Train from Ottawa to New York

Travel Recommendation: Ottawa, IL to New York, NY

Air

• Companies: United Airlines, American Airlines
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (direct flight)
• Distance: 800 miles
• Costs: Around £150-£300 (depending on booking time and availability)
• Roads/Routes: Not applicable for air travel

Pro Tip: Check to see if you qualify for early boarding with memberships or credit card benefits to secure better luggage space.

Train

• Companies: Amtrak
• Duration: Approximately 18 hours (including transfers)
• Distance: 1,200 miles
• Costs: Approximately £80-£150 for a one-way ticket
• Roads/Routes: Amtrak Cardinal route to Washington, DC, then transfer to the Northeast Regional to New York

Pro Tip: Consider booking a sleeper car for a more comfortable overnight journey.

Bus

• Companies: Greyhound, Megabus
• Duration: Approximately 18-20 hours (including rest stops)
• Distance: 800 miles
• Costs: Approximately £40-£100 for a one-way ticket
• Roads/Routes: I-70 E along with I-76 E

Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance to get the best rates and choose seats toward the front for a smoother ride.

Car

• Companies: Rental car companies (Enterprise, Hertz)
• Duration: Approximately 12 hours (non-stop driving)
• Distance: 800 miles
• Costs: £70-£120 for rental plus fuel costs, estimated at £80
• Roads/Routes: I-55 N to I-70 E, then I-76 E to I-95 N into New York

Pro Tip: Plan your journey to include rest stops and meals at interesting towns along the way to add to the experience.

Comprehensive Recommendation

For the most efficient journey from Ottawa, IL to New York, NY, flying is recommended due to the significantly shorter travel time of around 3 hours 30 minutes compared to other modes of transport. Booking with either United Airlines or American Airlines can provide the quickest and most straightforward access to your destination. While travelling by train or bus can be more budget-friendly, the travel duration is substantially longer. For those preferring flexibility, driving offers a scenic route with the chance to explore along the way but requires more time and energy.