Last Updated: December 22, 2025
OC Transpo fares in 2025 are $3.70 with PRESTO or $4.00 cash, with monthly passes at $125.50—covering 160+ bus routes and two O-Train lines (Confederation Line east-west, Trillium Line north-south) across Ottawa’s 1,130 square kilometres.
Ottawa’s public transit system connects you to everything from Parliament Hill to Kanata’s tech hub, from Barrhaven’s suburbs to the vibrant ByWard Market. Check real-time schedules on the OC Transpo Trip Planner or the Transit app. This 2025 guide reveals everything you need to know to navigate Ottawa like a seasoned local.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: OC Transpo offers buses, O-Train rapid transit, and Para Transpo services across Ottawa. Pay $3.70 per ride or $125.50 monthly with PRESTO. The Confederation Line connects east-west, Trillium Line runs north-south, and expansions are coming. Use Transit app for real-time tracking and save money with monthly passes or off-peak travel.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 💰 Single Fare | $3.70 (PRESTO), $4.00 (cash) |
| 📅 Monthly Pass | $125.50 adults, $108.25 seniors/students |
| 🚗 O-Train Lines | Line 1 (Confederation), Line 2 (Trillium) |
| ⏰ Peak Hours | 6:30-9:30 AM, 3:30-6:30 PM weekdays |
| 📍 Major Hubs | Rideau, Parliament, Blair, Tunney’s Pasture |
OC Transpo Overview: Your Complete Transit Network
OC Transpo is Ottawa’s primary public transportation system, serving over 100 million passenger trips annually. The network includes three core services that work together seamlessly.
Bus Network: Over 160 regular routes plus express Connexion routes that connect suburbs to downtown with fewer stops. Buses run from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until past midnight on most routes, with reduced weekend and holiday schedules. Every bus is equipped with bike racks, accessibility features, and GPS tracking for real-time arrival updates.
O-Train Rapid Transit: Ottawa’s electric light rail system operates two lines—the Confederation Line (Line 1) running east-west through the city centre, and the Trillium Line (Line 2) connecting north-south from Bayview to South Keys. Trains arrive every 3-5 minutes during peak hours and every 8-12 minutes off-peak. Unlike buses, O-Train stations require fare payment before boarding, with validators at every entrance.
Para Transpo: Ottawa’s door-to-door accessible transit service for people with disabilities who cannot use conventional transit. This specialized service requires advance registration and booking, operating seven days a week with comparable hours to regular transit.
The beauty of OC Transpo lies in its integration—one PRESTO card works across all services, and transfers between buses and trains are seamless within a 90-minute window.
O-Train Lines Explained: Mastering Rapid Transit
Understanding Ottawa’s O-Train system transforms your commute from complicated to effortless. Here’s what you need to know about each line and future expansions.
Confederation Line (Line 1): This 12.5-kilometre route runs east-west from Tunney’s Pasture through downtown to Blair Station. The line includes 13 stations and passes through Ottawa’s core, stopping at Parliament, Rideau Centre, University of Ottawa, and major employment centres. The underground downtown tunnel means weather never delays your commute through the city centre. Key stations include:
- Tunney’s Pasture: Western terminus, connects to routes heading to Kanata and western suburbs
- Lyon/Parliament: Heart of government district, steps from Parliament Hill
- Rideau: Downtown shopping hub, direct access to ByWard Market and Rideau Centre
- uOttawa: University of Ottawa campus, Lees Avenue connections
- Blair: Eastern terminus, major park-and-ride facility
Trillium Line (Line 2): Running 16 kilometres north-south, this line connects Bayview Station (where it meets Line 1) down to South Keys shopping area and the airport link. After extensive renovations completed in 2025, the line now offers enhanced frequency and comfort. Critical stops include:
- Bayview: Transfer point to Confederation Line
- Carleton: Carleton University main campus access
- South Keys: Shopping mall, O-Train connection to airport bus routes
Future Expansions: Ottawa’s transit future is expanding rapidly. Stage 2 extensions are bringing Line 1 west to Moodie Drive and east to Trim Road in Orleans, while Line 2 extends south to the Ottawa International Airport. Stage 3 planning is underway for connections to Kanata, Barrhaven, and Stittsville. These expansions will add 44 kilometres of new track by 2028.
Pro tip: During peak hours, position yourself mid-platform for the least crowded train cars. The first and last cars tend to be emptier than middle cars.
Fare System & PRESTO Card: Pay Smart, Save Money
Ottawa’s fare system rewards smart planning. Understanding payment options saves significant money over time.
