How to get around in Ottawa

The best way to get around Ottawa is on foot. The city's bustling central core is quite congested, but the great signage makes it easy to traverse. If you become weary of walking, the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) provides a number of bus lines (all of which begin at the Rideau Centre) across downtown and into the surrounding neighborhoods. The No. 97 bus from Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) costs CA$3.65 (approximately $2.80) and takes you to the downtown area. Taxis are also available, but expect to spend up to CA$30 (about $23).

On Foot

For many of Ottawa's tourists, two feet is plenty. Downtown Ottawa is home to the city's principal attractions, food districts, and entertainment locations, all of which are easily accessible. And if you're in town for the winter and want to seem like a local, consider skating; many Ottawa residents utilize the frozen Rideau Canal as a walkway.

Public Transportation

You may rely on the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) to transport you to residential neighborhoods. OC Transpo runs almost 200 bus routes across central Ottawa and into the suburbs. One-way fares range in price from CA$3 to CA$6 (between $2 and $4), depending on the route and if the travel is express. You may also buy a day pass for CA$8.50, which includes unlimited travel on both regular and express buses.

There are additional buses over the river for individuals who want to see Gatineau. The Outaouais Society of Transportation (STO) operates bus services. Single trips cost CA$3.90 (about $3).

Taxi

Taxis are readily available, and while you may hail one from the street, you'll have a higher chance of locating one outside a large hotel. Cab costs start at about CA$3, with each subsequent kilometer costing an extra CA$2. Drivers frequently take both US and Canadian currency, as well as major credit cards. Uber is also accessible in Ottawa.

Car

You may hire a car at the airport or from a downtown agency, but if possible, avoid driving in Ottawa. Although traffic is rarely heavy (unless during rush hour), the downtown area is riddled with one-way streets that can be challenging to maneuver. Also, unless you're used to driving over ice or snow, road conditions throughout the winter might be hazardous. Parking is quite simple to obtain, and you should expect to spend around CA$20 per day. But before you think this is a cheap choice, keep in mind that gas is priced by the liter, not the gallon, and may be nearly twice as expensive as in the United States.

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