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How to get fromOttawa to Elginby plane, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, or train

Find Transport to Elgin

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There are 7 ways to get from Ottawa to Elgin by plane, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane YOW - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    6h 26m
    $267–1,212

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Ottawa to Detroit Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Detroit Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus 603
    22h 41m
    $134–214

  3. Train via Detroit

    1. Take the train from Ottawa to Toronto Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Toronto Union Station to Windsortrain train
    3. Take the train from Detroit to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    4. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    17h 55m
    $290–686

  4. Drive  786.6 mi

    1. Drive from Ottawa to Elgincar car 786.6 mi
    14h 14m
    $180–260

  5. Train to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, fly, bus

    1. Take the train from Ottawa to Dorvaltrain train
    2. Fly from Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane YUL - ORD
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    7h 52m
    $232–1,515

  6. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Ottawa to Detroit Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Detroit to East Lansingbus bus
    3. Take the bus from East Lansing Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationbus bus
    4. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    23h 13m

  7. Train

    1. Take the train from Ottawa to Toronto Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Toronto Union Station to Buffalotrain train
    3. Take the train from Buffalo Depew Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    4. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    24h 9m
    $398–870

Ottawa to Elgin by bus and subway

Calendar3Weekly Services
Duration22h 41mAverage Duration
Ticket$134Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ottawa to Elgin.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 687.2 mi
  • Duration: 6h 26m

What companies run services between Ottawa, ON, Canada and Elgin, IL, USA?

You can take a train from Ottawa to Elgin via Toronto Union Station, Windsor, Detroit, and Chicago Union Station in around 17h 55m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ottawa to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop D via Detroit Bus Station, Chicago Bus Station, Chicago, Cumberland, Rosemont, and Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D in around 22h 41m.

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