Rome2Rio

How to get fromOttawa to Nanaimoby plane, train, or bus

Find Transport to Nanaimo

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Ottawa to Nanaimo by plane, train, or bus

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 Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo Airport (YCD)plane plane YOW - YCD
    9h 18m
    $657–1,007

  2. Fly Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Victoria International Airport, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Victoria International Airport (YYJ)plane plane YOW - YYJ
    2. Take the bus from Victoria - Front door, Sandman Inn, Douglas & Gorge to Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - Passenger entrance, connects to 4:00pm HSB ferrybus bus
    11h 34m
    $202–952

  3. Train

    1. Take the train from Ottawa to Toronto Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Toronto Union Station to Vancouvertrain train
    3. Take the train from Vancouver Harbour to Nanaimo Harbourtrain train 13
    4d 8h

  4. Fly Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Vancouver International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)plane plane YOW - YVR
    2. Take the train from Vancouver Airport YVR South to Nanaimo Harbourtrain train
    8h 19m

  5. Fly Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo

    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo (ZNA)plane plane YOW - ZNA
    7h 47m
    $224–904

  6. Train to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, fly to Vancouver International Airport, train

    1. Take the train from Ottawa to Dorvaltrain train
    2. Fly from Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)plane plane YUL - YVR
    3. Take the train from Vancouver Airport YVR South to Nanaimo Harbourtrain train
    9h 43m

  7. Fly Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Campbell River Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Campbell River Airport (YBL)plane plane YOW - YBL
    2. Take the bus from Campbell River to Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - Passenger entrance, connects to 1:20pm HSB ferrybus bus
    12h 16m
    $304–1,504

  8. Fly Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Comox Valley Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Comox Valley Airport (YQQ)plane plane YOW - YQQ
    2. Take the bus from Courtenay to Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - Passenger entrance, connects to 1:20pm HSB ferrybus bus
    12h 52m
    $284–1,054

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo Airport (YCD) flights

Calendar32Weekly Planes
Duration9h 1mAverage Duration
Ticket$209Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ottawa to Nanaimo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 3,631.8 km
  • Duration: 9h 18m

What companies run services between Ottawa, ON, Canada and Nanaimo, BC, Canada?

Air Canada and WestJet fly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo Airport (YCD) 5 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a train from Ottawa to Nanaimo Harbour via Toronto Union Station, Vancouver, Main Street-Science World Station @ Platform 1, Burrard Station @ Platform 1, and Vancouver Harbour in around 4d 8h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Why you should take the train in the US, Getting to Rome from the airport, and Travelling around the UAE - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Booking & Getting There