The Ride from (Old) Ottawa to (Old) Toronto: How Long Will It Take?

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to drive from Ottawa to Toronto? Although these two Canadian cities are in the same province and are only around 400 kilometers apart, the time it takes you to drive from one point to the other may depend on traffic patterns and which route you take.

The Fastest Route

For those in a hurry, the fastest route between Ottawa and Toronto is the 401 Highway. It is a straight shot for most of the way and is the shortest distance between the two landmark cities. The distance is approximately 400 kilometers, and it can take around 4 hours to drive with light traffic.

However, the downside of this is that the 401 is one of the busiest highways in Canada, and it often experiences congestion during peak hours. When you factor traffic into the time, it can easily take over 5 hours to drive from Ottawa to Toronto on this route.

The Scenic Route

If you take a scenic route, you have a more leisurely experience and an opportunity to enjoy the sights along the way. While the trip is longer than the 401 route, it makes up for it with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, countryside, and pristine villages.

Highway 7 and 38, is the perfect scenic route that adds over an hour to your road trip from Ottawa to Toronto. It is a bit over 510 kilometers and takes about 6 hours to drive. But, keep in mind that due to this route's winding nature, you should avoid it if you regularly get carsick.

Traffic Estimate

The best thing is to avoid driving during peak hours when traffic is at its heaviest. However, if you cannot avoid them, allow extra time for your journey. In general, it should take you roughly 4-5 hours on 401 during off-peak hours and approximately 5-7 hours during rush hours.

It is advisable to check traffic websites for live traffic updates and plan accordingly. As for the scenic route, the time will vary more because it doesn't have as many lanes as the 401; you may need to spend between 6-7 hours on your journey depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Overall, getting from Ottawa to Toronto doesn't take as much time and planning as you might think. Additionally, there are several different options of routes to take, depending on your pace and preferences. If you need to arrive quickly, take the 401, but if you're looking for a more relaxed road trip, the Highway 7 and 38 route can't be beaten!