The Cost of Driving From Syracuse, New York to Ottawa, Ontario

Are you looking for a perfect road trip destination? Look no further than the vibrant city of Ottawa, Ontario! If you're planning a road trip from the charming city of Syracuse, New York to the exciting capital of Canada, there are a few routes you can take. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes, their distances, travel times, and of course, the cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Scenic Route

If scenic views and tranquility are what you seek, this route is perfect for you! Start your journey from Syracuse, New York, and head north on I-81. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you drive through the heart of upstate New York, passing through beautiful towns such as Alexandria Bay and Brockville. Once you reach the Canadian border, continue on Highway 2 until you reach Ottawa.

Distance: Approximately 213 miles
Travel Time: Around 4 hours 30 minutes
Gas Price: $2.50 per gallon
Tolls: None

The cost of this route will depend on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. For the average car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $21.30 on gas for this scenic journey.

Route 2: The Convenient Route

If time is of the essence and you prefer a more direct route, this option is for you. Start your trip from Syracuse and head north on I-81, just like the scenic route. However, instead of continuing on Highway 2, switch to Highway 16 at Cardinal and cross the bridge over the St. Lawrence River into Ogdensburg, New York. From there, follow Routes 16 and 68 and cross the Thousand Islands Bridge into Canada. Continue on Highway 416, merge onto Highway 417, and you're on your way to Ottawa!

Distance: Approximately 221 miles
Travel Time: Around 4 hours 45 minutes
Gas Price: $2.50 per gallon
Tolls: $9.75 (Thousand Islands Bridge)

For this route, you can expect to spend around $22.20 on gas, assuming the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Don't forget to budget for the toll at the Thousand Islands Bridge, which costs $9.75.

Route 3: The Expedited Route

If you're in a hurry and keen on reaching Ottawa as quickly as possible, this route is for you. Take I-690 W from Syracuse, and then merge onto the New York State Thruway (I-90 W). Continue on I-90 W until you reach the Buffalo area, where you'll cross the Peace Bridge into Canada. Once in Canada, follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) towards Toronto, and then take Highway 416 and merge onto Highway 401 towards Ottawa.

Distance: Approximately 285 miles
Travel Time: Around 5 hours 15 minutes
Gas Price: $2.50 per gallon
Tolls: $3.75 (Peace Bridge)

For this expedited route, you can expect to spend roughly $28.50 on gas, given the same fuel efficiency. Additionally, budget for the toll at the Peace Bridge, which costs $3.75.

There you have it! Three different routes to consider when driving from Syracuse, New York to Ottawa, Ontario. Each route offers its own unique experience, and the choice is yours. Whether you prefer a scenic journey or a quick and convenient drive, make sure you account for the distance, cost, and travel time when planning your road trip. Safe travels and enjoy your visit to Ottawa!