Ground Transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport: Top 5 Ways to Travel

Traveling between Ottawa and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is a frequent journey for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you are catching an international flight, heading for a vacation, or attending a business meeting, choosing the right ground transportation fromOttawa to Montreal Airport can save you time, money, and stress. With several travel options available, ranging from luxury car services to budget-friendly buses, it’s important to know what works best for your schedule and budget.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 ways to go from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, highlighting the costs, advantages, and services of each option. We’ll also compare the best ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, the cheapest ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, and even touch on whether there’s such a thing as free ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport.

 

1. Car Service Ottawa to Montreal – Fixed Prices & No Hidden Costs

One of the most convenient and stress-free options is booking a car service from Ottawa to Montreal Airport. Private car services provide door-to-door pickup, professional drivers, and a guaranteed fixed rate.

Why Choose Car Service?

• Fixed Prices: Most car services offer transparent pricing, so you don’t have to worry about surge fees or hidden charges.
• Comfort & Privacy: Ideal for business travelers or families who prefer a quiet and comfortable ride.
• Time Efficiency: No need to navigate public transport schedules. The ride takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Cost of Car Service

The ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport cost for a private car service typically ranges from CAD $250 to $350 for a one-way trip, depending on the type of vehicle (sedan, SUV, or luxury car).

For travelers prioritizing comfort and reliability, this option is often considered the best ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport.

 

2. Private Shuttle from Ottawa to Montreal Airport

If you want a balance between affordability and convenience, a private shuttle from Ottawa to Montreal Airport is an excellent choice. Unlike car services, shuttles may serve multiple passengers but still provide direct airport transfers.

Benefits of a Private Shuttle

• Cost Sharing: Perfect for groups, as costs can be divided among travelers.
• Airport-Oriented Service: Most shuttles are designed to align with flight schedules.
• Comfortable Vehicles: Vans and minibuses are common, offering more space than buses.

Shuttle Cost

Prices usually range between CAD $100 to $150 per person. This makes it cheaper than a car service but more expensive than public buses.

Private shuttles are often booked in advance, and for many travelers, they strike the right balance between budget and convenience.

 

3. Bus from Ottawa to Montreal Airport – Greyhound and Other Operators

For budget-conscious travelers, buses are the cheapest ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport. Companies like Greyhound and Tour Express Ottawa to Montreal provide reliable intercity service, although they don’t always go directly to the airport.

Greyhound Bus Service

• Route: Ottawa → Montreal Central Station (Gare d'autocars). From there, you can take the 747 Express bus or a taxi to Montreal Airport.
• Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours to downtown Montreal, plus 30–45 minutes to the airport.
• Cost: Tickets start around CAD $40–$60 one way.

Tour Express Ottawa to Montreal

Tour Express is another bus service that offers affordable intercity travel. While it may not drop passengers directly at the airport, it’s a competitive option for reaching Montreal city before connecting to the airport shuttle.

Downsides of Bus Travel

• Requires an extra transfer to reach the airport.
• Longer travel times due to multiple stops.

Still, for those prioritizing savings, buses remain the cheapest ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport.

 

4. Rideshare and Carpooling Options

While not always the first choice, ridesharing platforms like Poparide or informal carpooling groups can provide affordable travel between Ottawa and Montreal Airport.

Why Consider Rideshare?

• Cost Savings: Rides can be as low as CAD $25–$50.
• Social Option: Great for meeting fellow travelers.
• Eco-Friendly: Lower carbon footprint when sharing rides.

Limitations

• Less reliable than professional services.
• Schedules depend on driver availability.
• Drop-off may not be at the airport directly, requiring additional transport.

For flexible travelers, ridesharing can sometimes feel like a form of free ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, given how inexpensive it can be compared to other options.

 

5. Train + Shuttle or Taxi Connection

Although Ottawa does not have a direct train to Montreal Airport, you can take a VIA Rail train to Montreal’s Central Station and then transfer to the 747 Express bus or a taxi.

Train Travel Details

• Time: About 2 hours by train, plus 30–45 minutes transfer to the airport.
• Cost: Train tickets start around CAD $50–$100, plus $11 for the 747 bus or $40–$50 for a taxi.

Advantages

• Comfortable seating and onboard amenities.
• Less affected by road traffic compared to buses or cars.

The train + shuttle combination is not the fastest, but it is comfortable and moderately priced.

 

Comparing the Options

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport cost and convenience levels:

Mode of Transport	Average Cost	Travel Time	Pros	Cons
Car Service	$250–$350	2 hrs	Comfort, fixed price, door-to-door	Expensive
Private Shuttle	$100–$150	2–2.5 hrs	Direct, group-friendly	Limited availability
Bus (Greyhound / Tour Express)	$40–$60	3–3.5 hrs	Cheapest option, frequent service	Requires transfer, longer time
Rideshare	$25–$50	2–3 hrs	Affordable, eco-friendly	Less reliable, not always direct
Train + Shuttle/Taxi	$60–$150	2.5–3 hrs	Comfortable, reliable	Extra transfer needed

 

Is There Free Ground Transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport?

Unfortunately, there is no truly free ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport. However, you might lower your costs significantly by:

• Using carpooling apps like Poparide where drivers sometimes charge very little.
• Sharing the cost of a private shuttle with multiple passengers.
• Checking promotions with bus services for discounted tickets.

While “free” travel is rare, these methods help cut costs and make the journey nearly free compared to premium services.

 

Choosing the Best Option

When deciding the best ground transportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, consider:

• Budget: Buses and rideshares are cheapest.
• Comfort: Car services and trains offer the smoothest experience.
• Time Sensitivity: Car service and private shuttles are the fastest and most direct.
• Flexibility: Rideshares are affordable but less reliable.

If you value convenience and time, the car service Ottawa to Montreal is unmatched. For those focused on savings, the bus from Ottawa to Montreal Airport Greyhound or Tour Express Ottawa to Montreal are the most economical.

 

Final Thoughts

Getting from Ottawa to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful. With multiple options ranging from luxury car services to budget-friendly buses, every traveler can find a solution that fits their schedule and budget. Whether you prefer the cheapest groundtransportation from Ottawa to Montreal Airport or the most reliable private shuttle from Ottawa to Montreal Airport, planning ahead ensures a smooth trip.

By weighing costs, travel times, and convenience, you can confidently choose the best ground transportation from Ottawa to MontrealAirport for your next journey.