Fare Breakdown (2025 Rates):
- Single adult fare: $3.70 (PRESTO) or $4.00 (cash/e-ticket)
- Senior/student fare: $2.70 (PRESTO) or $3.00 (cash)
- Child under 6: Free
- Monthly adult pass: $125.50
- Monthly senior/student pass: $108.25
- Day pass: $11.25 (valid until 4:30 AM next day)
PRESTO Card Mastery: The PRESTO card is your essential tool for Ottawa transit. This reloadable smart card works across OC Transpo, O-Train, and even connects to Gatineau’s STO system and GO Transit when travelling beyond Ottawa.
Getting started with PRESTO:
- Purchase a card at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, participating retailers, or online at prestocard.ca ($6 initial card fee)
- Load funds or monthly passes online, at stations, or retailers
- Tap on yellow card readers when boarding buses or entering O-Train stations
- Register your card online to protect your balance if lost
The 90-minute transfer window is key—tap your PRESTO when boarding, and you can transfer unlimited times between buses and trains for 90 minutes without additional charges. This means you can run errands at multiple stops or take a roundabout route home without paying extra.
Money-Saving Strategies:
- Monthly passes pay for themselves after 34 rides (about 17 round trips)
- EquiPass programs offer discounted passes through employers and universities
- Load your PRESTO with Autoload to never run out of funds mid-commute
- Day passes make sense for weekend exploring with 4+ rides planned
Students attending eligible institutions get discounted post-secondary passes included in tuition fees—activate through your school’s transit program before buying separately.
How to Plan Your Trip: Apps, Tools & Real-Time Tracking
Gone are the days of printed schedules and guesswork. Modern tools make trip planning effortless.
Essential Apps:
Transit App (Recommended): The gold standard for Ottawa transit. This free app provides real-time GPS tracking of buses and trains, step-by-step trip planning, and service alerts. The interface shows exactly when the next bus arrives at your stop with countdown timers. Set up favourite routes and get notifications about delays.
OC Transpo Travel Planner (octranspo.com): The official trip planner works well for advance planning. Enter your start and end addresses, choose departure or arrival time, and get complete routing with transfer points and walking directions. The website also shows service disruptions and detours.
Google Maps: Integrates OC Transpo schedules and provides door-to-door directions combining walking and transit. Particularly useful when exploring unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Text Messaging: No smartphone? Text your 4-digit stop number to 560560 for next bus arrival times. Stop numbers are posted on every bus stop sign.
Pro Planning Tips:
- Check Twitter @OC_Transpo for real-time service alerts during winter storms
- Save 5-10 minutes buffer time for transfers, especially during peak hours
- Download offline maps in Transit app for areas with poor cell service
- Use the “Leave Now” vs “Arrive By” options to optimize timing
Most seasoned riders keep multiple apps installed—Transit for daily commutes, Google Maps for exploring new areas, and OC Transpo’s official site for monthly pass management.
Key Transit Hubs: Your Connection Points
Understanding major transit hubs transforms complex journeys into simple connections. Here are Ottawa’s critical transfer points.
Rideau Station: Downtown’s busiest hub sits beneath the Rideau Centre shopping mall. This underground station connects Line 1 with dozens of bus routes and provides direct access to the ByWard Market, Parliament Hill (10-minute walk), and major hotels. The station includes a heated waiting area, washrooms, and customer service centre. Nearly every major route passes through Rideau at some point.
Parliament Station: Located at Lyon Street, this station serves the government district and connects directly to Parliament Hill buildings. If your destination is anywhere in the federal government core, this is your stop. Transfer here for routes heading to Gatineau via Alexandra or Portage bridges.
Blair Station: The eastern terminus of Line 1 operates as a major park-and-ride facility with over 1,100 parking spaces. Commuters from Orleans, Cumberland, and eastern suburbs connect here to rapid transit. The station includes a heated waiting area and connections to express routes along the 174 highway corridor.
Tunney’s Pasture Station: Western terminus serving the massive Tunney’s Pasture government complex and connections to Kanata, Nepean, and western communities. The park-and-ride lot offers 650 spaces. Multiple Connexion routes converge here for express service to suburbs.
South Keys Station: Line 2’s southern hub features a major shopping centre, movie theater, and extensive bus connections to Barrhaven, Gloucester, and airport routes. The station’s layout can be confusing—follow signs carefully when transferring between train and buses.
Bayview Station: The critical interchange between Line 1 and Line 2, located near Carling Avenue and the Ottawa River Parkway. This outdoor station gets cold in winter—time your transfers carefully or wait inside nearby Tim Hortons.
Bus Routes for Popular Destinations
Strategic route knowledge gets you anywhere in Ottawa efficiently. Here are the routes locals rely on for key destinations.
