How far is Gatineau from Ottawa?

They are adjacent cities separated by the Ottawa River.

No direct train service from Desbiens to Gatineau.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most convenient.

Yes, Intercar provides service in the region.

Desbiens

Gatineau

Bus Driving

Desbiens to Gatineau

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Desbiens to Gatineau is approximately 500 km. You will drive through the scenic Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region before heading south towards the National Capital Region. The most direct route is via QC-175 and QC-40. Alternatively, you can take a bus with a transfer in Quebec City. Gatineau is located directly across the river from Ottawa, making it a gateway to the capital.

Total Distance: 500 km driving distance; 420 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking about 6 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most economical for multiple passengers.

Compare Desbiens to Gatineau Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	$100 - $200	$80 - $150
Operator	Intercar	N/A
Route	Desbiens to Quebec City, then to Gatineau.	QC-175 to QC-40 to QC-50.
Tip	Book your tickets online in advance.	QC-175 through the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is very scenic.

Travel Tips

Route Choice
QC-50 is the main highway into Gatineau from the east.
Traffic
Expect traffic when crossing into Ottawa during rush hour.
Parking
Parking in downtown Gatineau can be limited; check for public lots.
Weather
Check road conditions in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve in winter.
Public Transit
Gatineau has an excellent bus system (STO) that connects to Ottawa.