Ottawa to London: Distance and Route
Ottawa to London Ontario is approximately 700 km via Highway 401 westbound, the most direct route. Driving time is 7-8 hours in good conditions, with potential 1-2 hour delays through GTA traffic.
Most Ottawa-to-London moves are completed in a single day with early morning loading (6-7 AM Ottawa) for late afternoon delivery (4-6 PM London). For larger homes or moves with significant unloading time required, two-day moves with overnight in Toronto area may be preferred.
Winter conditions on Highway 401 can extend transit time. Best moving conditions are May through October. Winter moves require weather-flexibility in scheduling and may face delays from snowstorms or icy conditions.
Typical Move Costs (2026)
Ottawa to London pricing for 2026:
- Studio / 1-bedroom: $2,200-$3,400
- 2-bedroom apartment: $3,000-$4,500
- 3-bedroom home: $4,200-$6,500
- 4-bedroom home: $5,800-$8,500
- 5+ bedroom luxury: $8,000-$12,500+
Pricing includes door-to-door service, basic materials, standard insurance, and same-day completion for typical home sizes.
Why London Attracts Ottawa Residents
London (population 425,000+) offers Ottawa residents an attractive combination of mid-size city amenities, lower housing costs, and excellent post-secondary infrastructure. Western University and Fanshawe College provide significant employment, cultural, and lifestyle benefits.
London is well-positioned geographically for southwestern Ontario access. It's 2 hours from Toronto, 2 hours from Detroit, and 1.5 hours from Niagara. The city has strong healthcare sector (London Health Sciences Centre is a major employer), insurance industry presence, and growing tech sector.
Ottawa residents moving to London typically cite lower cost of living, family-friendly community character, and excellent schools as primary attractions. The city offers established neighbourhoods, mature tree canopy (hence "Forest City"), and walkable downtown.
Cost of Living Comparison
Cost differences (2026):
- Housing (1-bedroom apartment): Ottawa $1,800-$2,400/month, London $1,400-$1,800/month
- Median home purchase: Ottawa $700,000+, London $625,000-$700,000
- Property taxes: Both Ontario; London rates similar to Ottawa
- Transit (monthly): Ottawa OC Transpo $135, London Transit $99
- Restaurants: London 15-20% lower than Ottawa
London offers approximately 15-20% lower overall cost of living than Ottawa. Particularly attractive for families looking to buy first homes or upgrade to larger homes than Ottawa pricing allows.
London Neighbourhoods to Consider
Popular London neighbourhoods for Ottawa transplants:
- Old North: Heritage homes, walking distance to Western University, established families.
- Wortley Village: Walkable village character, restaurants, character homes.
- Old South: Historic neighbourhood, century homes, family-oriented.
- Byron: Established suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools.
- Lambeth: Newer suburban, growing area, family homes with garages.
- Hyde Park: West London growth area, newer construction, family neighbourhoods.
- Downtown core: Loft conversions, condos, walking lifestyle, restaurant access.
Same-Day Move Logistics
Single-day Ottawa to London moves require precise timing:
- Day before: All packing complete; furniture disassembled if possible
- 6:30 AM: Crew arrives Ottawa for loading
- 10:30 AM-noon: Loading complete, transit begins
- Noon-6 PM: Highway 401 transit (lunch en route)
- 6 PM-10 PM: London unloading and basic setup
For 4+ bedroom homes, consider two-day moves with overnight pause at Toronto-area hotel for crews. This reduces time pressure and allows more careful unloading at destination.
Choosing Your Ottawa-to-London Mover
Key qualifications for Ottawa-to-London moves:
- Documented southwestern Ontario route experience
- GTA traffic management for Highway 401 corridor
- Single-day completion capability
- London destination knowledge (university area access, downtown deliveries)
- Direct transport (not van line consolidation that delays delivery)
- Highway 407 routing option for traffic avoidance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ottawa to London Ontario move take?
Typical transit time is 1-2 days depending on home size. Add 1-2 days for loading and 1-2 days for unloading at destination, depending on home size.
What does a Ottawa to London Ontario move cost?
See pricing section above. Most Ottawa to London Ontario moves fall within the typical range, but final cost depends on home size, season, and specific service tier.
How far in advance should I book?
For 700 km moves, book 6-12 weeks in advance for best availability and pricing, especially during summer peak season.
Will my belongings be safe during transit?
Reputable Ottawa movers maintain GPS tracking, climate-controlled trucks, and full insurance coverage. Confirm specifics with each mover before booking.