Rent a Car in Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa Centretown is the city's vibrant heart, located just south of Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal. With one rental company in the area, you have easy access to Canada's capital and its surroundings. Centretown stretches along Bank Street and Elgin Street with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Parliament Hill is just 1.5 km to the north, Byward Market 2 km to the northeast, and Rideau Canal – which transforms into the world's longest skating rink in winter – runs along the eastern edge. Parking in Centretown can be tricky and expensive – ask the rental company if they have a dedicated parking spot. Drive to Gatineau Park in Quebec, just 15 km to the north, for hiking and nature experiences.

Avoid Elgin Street and Bank Street during lunch rush. How close is Parliament Hill from Centretown? Parliament Hill is approximately 1.5 km to the north and is reached in 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot.

Can I drive to Montreal from Ottawa Centretown? Yes, Montreal is 200 km east of Ottawa via Highway 417 and 40 – approximately 2 hours' drive. Is it possible to rent a car to explore the Gatineau region?

Absolutely, Gatineau Park is just 15 km to the north and offers fantastic nature with hiking trails and lakes.

We compare prices from all major providers at Ottawa Centretown so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.