Ottawa to Decatur Road Trip: The Best Routes and Drive Times

Taking a road trip from Ottawa, Ontario to Decatur, Indiana can be quite the adventure. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or just a change of scenery, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Depending on your choice of route, the drive can take anywhere from 8 to 11 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes:

The Fastest Route

The fastest and most direct route from Ottawa to Decatur is via I-69 S. This is a 733-kilometer route that takes approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes to drive, under normal traffic conditions. This route passes through major cities such as Detroit and Port Huron, so depending on the time of day and other factors, traffic can occasionally cause slowdowns.

The Scenic Route

For those who prefer a more scenic road trip, taking Highway 401 W all the way to Windsor, and then crossing the border into the US, before joining I-69 S, is the perfect option. This route offers a great view of the Great Lakes region and the Niagara Falls. The only downside is that it adds an extra hour to the drive time, making the trip about 10 hours long.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route out of all the possible ones from Ottawa to Decatur is through US-2 W. While it may be the most picturesque, it is a 9-hour-and-45-minute drive on a normal day. This route crosses the state of Michigan through several small towns, and only passes through the larger cities of Sault Ste. Marie and Ironwood. During the winter months, this route can be slow due to snow and other weather-related factors.

The Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel from Ottawa to Decatur would be during the off-season, when there is less tourist traffic on the roads. As a general rule, the summer months and holiday weekends are the busiest times for travel between the two cities. Typically, early morning or late evening travel times would be less congested, and therefore quicker.

Overall, while driving from Ottawa to Decatur can take a fair amount of time, it is a very scenic drive that can be quite enjoyable. If you prefer a quick and direct route, take I-69 S; if you prefer a more scenic trip and are willing to add an extra hour to your drive, take Highway 401 and enjoy the Great Lakes region. Finally, if you have lots of time on your hands and are in no hurry, take US-2-W. Whatever route you decide to take, you’re sure to be rewarded with some beautiful views along the way.