Getting Around Ottawa

>> Download a map of central Ottawa showing key RO/CA locations

Canada’s National Capital Region is served by two public transit systems.

  • In Ottawa (Ontario), service is provided by OC Transpo, which operates a bus network and light-rail train service known as O-Train.
  • In Gatineau (Québec), the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) offers both conventional and rapid bus service.

Tickets, transfers, and passes from both systems are accepted on the other, provided that they are first used on the service that issued them.  For detailed information, please visit the STO and OC Transpo websites.

Certain OC Transpo and STO routes cross the interprovincial border, allowing users to travel freely between Ottawa and Gatineau.

O-Train

Ottawa’s light rail system consists of three lines:

  • Line 1 runs east-west between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair Road; downtown stations are located underground
  • Line 2 runs north-south between Bayview and Limebank; all stations are above ground
  • Line 4 is a spur line that connects the airport to South Keys station on Line 2; all stations are above ground

Carleton station is part of Line 2 and is located adjacent to the Sprott School of Business.  The official ROCA competition hotel, Homewood Suites, is across the street from the entrance to Lyon station (Line 1).  Travel between Carleton and Lyon stations takes approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on time of day.

Transfers between Lines 1 and 2 can be made at Bayview Station without exiting the fare-paid area.  Train schedules are timed to minimize waiting time for transferring passengers.

Local Bus

Travel between the hotel and the competition site can also be done by bus.

From Carleton University to Homewood Suites:

  • Board bus route 7, direction St. Laurent, in front of the Minto Case Building adjacent to the Sprott School of Business (stop 5813) and travel to the intersection of Bank St. and Slater St. (stop 7688).  Walk 8 minutes to hotel.  [25 minutes]
  • Walk 5 minutes to University Athletics complex and board bus route 10, direction Lyon (stop 6610) and travel to the intersection of Queen St. and Lyon St. (stop 3051). [25 minutes]

From Homewood Suites to Carleton University:

  • Walk 7 minutes to the intersection of Bank St. and Slater St. (stop 7687) and board bus route 7, direction Carleton. Disembark at the Minto Case Building adjacent to the Sprott School of Business (stop 5813). [25 minutes]
  • Board bus route 10, direction Hurdman, at the intersection of Queen St. and Lyon St. (stop 3051). Disembark at the Minto Case Building adjacent to the Sprott School of Business (stop 5813). [20 minutes]

Ride Sharing Services

Uber and Lyft both operate in Ottawa.  To use them, download their apps and set up an account.  Your credit card will be billed in Canadian dollars and converted at the current exchange rate.  Travel between Homewood Suites and the Sprott School of Business / Nicol Building costs approximately CAD$15 and takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taxis

Several taxi companies serve Ottawa, including Blueline, West-Way, Capital Taxi, and City Cab.  Most licensed taxis are equipped with credit/debit card machines, and all will accept cash.  Unlike ride sharing services, taxis do not employ surge pricing during busy periods.