Downtown & ByWard Market:
- Routes 1, 7, 14: Frequent service along Rideau Street
- Any O-Train Line 1 station (Rideau Station closest)
- Routes 5, 6, 12: Wellington Street corridor past Parliament
University of Ottawa:
- Line 1 to uOttawa Station
- Routes 85, 90, 92, 94, 95: Direct campus access
- Route 7: Main Campus and Lees stations
Carleton University:
- Line 2 to Carleton Station (most direct)
- Routes 4, 7, 111 when Line 2 isn’t operating
- O-Train connects to Line 1 at Bayview for downtown
Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus):
- Routes 2, 14, 85 to Carling Avenue
- Short walk from Carleton Station on Line 2
Ottawa Hospital (General Campus):
- Routes 12, 14 on Alta Vista routes
- Line 1 to Blair, then connecting bus
Kanata Tech Hub:
- Routes 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 (Connexion express routes)
- Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, then Connexion connection
- Future Stage 2 will bring O-Train directly to Kanata
Orleans:
- Routes 30, 31, 34 local service
- Routes 270, 271 (Connexion express via Highway 174)
- Line 1 to Blair, then connecting routes
Barrhaven:
- Routes 170, 171, 172, 173 (Connexion express)
- Routes 74, 75, 76 local service
- Stage 2 Line 2 extension coming by 2027
Airport (YOW):
- Route 97 (Airport-South Keys-Hurdman-St-Laurent)
- Runs every 30 minutes, limited luggage space during peak times
- Plan 45-60 minutes from downtown
The route numbering system offers clues: Routes under 100 are local service, 100-series are express routes, 200-series are peak-hour routes, and Connexion routes serve suburbs with limited stops.
Peak Hours & Best Times to Travel
Timing your transit use dramatically affects your experience. Here’s how to navigate Ottawa’s transit rhythms.
Peak Hours (Weekdays):
- Morning: 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Afternoon: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
During peak hours, expect crowded buses and trains, standing room only on popular routes, and maximum service frequency. O-Train runs every 3-5 minutes, major bus routes every 10-15 minutes. Government workers flood the system around 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM—arrive at stations 5 minutes early to ensure boarding.
Off-Peak Advantages:
- Mid-morning (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM): Guaranteed seating, relaxed boarding
- Early evening (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM): Reduced frequency but comfortable travel
- Weekends: Significantly quieter, though reduced service on some routes
Worst Times to Travel:
- Monday mornings after long weekends (massive crowds)
- First snowfall of the season (delays and packed buses)
- Major downtown events (Senators games, Canada Day, Bluesfest)
- Beginning of university terms (September, January)
Best Times for Tourists & Explorers:
- Saturday/Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM for sightseeing
- Weekday mid-mornings for museums and attractions
- Summer evenings for festival-hopping
Pro tip: If you’re commuting during peak hours, position yourself near the back doors on buses—you’ll exit faster and avoid the boarding crush. On O-Trains, stand near doors on short trips but grab seats near the centre on longer journeys.
Winter Transit Tips: Conquer Ottawa’s Cold
Ottawa winters test transit systems and riders alike. Veteran commuters know these survival strategies.
Dress in Layers: Bus and train temperatures vary wildly. Outdoor waiting requires full winter gear, but heated vehicles and underground stations get uncomfortably warm. Wear removable layers you can stuff in a bag once aboard.
Download Transit Apps: Real-time tracking becomes critical in -25°C weather. Minimize outdoor waiting by timing your arrival at stops precisely. The Transit app’s “Go Now” notification tells you exactly when to leave.
Plan for Delays: Snow, ice, and extreme cold cause service disruptions. Add 15-20 minutes buffer time to important appointments during winter storms. O-Train is generally reliable, but buses face road condition challenges.
Heated Waiting Areas:
- All O-Train stations have heated sections
- Major transit hubs (Rideau, Blair, Tunney’s) offer extensive indoor waiting
- Many bus stops lack shelters—know alternate indoor waiting spots nearby
Winter-Specific Challenges:
- Buses fill quickly when weather is harsh—earlier buses may pass your stop when full
- Snow-covered bus stops may not have clear stop numbers
- Route detours happen during severe storms
- Accessibility ramps and platforms can be icy
Smart Winter Strategies:
- Keep PRESTO topped up to avoid outdoor reloading
- Wear insulated, waterproof boots with traction
- Bring hand warmers for long waits
- Download offline maps in case of poor cell service
- Follow @OC_Transpo on Twitter for real-time weather alerts
- Consider wearing a face mask in extreme cold while waiting
The O-Train’s underground downtown tunnel is Ottawa’s winter transit advantage—from Lyon to uOttawa stations, you’re completely protected from weather while travelling through the core.
