Last Updated: January 4, 2026
After years of delays and anticipation, Ottawa’s O-Train Lines 2 and 4 officially launch on Monday, January 6, 2026, finally connecting Riverside South to downtown and providing the city’s first direct rail link to the airport. The launch marks the completion of a major phase of Stage 2 LRT expansion, giving south Ottawa residents a faster, more reliable transit option.
For the hundreds of thousands of residents in Riverside South, Barrhaven, and surrounding communities who have been waiting for this moment, here’s everything you need to know about riding the new lines on opening day and beyond.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: O-Train Lines 2 and 4 launch Monday, January 6, 2026, with weekday-only service for the first two weeks. The new routes connect South Keys to downtown via Bayview Station and extend to Ottawa International Airport. Expect trains every 8-12 minutes during peak hours. Full weekend service is anticipated by late January.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Launch Date | Monday, January 6, 2026 |
| 🚗 Initial Service | Weekdays only (first 2 weeks) |
| ⏰ Peak Frequency | Every 8-12 minutes |
| 💰 Fare | $4.10 adult single ride (PRESTO) |
| 📍 Airport Link | ~8 minutes from South Keys |
What’s Launching on January 6?
Image: The new O-Train trains on Lines 2 and 4 connecting south Ottawa to downtown.
The January 6 launch brings two interconnected O-Train routes into service:
Line 2 (Trillium Line South Extension) The expanded Trillium Line now runs from Bayview Station (where it connects to Line 1) south through Carleton University, South Keys, and on to Limebank and Riverside South. This extends the original Trillium Line that has served the Carleton area since 2001.
Line 4 (Airport Link) A new branch line connecting the Trillium Line to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. The Airport Link branches off near South Keys, providing Ottawa’s first-ever direct rail connection to the airport.
Together, these lines transform transit for south Ottawa residents and give the entire city a practical rail-to-airport option—something Ottawa has lacked for decades.
New Stations and Routes
Image: Map of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 showing new stations in south Ottawa.
Line 2 Stations (Trillium Line):
| Station | Key Destinations |
|---|---|
| Bayview | Transfer to Line 1 (Confederation Line), Bayview OC Transpo Station |
| Carleton | Carleton University, Brewer Park |
| Confederation Heights | Government offices, Riverside Hospital |
| Mooney’s Bay | Beach, playground, Terry Fox Athletic Facility |
| South Keys | South Keys Shopping Centre, bus connections |
| Greenboro | Residential area |
| Leitrim | Residential, Leitrim Wetlands |
| Bowesville | Riverside South community |
| Limebank | Riverside South terminus |
Line 4 Stations (Airport Link):
| Station | Key Destinations |
|---|---|
| South Keys | Transfer to Line 2 |
| Uplands | Military, residential |
| Airport | Ottawa International Airport (YOW) |
The Airport Link is a game-changer for travellers. At approximately 8 minutes from South Keys to the Airport, it’s significantly faster and more reliable than the current Route 97 bus during rush hour.
Service Schedule: What to Expect
Image: Initial service on Lines 2 and 4 is weekdays only for the first two weeks.
OC Transpo is taking a phased approach to the launch:
Phase 1 (January 6-17): Weekdays Only
- Service operates Monday through Friday
- No weekend service initially
- Allows operators and systems to stabilize
Phase 2 (January 18-20 target): Weekend Service
- If conditions are stable, weekend service may begin
- Subject to operational assessment
Phase 3 (Late January/Early February): Full Service
- Full seven-day service expected
- Hours: 6:30 AM to midnight (weekdays), 7:30 AM to midnight (weekends)
Train Frequency:
- Peak hours (7-9 AM, 3:30-6 PM): Every 8-10 minutes
- Off-peak: Every 12-15 minutes
- Late evening: Every 15-20 minutes
Backup Bus Routes: During the initial phase, OC Transpo is running parallel bus routes for redundancy:
- Route B2: Follows the Trillium Line corridor
- Route 97: South Keys to Airport (seven days a week)
- Route 99: Downtown to South Keys
These buses operate seven days a week and provide an alternative if you need weekend travel before weekend train service begins.
How to Connect to Lines 2 and 4
Image: Bayview Station is the key transfer point between Line 1 and Lines 2/4.
From Downtown/East Ottawa: Take Line 1 (Confederation Line) westbound to Bayview Station. Transfer to Line 2 southbound. The transfer is straightforward—both lines use the same station complex.
From West Ottawa: Take Line 1 eastbound to Bayview Station. Transfer to Line 2 southbound.
From South Keys Area: Access Line 2 directly at South Keys Station or Greenboro, Leitrim, Bowesville, or Limebank stations. For the airport, transfer to Line 4 at South Keys.
From Anywhere to the Airport: The easiest route is to take Line 1 to Bayview, transfer to Line 2 southbound to South Keys, then transfer to Line 4 (Airport Link). Total travel time from downtown Rideau Station to the airport is approximately 35-45 minutes depending on connections. For detailed transit planning, check our O-Train LRT guide.
Fares and PRESTO
Standard OC Transpo fares apply on Lines 2 and 4. As of January 1, 2026:
| Fare Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult single ride (PRESTO) | $4.10 |
| Senior/Youth single ride | $2.05 |
| Adult monthly pass | $138.50 |
| Day Pass | $11.50 |
PRESTO Transfer Rules: Your 90-minute transfer window applies across all OC Transpo services, including Lines 1, 2, 4, and all buses. One tap gives you unlimited transfers within that window.
Tip: If you’re heading to the airport, a single PRESTO tap covers the entire journey from anywhere in the city—no special airport fare surcharge.
