How does the Ottawa LRT work?
Ottawa's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system consists of two lines operated by OC Transpo as part of the Confederation Line (Line 1, east–west) and the Trillium Line (Line 2, north–south). The system connects major residential areas, employment hubs, and transit transfer points, with downtown Ottawa served by an underground tunnel through the core.
The Confederation Line (Line 1)
Line 1 is the backbone of Ottawa's LRT. It runs east–west from Tunney's Pasture in the west to Blair Station in the east, passing through the downtown core underground. Key stations include:
- Tunney's Pasture — federal government campus
- Westboro — popular urban neighbourhood, walkable retail
- Dominion and Holland — Mechanicsville/Hintonburg area
- Bayview — connection point for the Trillium Line
- Pimisi — LeBreton Flats, close to Canadian War Museum
- Lyon, Parliament, Rideau, uOttawa — downtown underground tunnel
- Lees — University of Ottawa, east end
- Blair — eastern terminus, bus connections to Orleans
Stage 2 of Line 1 extended the line further east (to Trim) and west (to Moodie), adding several new stations.
The Trillium Line (Line 2)
Line 2 runs north–south from Bayview (transferring from Line 1) down through Carleton University to Riverside South. Key stops include:
- Bayview — transfer to Confederation Line
- Carleton — Carleton University campus
- Mooney's Bay — waterfront park
- Limebank / Riverside South — southern suburbs
Using the System
OC Transpo's Presto card works across LRT and bus — tap on at the platform. Single fares are available but a monthly Presto pass saves money for regular riders. Trains run frequently during peak hours (every 3–5 minutes) and less frequently off-peak and late nights. Check the OC Transpo app for real-time arrivals.
For more on getting around Ottawa, see the Ottawa things to do guide and explore event listings with easy transit routes at Ottawa events this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Ottawa LRT cost to ride? A single LRT/bus fare is around $3.75 (2025). Monthly Presto passes vary based on zone and age — adults pay around $118/month for unlimited travel. Reduced rates apply for seniors, students, and youth.
Is the Ottawa LRT reliable? After years of technical issues after the 2019 launch, reliability improved significantly following major remediation work. Some disruptions still occur — check OC Transpo alerts before travelling.
Does the LRT run all night in Ottawa? No — LRT runs from roughly 5am to 1am on weekdays and slightly reduced hours on weekends. OC Transpo runs night bus service after LRT hours.
What is Stage 3 of the Ottawa LRT? Stage 3 LRT plans involve further extensions to Barrhaven, Kanata, and other areas. These are in planning/approval stages as of 2026. Check the City of Ottawa's transit planning page for updates.