Connecting to Gatineau: Cross-River Transit
Ottawa and Gatineau function as one metropolitan region, and transit reflects this reality. Here’s how to navigate cross-river connections.
STO (Société de transport de l’Outaouais): Gatineau’s transit system operates its own network of buses across the river in Quebec. Several routes cross the Ottawa River to connect with OC Transpo services.
Key Cross-River Routes:
- Route 33 (Connexion): Tunney’s Pasture to Gatineau via Champlain Bridge
- Routes 37, 38, 39: Downtown Ottawa to Gatineau via Alexandra Bridge
- Multiple routes via Portage Bridge connecting to Parliament and downtown
Fare Integration: PRESTO cards work on both OC Transpo and STO, but you’ll be charged two separate fares when transferring between systems (one for OC Transpo, one for STO). There’s no integrated fare system yet, though discussions continue. A round trip from Ottawa to Gatineau and back costs double—plan accordingly.
Popular Gatineau Destinations:
- Canadian Museum of History: STO routes from downtown Ottawa
- Gatineau Park: Seasonal STO routes (summer/fall)
- Casino du Lac-Leamy: STO routes 37, 59
- Downtown Gatineau: Multiple STO connections from Parliament/Rideau
Tips for Cross-River Travel:
- Load sufficient PRESTO balance for multiple fares
- STO uses different route numbering (check RTM app for Gatineau)
- Bridge closures occasionally affect routes—check alerts
- Quebec side often has earlier snow removal and different service standards
Most Ottawa residents working in Gatineau federal offices use park-and-ride facilities on the Quebec side to avoid the double fare issue.
Money-Saving Transit Hacks
Savvy Ottawa residents use these strategies to minimize transit costs while maximizing mobility.
Monthly Pass Math: The adult monthly pass ($125.50) pays for itself after 34 rides. If you commute 5 days a week (10 rides), you break even in 3.4 weeks. Even occasional weekend use makes monthly passes the smart choice for regular commuters.
EquiPass Programs: Many Ottawa employers participate in EquiPass, offering transit passes at discounted rates through payroll deduction. Tax benefits and employer subsidies can reduce costs by 15-30%. Check with your HR department.
Student U-Pass: Full-time students at participating institutions (uOttawa, Carleton, Algonquin) get unlimited OC Transpo access included in tuition fees. Activate your U-Pass each term and save hundreds compared to individual fares.
Autoload Benefits: Setting up PRESTO Autoload with your credit card ensures:
- You never get stranded without fare
- Potential credit card rewards points on transit spending
- Automatic monthly pass renewal
- No manual reloading hassle
Day Pass Strategies: The $11.25 day pass makes sense when taking 4+ trips in a day (break-even point). Perfect for:
- Weekend exploring and events
- Running multiple errands
- Showing visitors around Ottawa
- Festival days with multiple venue changes
Free Fare Zones: While limited, some areas offer free transit perks:
- Children under 6 ride free always
- Certain events offer free transit days (Canada Day)
- Future zero-fare pilot programs may expand
Bike + Transit Combo: All buses have bike racks (first-come, first-served). Combining cycling with transit lets you:
- Use cheaper bike for short trips
- Extend transit reach without transfers
- Skip crowded peak-hour buses for part of journey
- Maintain fitness while using transit strategically
Winter Savings: Ironically, winter often saves money for car owners switching to transit. Save on:
- Parking fees ($10-25 daily downtown)
- Winter tire costs
- Increased fuel consumption in cold
- Engine block heater electricity
- Vehicle wear from salt and cold starts
Calculate your actual commuting costs including parking, gas, insurance, and maintenance—many Ottawa professionals discover transit saves $200-400 monthly compared to driving downtown.
Accessibility Features: Transit for Everyone
OC Transpo prioritizes accessible transportation across the network. Understanding available features ensures everyone can navigate Ottawa confidently.
