Travel Time from Prince Edward Island to Ottawa: Driving vs. Flying

PEI to Ottawa: Distance, Driving Time, and Flight Options

The journey from Prince Edward Island to Canada's capital spans the Maritimes and central Canada, with two very different travel experiences.

Driving: The Long Haul

• Route: Charlottetown → Confederation Bridge (12.9 km) → NB Route 16 → Trans-Canada Hwy (NB/2) → QC Autoroute 20 → ON Hwy 417 → Ottawa
• Distance: ~880 km (547 mi) from Charlottetown
• Driving time: 9–10 hours (pure driving; no stops)
• Realistic trip: 11–12 hours with fuel, food, stretch breaks
• Bridge toll: $50.25 (2-axle vehicle, leaving PEI; 2024 rate)
• Ferry alternative: Northumberland Ferries (Wood Islands–Caribou, NS) + drive: 12+ hours, $80+

Flying: The Sensible Alternative

• Airports: Charlottetown (YYG) → Ottawa (YOW)
• Flight time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (direct); 3–5 hours with connections
• Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet (seasonal direct); Porter (via Halifax/Toronto)
• Total door-to-door: 4–6 hours (airport transit, security, boarding, baggage)
• Typical fare: $250–$600 round-trip (varies wildly by season/booking window)

Decision Factors

Recommendation

Fly if: solo/couple, time-pressed, no car needed in Ottawa, booking ahead.

Drive if: family/group, need vehicle in Ottawa, moving stuff, want Maritime road trip experience, flexible schedule.

Many Islanders do both: fly for work/urgent trips, drive for holidays/moves/summer returns.