Tips for Opening Day and First Week
Image: Expect higher than usual ridership on opening day as residents try the new lines.
1. Allow Extra Time The first week will inevitably have hiccups. Leave extra buffer time, especially if you have a flight to catch or an important meeting.
2. Download the OC Transpo App Real-time tracking for Lines 2 and 4 will be available through the OC Transpo app. Check for service alerts before heading out.
3. Know Your Backup Memorize the backup bus routes (B2, 97, 99) in case of unexpected service disruptions during the first weeks.
4. PRESTO Is Essential There are no ticket vending machines on O-Train platforms—you need a PRESTO card loaded with funds. Get one at participating retailers or OC Transpo customer service centres.
5. Avoid Peak Hours on Day 1 If possible, avoid the 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM windows on Monday, January 6. Many people will want to try the new lines, so expect crowds.
6. Dress Warmly at Stations Some stations are open-air or semi-enclosed. With January temperatures in Ottawa, dress appropriately while waiting.
What This Means for Ottawa
The launch of Lines 2 and 4 represents a significant milestone for Ottawa’s transit network:
For Riverside South/Barrhaven Residents: Finally, a fast, reliable rail connection to downtown and beyond. During rush hour, the train will be significantly faster than driving the increasingly congested Highway 417.
For Airport Travellers: Ottawa joins cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal in having a direct rail link to the airport. No more relying on expensive taxis, ride-shares, or infrequent buses.
For Carleton University: Students and staff benefit from improved frequency and reliability on the Trillium Line, plus better connections to the wider transit network.
For the City: The completion of this phase is a crucial step toward the fully integrated O-Train network Ottawa has been building toward for over a decade.
Common Questions About the New Lines
Image: Ottawa residents have questions about the new O-Train lines launching Monday.
Accessibility: All new stations are fully accessible, with elevators, tactile indicators, and level boarding. Para Transpo continues to operate for those who require it.
Bikes: Bikes are allowed on O-Train vehicles during off-peak hours. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 3:30-6 PM), bikes may be restricted depending on crowding.
Luggage: The Airport Link is designed to accommodate travellers with luggage. Trains have dedicated space for bags, though avoid blocking doors.
Connecting Flights: If you’re catching a flight, build in at least 30-45 minutes of buffer beyond OC Transpo’s estimated travel time during the first weeks of service. Airport check-in lines can add unpredictable time.
FAQ
Q: When do O-Train Lines 2 and 4 start running?
Lines 2 and 4 officially launch on Monday, January 6, 2026. Initial service is weekday-only for the first two weeks. Weekend service is expected to begin around January 18-20 if conditions are stable.
Q: How often do trains run on Lines 2 and 4?
During peak hours (7-9 AM and 3:30-6 PM), trains run approximately every 8-10 minutes. Off-peak service is every 12-15 minutes, with reduced frequency in late evenings. This frequency may improve as the system stabilizes.
Q: How do I get to the airport on the O-Train?
Take Line 1 to Bayview Station, transfer to Line 2 southbound to South Keys, then transfer to Line 4 (Airport Link). The journey from downtown Rideau Station to the airport takes approximately 35-45 minutes. Alternatively, take any bus to South Keys and transfer there.
Q: Is there weekend service on Lines 2 and 4?
Not initially. Service launches weekday-only for the first two weeks (January 6-17). Weekend service is expected to begin around January 18-20. In the meantime, parallel bus routes (B2, 97, 99) operate seven days a week.
Q: How much does it cost to ride to the airport?
Standard OC Transpo fares apply—there’s no airport surcharge. An adult single ride is $4.10 with PRESTO. Your 90-minute transfer window covers the entire trip from anywhere in the city to the airport.
Q: Where do I transfer between Line 1 and Lines 2/4?
Bayview Station is the transfer point between Line 1 (Confederation Line) and Line 2/4 (Trillium Line). Both lines serve the same station complex, making transfers straightforward.
Q: What backup options exist if the trains aren’t running?
OC Transpo is operating parallel bus routes during the initial phase: Route B2 follows the Trillium corridor, Route 97 connects South Keys to the Airport, and Route 99 connects downtown to South Keys. All operate seven days a week.
Q: How long does it take to get from South Keys to the airport?
The Airport Link takes approximately 8 minutes from South Keys Station to the Airport Station. This is significantly faster than the Route 97 bus during rush hour traffic.
Q: Are the new stations accessible?
Yes, all new stations on Lines 2 and 4 are fully accessible. They feature elevators, tactile guidance systems, level boarding, and other accessibility features. Para Transpo continues to operate for those who need it.
Q: Can I take luggage on the O-Train to the airport?
Yes, luggage is permitted on all O-Train vehicles. The Airport Link trains are designed to accommodate travellers with bags. Space is available for luggage, but avoid blocking doors or aisles.
Final Thoughts
The launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 marks a significant moment for Ottawa transit. After years of construction, delays, and waiting, south Ottawa residents finally have a direct rail connection to downtown and the airport.
The first few weeks will likely have some bumps—every major transit launch does. Be patient, allow extra time, and familiarize yourself with the backup bus routes just in case. By late January, the system should be running smoothly with full seven-day service.
For Ottawa residents who’ve been driving the congested Highway 417 or waiting for unreliable buses, the new lines offer a real alternative. And for anyone catching a flight, the Airport Link eliminates one of the most annoying aspects of travel: the unpredictable drive to YOW.
See you on the train Monday.
Sources and References
- OC Transpo - Official transit information and schedules
- City of Ottawa - Stage 2 LRT - Project details
- PRESTO Card - Fare payment system
For more Ottawa transit tips, check out our comprehensive O-Train LRT guide and indoor activities for cold days when you need somewhere warm to go.
