Montreal to Ottawa Moving Cost: What to Budget
Montreal to Ottawa Cost Breakdown
At just under 200 km via Highway 417, Montreal to Ottawa is a manageable long-distance move that most companies can complete in a single day. In 2026, expect to pay $1,200–$1,800 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $1,800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom, $2,200–$3,200 for a 3-bedroom, and $2,800–$3,800 for a 4+ bedroom home.
These prices include loading at your Montreal address, transport on the 417, and unloading in Ottawa. Most moves on this route take 6–10 hours total, including driving time of roughly 2 hours each way for the crew.
Moving Options: Full-Service, Hybrid, and DIY
Full-service movers are the most popular choice for the Montreal-Ottawa route — the distance is too far for most people to comfortably do multiple trips, but short enough that a one-day move is feasible. A mid-size 4½ typically costs $2,000–$2,800 with a reputable company.
DIY truck rental is significantly cheaper: a one-way 16-foot truck from Montreal to Ottawa runs $250–$450 plus fuel ($40–$60) and insurance. Total DIY cost: $350–$600. The tradeoff is your time, your labor, and the stress of driving a large truck on the 417 — especially in winter.
Ottawa-Specific Cost Considerations
Ottawa has its own quirks. Many downtown condos in the ByWard Market and Centretown have strict moving rules similar to Montreal — elevator booking fees of $100–$300 and time-restricted moving windows. If you're moving to a government-heavy neighborhood like the Glebe or Sandy Hill, parking for moving trucks can be challenging.
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One bilingual bonus: if you're moving from Montreal to Ottawa-Gatineau, you stay within Quebec for the Gatineau side, which can simplify insurance and regulatory matters. Gatineau moves are also slightly cheaper than downtown Ottawa since there's less condo red tape.
How to Save on Your Montreal-Ottawa Move
Book in the off-season (September–April) and mid-week for savings of $200–$500. Since this is a common route, many movers run regular Montreal-Ottawa trips and may offer better rates if your schedule aligns with their existing bookings.
Ask about backhaul pricing — if a mover has a truck returning empty from Ottawa to Montreal, they may offer a discounted rate for a Montreal-to-Ottawa load. This can save 15–25% off regular pricing.
