The Ottawa–Montreal corridor looks simple on a map. In reality, it’s one of the most misjudged trips people make.

Here are the seven mistakes travelers repeat—and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating the Drive

“It’s only two hours.” That’s the most common mistake.

Reality includes:

• Traffic exiting cities (especially during rush hour).
• Construction zones.
• Weather slowdowns.
• Fatigue after long days.

Two hours can easily become three—or more.

2. Choosing Price Over Total Cost

People often compare the raw ticket price of a train or bus against a gas tank or a rideshare estimate.

But they forget the hidden costs:

• Getting to and from stations.
• Parking costs at the depot.
• Taxi connections for airport transfers or final destinations.
• Lost time waiting for schedules.

Remember: The cheapest upfront price rarely equals the cheapest overall cost.

3. Ignoring Weather Until It’s Too Late

Clear weather at departure means nothing halfway through the trip.

Common winter issues include:

• Black ice on open highways.
• Sudden snow bands.
• Poor visibility at night.

Planning your route after conditions worsen is already too late.

4. Driving When You’re Too Tired

This is the most dangerous mistake. It usually happens after full workdays, late evening events, or parties.

Fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making—especially on monotonous highways.

5. Leaving the Car Behind “Just for Tonight”

People often say, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”

But “tomorrow” becomes:

• Parking tickets.
• Towing fees.
• Extra return trips to retrieve the vehicle.
• Lost hours.

The cost of the night often continues well into the next day.

6. Assuming Rideshare Is Always the Best Option

Standard ride sharing apps work well inside cities, but they have significant limitations for intercity travel.

For long-distance trips:

• Driver availability drops.
• Prices spike unpredictably.
• Long rides often get declined by drivers who don’t want to drive back empty.

They are simply not designed for reliability over long distances.

7. Not Planning the Return Trip

People plan the trip there—not the trip back.

That’s how they end up:

• Stranded late at night.
• Overpaying for last-minute options.
• Making rushed, unsafe decisions.

A good trip is planned both ways.

The Smarter Way to Travel Between Cities

A proper Ottawa–Montreal trip should be door-to-door, predictable, comfortable, and safe in all conditions.

The best travel decisions are the ones you don’t have to rethink halfway through.

Final Thought

Most travel problems aren’t bad luck—they’re bad assumptions. Avoid the mistakes others repeat, and the Ottawa–Montreal trip becomes exactly what it should be: simple, calm, and uneventful.

👉 Plan your Ottawa–Montreal ride properly: www.ridemehome.ca