Getting from Petawawa to Ottawa Airport: Your Transportation Options

 

Nestled in Ontario’s Ottawa Valley, the town of Petawawa offers a scenic and peaceful lifestyle, with a strong military presence due to CFB Petawawa. However, when it comes to air travel, residents and visitors often face the logistical challenge of getting to major airports—especially Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

 

Whether you're traveling for work, a vacation, or a family visit, organizing reliable transportation from Petawawa to these airports is a crucial step in your trip planning. Fortunately, there are multiple options available to suit a variety of budgets, schedules, and comfort preferences.

 

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting from Petawawa to Ottawa Airport, help you compare airport transfer options from Petawawa, and provide insights into travel services to Montreal Airport you can rely on.

 

Overview: Distances and Travel Time

Petawawa to Ottawa Airport (YOW)

Distance: Approximately 160 km (100 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours (depending on traffic and weather)

 

Petawawa to Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL)

Distance: Approximately 325 km (200 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

 

While Ottawa Airport is significantly closer and more convenient, some travelers choose Montreal for international flights, better fares, or specific airline options.

 

Planning a Trip from Petawawa? Compare Your Airport Transfer Options

Travelers from Petawawa have several transportation methods to choose from. Below is a comparison of the most common airport transfer options based on cost, convenience, and availability.

 

1. Driving Yourself

Driving your own vehicle is one of the most flexible ways to get to Ottawa or Montreal airports.

 

Pros:

Leave and return on your own schedule

No need to rely on third-party services

Can stop along the way for food or breaks

 

Cons:

Parking at the airport is expensive (Ottawa Airport rates range from $17–$25/day)

Long-term parking for extended trips adds up

Winter driving conditions can be hazardous

 

Ideal for:

Short trips (1–3 days)

Travelers familiar with Ontario highways

Those who don’t mind driving long distances

 

2. Airport Shuttle Services

Shuttle services offer dedicated, door-to-door transportation to airports.

 

Services Available:

Valley Airporter

Aerocar Ottawa Shuttle

Petawawa Shuttle Services (local operators)

 

Pros:

Professional drivers experienced with highway travel

No need to worry about parking or navigation

Suitable for solo travelers and families

 

Cons:

Must book in advance

Fixed schedules (some shuttles have limited daily runs)

Can be more expensive than driving, especially for groups

 

Cost Estimate:

Petawawa to Ottawa Airport: $100–$160 per person

Petawawa to Montreal Airport: $180–$250 per person (limited service)

 

Ideal for:

Business travelers

Seniors or those who don’t drive

Travelers flying internationally

 

3. Rideshare or Carpooling

Apps and local Facebook groups often have rideshare postings between Petawawa and Ottawa or Montreal.

 

Pros:

More affordable than a shuttle or private taxi

Flexible scheduling in some cases

Environmentally friendly

 

Cons:

Reliability varies

Not guaranteed or professional

Limited baggage space

 

Cost Estimate:

Typically $30–$50 per person

 

Ideal for:

Budget-conscious travelers

Students and solo travelers

 

4. Private Taxi or Chauffeur Service

This is a premium option for those who want door-to-door service without any hassle.

 

Pros:

Comfortable, private transport

Professional, punctual drivers

Great for airport pickups at odd hours

 

Cons:

Expensive

Must be booked in advance

 

Cost Estimate:

Petawawa to Ottawa Airport: $250–$300

Petawawa to Montreal Airport: $400+

 

Ideal for:

Executives and VIPs

Groups who can split the fare

Those traveling with lots of luggage or kids

 

5. Train or Bus + Taxi Combination

Petawawa does not have direct train or intercity bus service to the airports. However, you can take a bus or train from nearby Pembroke or Renfrew to Ottawa or Montreal and then grab a taxi, Uber, or transit from there.

 

Pros:

Lower cost than private car services

Environmental option

 

Cons:

Inconvenient schedules

Multiple transfers

Limited weekend service

 

Ideal for:

Travelers without urgent time constraints

Backpackers and students

 

Getting from Petawawa to Montreal Airport: Travel Services You Can Rely On

While most travelers from Petawawa default to Ottawa Airport due to proximity, some international travelers prefer Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for direct overseas flights, especially to Europe or the Middle East.

 

Here’s how to make that longer trip more manageable:

 

1. Private Transportation Services

Only a few shuttle providers operate directly between Petawawa and Montreal. These services must be arranged in advance, usually via private hire.

 

Suggested Services:

Execucar Private Transfers

Lux Limousine Ottawa

Petawawa Executive Travel Services

Prices range from $400 to $600 depending on the vehicle size and number of passengers.

 

2. Connecting Shuttle + Train

A more affordable and comfortable option is to:

Take a shuttle from Petawawa to Ottawa Train Station.

Board a VIA Rail train to Montreal Central Station.

Take a 20–30 minute taxi or Uber from the station to the airport.

This trip can take around 6 hours in total but can cost under $100 if booked early.

 

3. Drive and Park in Montreal

If you're up for the long drive, you can park at Montreal Airport’s long-term lot. This gives you flexibility, but traffic in Montreal can be unpredictable and parking prices are similar to Ottawa’s.

 

Tips for a Smooth Airport Transfer from Petawawa

Book Early: Especially for shuttle services, which may have limited seating.

Account for Weather: Winter roads in the Ottawa Valley can be hazardous. Always allow extra travel time.

Pack Smart: Some shuttle or carpool services have limited trunk space.

Travel Insurance: In case your transport is delayed, it’s good to have coverage for missed flights.

Confirm Pickup Points: Especially if you’re being picked up from a hotel or CFB Petawawa.

 

Local Resources to Help Plan Your Trip

CFB Petawawa Transportation Office: Sometimes helps military families coordinate airport transfers.

Valley Eats or Petawawa Bulletin Board (Facebook): Posts often include rideshares or local shuttle contact info.

Ottawa Valley Tourism Site: Lists local service providers.

ViaRail.ca and Greyhound.ca: For rail and bus schedules.

 
Final Thoughts

When planning a trip from Petawawa to Ottawa or Montreal airports, your transportation choice depends on your budget, travel needs, and comfort preferences. Whether you're looking for a stress-free ride in a private car, a cost-effective shuttle, or you're willing to coordinate ridesharing or a transit combo, there are reliable travel options available.

 

The key is planning ahead—especially during peak seasons, holidays, and winter months when weather and availability can affect your travel timeline.

 

Getting from Petawawa to Ottawa Airport is a manageable journey with several dependable options, while those heading to Montreal Airport from Petawawa can also count on a range of customizable services to make the longer trip smooth and worry-free.

 

With the right plan in place, your travel experience can begin and end as smoothly as your flight itself.