Safety

Wearing a Helmet is mandatory for cyclists under 18 and recommended for all. Follow traffic laws. Be aware of pedestrians on multi-use paths. Dedicated bike lanes are increasingly common on city streets, with enhanced safety for cyclists. All public areas in Ottawa are safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

Walking & Cycling

Ottawa's design, with its abundant pathways and pedestrian areas, encourages walking and cycling as enjoyable ways to see the city.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Downtown Ottawa is very walkable, making easy access to many attractions on foot.
Parliament Hill, Sparks Street (Canada's first pedestrian mall), and ByWard Market are best explored on foot.
The Rideau Canal Pathway offers scenic walking opportunities along the canal, presenting views of the city from a different perspective.
Major's Hill Park, centrally located, presents excellent views of Parliament, the Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery of Canada.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours: Many companies offer guided walking tours focusing on history, architecture, ghost stories, or food. Examples are Ottawa Walking Tours, Haunted Walks of Ottawa, and C'est Bon Cooking food tours.
Self-Guided Tours: Ottawa Tourism and the National Capital Commission (NCC) present maps and information for self-guided walks, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
These options present flexible ways for sightseeing and exploring the city's unique charm.
Discover hidden gems and local insights on these walking excursions.

Cycling Routes & Safety

Extensive Network

Ottawa presents an extensive network of multi-use pathways, especially along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.

Well-maintained paths.

Bike Lanes

Dedicated bike lanes are increasingly common on city streets, with enhanced safety for cyclists.

Safer urban cycling.

Safety Guidelines

Wearing a Helmet is mandatory for cyclists under 18 and recommended for all. Follow traffic laws. Be aware of pedestrians on multi-use paths.

Stay safe and aware.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Tour Buses: Companies like Gray Line Ottawa operate double-decker bus tours. These tours cover major attractions, allowing passengers to alight and re-board at various stops, presenting flexibility for sightseeing.
Rideau Canal Cruises: Seasonal boat tours operate on the Rideau Canal, presenting an unique perspective of the city and its UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ottawa River Cruises: Larger vessels present scenic cruises on the Ottawa River, with views of Parliament Hill and the Gatineau skyline.

Unique & Accessible Transport

Aqua-Taxi: During summer months, an Aqua-Taxi connects Ottawa (behind the Canadian Museum of History) with Gatineau (near the National Gallery of Canada), presenting a quick and scenic cross-river connection.
Rideau Canal Skateway: In winter (weather permitting), the Rideau Canal transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 km. This is an unique and popular mode of winter transport and recreation.
Accessibility Services: Most public buildings, museums, and major attractions are wheelchair accessible. OC Transpo buses are accessible, and O-Train stations have elevators. Many hotels offer accessible rooms.

No-Go Areas & Precautions

Generally, all public areas in Ottawa are safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
Exercise standard urban caution in less populated areas at night.
Some major arterial roads may not have dedicated pedestrian or cycling infrastructure and are best avoided due to traffic volume.
Always remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar surroundings.

Confirm specific accessibility features with venues and accommodations directly to meet your needs.
Keep valuables secure to deter petty theft.
Emergency services are a 911 call away if any urgent situation arises.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.

Navigating Ottawa

Ottawa presents a diverse range of transportation options to suit every traveler's needs, from efficient public transit to unique seasonal experiences.

Exploring the city is seamless with its well-developed infrastructure and accessible services, ensuring you discover its charm and attractions with ease and comfort.

Getting Around Ottawa