DriveWindow route answer
How long is the drive from Toronto to Ottawa, and how far is it?
The drive from Toronto to Ottawa is typically 4.5 hours and 450 km via Highway 401 and Highway 416. Allow extra time because lake-effect snow near eastern Ontario or freezing rain can affect the corridor.
Route facts
Toronto → Ottawa
- Distance
- 450 km
- Typical drive
- 4.5 hours
- Planning baseline
- Late morning
- Main weather risks
- lake-effect snow near eastern Ontario · freezing rain · fog and low visibility along the corridor
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Time and distance
Drive-time baseline and possible delays
- Distance
- 450 km
- Typical drive
- 4.5 hours
- Weather-sensitive corridor
- Highway 401 and Highway 416
The usual planning baseline is 4.5 hours for 450 km via Highway 401 and Highway 416. It does not include fuel, charging, food, border, park-entry, or weather-related stops.
Allow extra time if the forecast includes lake-effect snow near eastern Ontario or freezing rain; conditions may affect your pace or require stops.
What to check before leaving
Eastern Ontario can see changing precipitation types, lake-effect snow, and fog. Key weather factors: lake-effect snow near eastern Ontario, freezing rain, fog and low visibility along the corridor.
- lake-effect snow near eastern Ontario
- freezing rain
- fog and low visibility along the corridor
Route planning answers
Common questions about this drive
Plan the drive
Route weather planning guides
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Sources and methodology
How this answer is produced
Website drive time and distance are static planning baselines. In the app, routing-provider travel time can account for traffic and helps time each weather segment; departure options are then compared by weather risk for your date.
US National Weather Service Environment and Climate Change Canada Route weather methodology Data-source policy
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