OC Transpo (tel: (613) 741 6440; website: www.octranspo.com) provides public transit services 22 hours a day in Ottawa in modern single and articulated buses, including a rapid transit system that uses Transitway dedicated bus lanes and roadways for fast service around town. In rush hour, frequent services run every one-two minutes, and the network covers 246 different bus routes. Transfer tickets can be used to travel on both the light rail O-Train (operated by OC Transpo) and buses. Numerous passes are available for discount travel. Many buses are accessible for the mobility impaired.

OC Transpo is integrated with Gatineau's public transit system across the river in Québec, allowing for efficient transportation in the whole Ottawa-Gatineau region. The intercity bus service offers hourly departures to Montreal, and several daily commutes to Toronto.

Numerous taxi companies serve the Ottawa area, including Blue Line Taxis (tel: (613) 746 8740), the largest in the city, Capitol Taxi (tel: (613) 744 3333) and DJ's Taxi (tel: (613) 829 9900). They are easy to hail downtown.

Hiring a car can be done easily from the airport or any hotel. The main car hire companies include Avis (tel: (613) 739 3334; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (613) 521 4844; website: www.budget.com), National Alamo (tel: (613) 737 7023; website: www.alamo.com) and Thrifty (tel: (613) 228 1607; website: www.thrifty.com). Drivers must be over 21 years of age and carry a valid driver's licence from any country.

Ottawa is a cyclist's dream city, with several hundred kilometers of cycle paths up and down challenging hills and past scenic bluffs, river views and gardens. Pick up a map of bike paths at any of the numerous shops hiring or selling bicycles. Many OC Transpo buses have bicycle racks on the front and only charge a cyclist the regular passenger fare. Vélocation RentABike, East Arch, Plaza Bridge 2, Rideau Street at Rideau Canal (tel: (613) 241 4140; website: www.rentabike.ca) also hires out tandem bikes.