Is there a train from St. George to Ottawa?

No, there is no direct rail service from St. George; you would need to drive to Moncton to catch VIA Rail.

What is the best highway route?

The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) is the most direct and well-maintained route.

Are there tolls on this route?

Yes, the A-30 near Montreal is a toll road.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 12 hours depending on traffic and stops.

No, there are no direct flights from Saint John to Ottawa; all flights require a connection.

St. George

Ottawa

Flight Driving

St. George to Ottawa

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from St. George to Ottawa spans approximately 1,050 kilometers. You can drive via the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) through Quebec, or fly from Saint John Airport (YSJ). Driving takes roughly 12 hours of pure transit time. Flying involves a connection in Montreal or Toronto. This route crosses the scenic Appalachian range and the St. Lawrence River valley.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 1,050 km; straight-line air distance is 820 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Saint John (YSJ) to Ottawa (YOW) is the fastest, taking 4.5 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option for groups of two or more people.

Compare St. George to Ottawa Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	12 hours
Avg Price	$400 - $700	$180 - $250 in fuel
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	YSJ to YUL or YYZ, then to YOW.	Route 1 to Route 2 (Trans-Canada) through Fredericton, Edmundston, and Montreal.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance to secure lower fares.	Ensure you have winter tires if traveling between November and April.

Travel Tips

Toll Roads
Be aware of the A-30 toll bridge near Montreal if you choose to bypass the city center.
Time Zones
You will cross from Atlantic Time to Eastern Time, so set your watch back one hour.
Language
Expect to encounter bilingual signage once you enter the province of Quebec.
Rest Stops
The stretch between Edmundston and Riviere-du-Loup has limited services; fuel up in advance.
Parking
Ottawa downtown parking is expensive; look for hotels that offer underground parking packages.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Watch for moose on the highway, especially during dawn and dusk in New Brunswick.
Weather
Check the 511NB and 511QC websites for road closures during winter storms.
Fatigue
Take a break every 3 hours; the drive through the Appalachian mountains is mentally taxing.
Emergency
Keep a roadside emergency kit with blankets and water in your trunk at all times.