Para Transpo Service: Ottawa’s specialized door-to-door service operates for people unable to use conventional transit due to disability. Registration requires an application and eligibility assessment by healthcare professionals. Once registered:
- Book trips 1-3 days in advance
- Service operates same hours as conventional transit
- Costs equivalent to regular OC Transpo fares
- Attendants can travel free
- Visit octranspo.com/paratranspo for applications
Conventional Transit Accessibility:
- 100% Low-Floor Buses: All OC Transpo buses feature low floors with ramps or lifts for wheelchair access
- Priority Seating: Front sections designated for seniors, pregnant passengers, and people with disabilities
- Audio/Visual Announcements: Route information announced verbally and displayed on screens
- O-Train Elevators: Every station has elevator access from street to platform
- Tactile Platform Edges: Safety strips and warnings for visually impaired passengers
- Service Animals: Always welcome on all transit vehicles
Helpful Accessibility Tools:
- Accessibility guide available at octranspo.com
- Customer service representatives trained in accessibility needs
- Travel training programs for people learning to use transit
- Companion fare policy for registered riders requiring attendants
Challenges to Know:
- Winter conditions can make platform access difficult
- Elevator outages occasionally affect O-Train stations
- Crowded peak hours may limit wheelchair space availability
- Bus ramps occasionally malfunction (drivers are trained to assist)
Resources:
- Para Transpo registration: 613-842-8272
- Accessibility concerns: 613-741-4390
- Lost and found: 613-741-4390
- Customer service: 613-560-1000
Ottawa continues improving accessibility, with new O-Train stations featuring wider platforms, better lighting, and enhanced wayfinding for visually impaired riders.
FAQ
Q: Can I use my PRESTO card from Toronto on OC Transpo?
Yes, PRESTO is an integrated payment system across Ontario and Ottawa. The same card works on OC Transpo, Toronto TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, and other regional systems. Your balance transfers with you—load once, use everywhere PRESTO is accepted.
Q: What happens if I forget to tap my PRESTO card?
On buses, you’ll be charged the default fare when you tap off (if you remember). On O-Train, validators at station entrances require tapping to unlock gates—you can’t board without tapping. If you forget to tap off a bus, you’ll be charged the maximum fare. Always tap on and off to ensure correct charging.
Q: How do I report lost items on OC Transpo?
Contact Lost & Found at 613-741-4390 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, or visit in person at 1500 St. Laurent Boulevard. Items found on vehicles are held for 90 days. Check within 24 hours for best recovery chances—high-value items are prioritized. Describe items specifically including location and time of loss.
Q: Are bikes allowed on the O-Train?
Yes, bikes are permitted on O-Train during all hours, though capacity is limited to 2-4 bikes per car during peak hours. Use designated bike areas near doors and be prepared to let other passengers board first. Bikes are not allowed on buses except on front-mounted racks (2 bikes per bus, first-come first-served).
Q: What do I do if my bus doesn’t show up?
Check Transit app for service alerts and real-time tracking—the bus may be delayed or on detour. If a bus fails to arrive after the scheduled time plus 10 minutes, note the route number, stop number, and time, then report via 311 or @OC_Transpo on Twitter. Take the next scheduled bus or alternate route.
Q: Can I eat or drink on OC Transpo?
Eating is generally discouraged but not strictly prohibited unless messy or strong-smelling. Beverages in sealed containers are acceptable. During peak hours, avoid eating to respect crowded conditions. O-Train stations prohibit eating and drinking on platforms and trains. Use common courtesy—save the meal for after your trip.
Q: How late does OC Transpo run?
Most routes operate until midnight or 1:00 AM on weekdays, with reduced weekend hours. Some major routes (1, 7, 14) run until 2:00 AM on weekends. O-Train Line 1 operates 5:00 AM-1:00 AM weekdays, 6:00 AM-1:00 AM weekends. Line 2 hours vary. Check specific route schedules on octranspo.com as timings differ significantly between routes.
Q: Is there WiFi on OC Transpo?
O-Train stations offer free WiFi (“OC Transpo Guest” network). Buses and trains do not currently have onboard WiFi. Cell service works well in above-ground areas but can be spotty in the underground portion of Line 1 between Lyon and uOttawa. Download maps and transit info before departing for uninterrupted planning.
Final Thoughts
Mastering OC Transpo transforms your Ottawa experience from challenging to effortless. The system connects you to Parliament Hill’s political power, Kanata’s tech innovation, university campuses buzzing with energy, and neighbourhoods rich with culture—all for less than the cost of downtown parking.
Start with the PRESTO card basics, learn your core routes, and download the Transit app. Within weeks, you’ll navigate like a local, knowing which bus arrives first, which O-Train car is least crowded, and exactly when to leave for that 9:00 AM meeting. The 2025 expansions bring even better service, with Stage 2 extensions reaching farther into suburbs and improving frequency.
Whether you’re a student budgeting carefully, a professional optimizing your commute, or a visitor exploring Canada’s capital, OC Transpo offers reliable, affordable access to everything Ottawa provides. Bundle up in winter, tap that PRESTO card, and discover how easy city navigation becomes when you let transit do the driving.
Source: OC Transpo Official Website
