Parliament Hill

Getting around

Once you’re in Canada’s Capital, getting around is easy in any season! Take full advantage of Ottawa’s many transportation options such as public transit, light rail system, taxi services, ride sharing and more! Public and private transportation options in the Ottawa-Gatineau region include:

Public transit (bus and light rail)

There are two city transportation systems in Canada’s capital region:

OC Transpo operates buses and Ottawa’s light rail train (O-Train) on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. Fares can be purchased on the bus with credit card or cash, at ticket machines at all O-Train and major transit stations, or at select pharmacies, grocery stores, and the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the CF Rideau Centre. Children under the age of 12 travel for free.

The Société de Transport de l’Outaouais, also known as STO, operates on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. Tickets and day passes (Occasional Multi pass) can be purchased at service points and recharge stations at select pharmacies, convenient stores and malls or on the bus with cash. Children under the age of 5 travel for free.

Some buses run between the two areas, and you can transfer between the two systems at several locations along the O-Train Line 1 in Ottawa and around the Place d’Accueil on Maisonneuve Boulevard in Gatineau, Quebec. Both agencies offer convenient trip planning tools on their websites.

Shared e-scooters

Several companies offer battery-powered personal scooters between April and November, weather permitting. E-scooters are parked throughout the city and can be rented via a smartphone app. Restrictions apply concerning age, ride zones and more.

Taxi

Ottawa’s taxi companies can now be booked ahead of time through their convenient apps, text message or online options for seamless pick ups and drop offs, including to and from the airport.

Ride-sharing

Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa. Although drivers can drop off customers on the Quebec side, they cannot pick them up there.

Boat

In the warm months, a water taxi shuttles visitors between major sites between the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Ottawa River.

Bike rental

Let's Go Cargo!
Let's Go Cargo!
Rent an electric-assist cargo bicycle and experience a fantastic new way of getting around Ottawa.
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Join scheduled daily bike tours led by Ottawa locals or rent a bike, e-bike, scooter or boat and create your own adventure.
RentABike
RentABike
Over 200 bicycles and accessories to choose from for all ages, sizes and routes.

Limousine/executive car service

Luxurious limousines, sedans and SUV services are available for airport transfers and 24/7 ground transportation during your stay in Ottawa.

Motor coach and bus rental

Several companies offer motor coach and bus rentals for groups of various sizes.

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Most recent Ottawa Insider articles

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