Getting Around in Ottawa

Getting around Ottawa is straightforward as public transport is safe, efficient, and extensive. The city also has dedicated cycle paths and a pedestrianised city centre, making it easy to get around Ottawa on foot or by bike.

You may find owning a car in Ottawa unnecessary, as it is often more convenient to use public transport due to limited parking, traffic congestion, and rising fuel prices. Still, having a car provides an opportunity to explore the great Canadian outdoors and may be especially useful if you have children.

Public transport in Ottawa

Public transport in Ottawa consists of an extensive bus network and a light rail system known as the O-Train. OC Transpo oversees public transit in the city, ensuring regular updates and improvements to keep up with passenger needs. Buses and trains are free for children aged five and under. On Wednesdays and Sundays, it is free for seniors aged 65 and older.

OC Transpo operates an integrated ticketing system, making it easy to travel across Ottawa. Single tickets are available on board buses, at O-Train stations, and in local shops. Single tickets allow you to travel on any O-Train or bus service, and they remain eligible for transfer between services for one and a half hours.

If you will be a regular commuter, you can save money by purchasing daily, weekly, or monthly passes. These passes are a great way to manage travel costs if you rely on public transport for your daily routine. Smart cards are also available, which make paying for and accessing public transport a breeze. These include the Presto card and the STO multi-card. The Presto card also allows access to public transit in Greater Toronto and Hamilton, making it a versatile choice for those travelling between cities.

Buses in Ottawa

Buses in Ottawa are operated by OC Transpo, connecting most of Ottawa’s far-flung areas and suburbs through its extensive routes. The fleet is accessible, comfortable, and designed to make getting around the city simple.

The frequency of bus services ranges between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. Frequency is usually reduced in the late evenings and on Sundays. OC Transpo adjusts schedules four times a year – spring, summer, fall, and winter – to align with changing passenger demand and travel patterns.

O-Train in Ottawa

The O-Train in Ottawa is a light rail transit service that complements the extensive bus system. The O-Train is especially useful for commuters, as it operates on its own tracks, avoiding road traffic and ensuring faster travel times.

The O-Train consists of two lines. Line 1 runs east to west, stretching from Blair Station to Tunney’s Pasture, while Line 2 runs between Greenboro and Bayview. Major expansions are underway to extend these lines further south, east, and west, improving connectivity and making it even easier to get around Ottawa.

Areas and Suburbs in Ottawa

Useful links

• OC Transpo – Official Website
• Presto Card Information
• STO Multi-Card Details

Taxis in Ottawa

Taxis in Ottawa are readily available in the city centre and can be hailed or found at designated taxi ranks. If you are travelling from the suburbs, it is best to pre-book a taxi by phone for convenience.

All taxis in Ottawa must have a working meter and charge a base fare plus a set rate per additional kilometre. Most taxis accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to have cash on hand for shorter journeys, just in case.

Ottawa-registered taxis are not permitted to pick up customers on the roadside in Quebec, and the same applies to Quebec cabs on Ottawa’s side. That said, if you live in Quebec or Ottawa, you can always pre-book a taxi from either side, making cross-border travel straightforward.

Ottawa’s taxi services have faced competition from ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft since their introduction. The taxi industry has adapted to stay competitive by improving its services and adopting modern technology. Taxis can now offer reduced fares for rides booked through apps, similar to ride-hailing services.

Useful links

• City of Ottawa – Taxi, Limousine and Private Transportation Companies
• Blue Line Taxi, Capital Taxi, Executive Cabs Ottawa
• Uber Ottawa
• Lyft Ottawa

Driving in Ottawa

Driving in Ottawa can be useful, particularly if you live on the city's outskirts or have kids. Thanks to excellent road infrastructure and clear signage, driving here is generally stress-free.

Due to high demand, parking in the city centre can be limited and expensive. Ottawa now uses a demand-based pricing model for on-street parking, which adjusts rates based on demand. This approach helps ensure parking availability, with higher rates in busy areas and reduced rates where demand is lower.

Ottawa also offers Park and Ride facilities to help reduce congestion, which is a handy option if you plan to park on the outskirts and use public transport. If you own a car, it is advisable to look for accommodation with on-site parking, as this can save you time and money.

If you are new to Ontario, you can only use your foreign driving licence for the first 60 days. After that, you will need to obtain an Ontario driving licence. Depending on your home country, this may involve either a straight swap of your national licence or a full driving test. Newcomers may also need to pass knowledge and vision tests and provide proof of driving experience.

Accommodation in Ottawa

Useful links

• Ontario Driver’s Licence Exchange Information
• City of Ottawa – Parking Information

Cycling in Ottawa

Cycling in Ottawa is a joy, with extensive cycle pathways making it easy to get around the city. Some cycle lanes are shared with motorists and pedestrians, but generally, cycling in Ottawa is safe as road users tend to respect the rules. Public transport in Ottawa is also bike-friendly, with buses and trains equipped with dedicated bicycle racks, making it simple to combine cycling with public transit. 

Ottawa’s investment in cycling infrastructure has made it one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada. The addition of new cycle routes and improvements to existing pathways means that getting around on two wheels has never been easier. The city has recently approved a Transportation Master Plan to expand cycling routes by 50 percent over the next two decades, focusing on closing existing gaps in the network.

Useful links

• City of Ottawa – Cycling Information
• Transportation Master Plan