The Cost of a Trip between (Old) Ottawa, Ontario and Pickering, Ontario: A Guide to Affordable Travel

Looking to travel from Old Ottawa, Ontario to Pickering, Ontario on a budget? There are a variety of options available to you, each with their own cost and distance considerations. In this article, we will explore the different routes you can take, ranging from driving yourself to taking public transportation, and examine the costs associated with each one.

Driving Yourself

The most common way to travel from Ottawa to Pickering is by driving yourself. There are a few different routes you can take, each with its pros and cons in terms of cost and distance.

Route 1: Highway 401

One common route is to take Highway 401, which is a straight shot from Ottawa to Pickering. The distance is approximately 360 kilometers and the drive time is around four hours. The cost of gas will vary based on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, but expect to pay roughly $60 to $80 for a round trip. Additionally, there are tolls on some sections of the highway, which cost around $20 each way.

Route 2: Highway 7

Another option is to take Highway 7, which is a longer route but with the potential to save money on tolls. The distance is around 480 kilometers and the drive time is around six hours. The cost of gas will also vary based on the vehicle's fuel efficiency, but expect to pay roughly $70 to $90 for a round trip. However, there are no tolls on Highway 7, which can save you around $40 each way.

Route 3: Scenic Route

For those who prefer a more scenic drive, you could take County Road 2. This route is approximately 405 kilometers and the drive time is around five hours. The cost of gas will vary based on the vehicle's fuel efficiency, but expect to pay roughly $65 to $85 for a round trip. This route doesn't have any tolls, but it may add a bit of time to the trip.

Public Transportation

For those who prefer not to drive or don’t have access to a vehicle, there are a couple of public transportation options available.

Via Rail

Via Rail offers a train from Ottawa to Pickering, which takes around four and a half hours, depending on the schedule. The cost of a one-way ticket is around $70 to $120, with prices depending on how far in advance you book. This option may be more expensive compared to driving, but it offers a more leisurely and scenic travel experience.

GO Transit

Taking GO Transit is another option. You can take a bus from Ottawa to Toronto and then transfer to the GO train to Pickering. The cost of a one-way ticket is around $45 to $60. The travel time is around seven hours, which is longer than driving, but it may be more affordable.

Recommendations

While there are various routes available to you, the most affordable route would be to take Highway 7, as it saves you around $40 in tolls. However, if you prefer a more direct and faster route, then taking Highway 401 may be the better option.

For those who prefer not to drive, taking Via Rail or GO Transit can be more expensive alternatives, but they offer a more leisurely and scenic travel experience.

When deciding which route to take, it’s important to also consider factors such as weather conditions and traffic, especially if you are driving yourself. Planning your travel ahead of time can also potentially save you money, as bookings for Via Rail and GO Transit may have discounts for advanced purchase.

Conclusion

Travelling from Ottawa to Pickering can be affordable if you know the right options. If you choose to drive yourself, taking Highway 7 can save you some money, but expect a longer travel time. If you prefer a faster route, Highway 401 may be the better option, but expect tolls.

For those who prefer not to drive, Via Rail and GO Transit are both viable alternatives, but they may cost more. Overall, taking the time to consider your transportation options in advance can save you money and make your trip more enjoyable. Safe travels!