How to get to North Bay

We are closer than you think!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making the familiar journey back to see family and friends, getting to North Bay is easier than you might think. Located in Northeastern Ontario, it can be reached by several transportation options. North Bay is a natural gateway to Northern Ontario and travellers can drive via Highway 11 or Highway 17, fly into North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB), take a coach operated by Ontario Northland, or soon travel by passenger rail on the returning Northlander connecting Toronto with Northeastern Ontario.

However, you choose to travel—by car, plane, train, or bus—the journey to North Bay is part of the experience. With scenic landscapes, peaceful lakes, and welcoming communities along the way, travelling here offers a glimpse into the beauty of Northern Ontario before you even arrive.

Driving to North Bay, Ontario

For many visitors, a road trip is the most popular way to travel to North Bay. The city sits at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 17, two major highways that connect Northern Ontario with the rest of the province.

Driving to North Bay is convenient from several major cities:

From Toronto – approximately 3.5 hours north
From Ottawa – approximately 4 hours west
From Sudbury – about 1.5 hours east

Drive or bike to North Bay. Photo credit: Northeastern Ontario

Along the way, travellers are treated to classic Northern Ontario scenery—towering rock cuts, winding rivers, dense forests, and small towns that make great stops for coffee or a meal.

And for many returning locals, the moment you catch a glimpse of Lake Nipissing means you’re almost home.

Flying to North Bay

If you’re travelling from farther away, flying into North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB) is the fastest way to reach the city.

Located just minutes from downtown, the airport offers convenient regional connections that make North Bay accessible from across Canada. Visitors arriving by air are often greeted with incredible aerial views of the region’s lakes, forests, and rugged Canadian Shield landscape.

Propair flies a five day a week route that links Rouyn-Noranda, North Bay and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – meaning reaching the Gateway to Northern Ontario for downtown Torontonians has just become even easier.

Launching in June 2026, WestJet will be flying twice weekly direct from Calgary to North Bay and return. The flights run on Monday and Friday, allowing you to enjoy a weekend or sta for the week. Making it even easier for Canadians to experience Northern Ontario.

Bearskin Airlines fly a 6 day a week route that links Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and more regional locations on Ontario and Manitoba to North Bay.

Within a short drive of the airport, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, waterfront trails, and the vibrant downtown core.

Additionally, car rentals are available at the airport, and short and long-term parking is on-site.

Visit yyb.ca for details and to plan your trip.

Bus Service to North Bay

Another easy way to travel to North Bay is by coach. Ontario Northland operates regular bus services connecting destinations across Ontario with North Bay.

Direct routes make it possible to travel to North Bay from cities including Toronto, Sudbury, and communities throughout Northern Ontario. For many travellers, taking the bus offers a relaxing way to arrive—sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let someone else do the driving.

Visit ontarionorthland.ca for details and to plan your trip.

Passenger Train Service Returning Soon

Rail travel will soon add another convenient way to reach North Bay in late 2026. The return of the Northlander passenger train will reconnect the city with rail service between Toronto and Northeastern Ontario.

Once operational, the Northlander will offer a comfortable and scenic journey through the forests and lakes of Ontario’s north. Train travel is expected to provide an additional transportation option for both visitors and residents travelling between the region and southern Ontario.

Visit ontarionorthland.ca/en/northlander-passenger-rail-updates for updates and the progress being made on reinstating this vital transportation service.

Your Gateway to Northern Ontario

Thanks to its central location and multiple transportation options, North Bay has long been known as the Gateway to Northern Ontario. Whether you’re arriving by planes, trains or automobiles, the city is easy to reach and perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding region.

And once you arrive, you’ll discover why so many people return year after year—from the stunning sunsets over Lake Nipissing to outdoor adventures, local restaurants, and welcoming Northern Ontario hospitality.

However you travel, your journey to North Bay is the beginning of something memorable.

Summary Table:

Travel Mode	Origin	Approx Time	Operator
Car	Toronto	~ 3.5hrs	–
Car	Ottawa	~ 4hrs	–
Car	Sudbury	~ 1.5hrs	–
Bus	Toronto	~ 4.5hrs	Ontario Northland
Bus	Ottawa	~ 5 to 6hrs	Ontario Northland
Flight	Toronto	~ 1hr	Propair
Flight	Calgary	~ 3.5hrs	WestJet
Flight	Sault Ste Marie	~ 1.5hrs	Bearskin Airlines
Train (coming soon)	Toronto	TBD	Ontario Northland

Getting Around the City

When in North Bay, visitors can access different vehicle rental agencies, taxi services and the Uride, ride-sharing program.

North Bay Transit can also provide a public, accessible transportation and cost effective option.

Visit My Ride North Bay for transit schedules.

frequently asked questions about getting to north bay

How far is North Bay from Toronto?
North Bay is approximately 350 km / 3.5 hours north of Toronto via Highway 11.

How far is North Bay from Ottawa?
North Bay is approximately 350km / 4-hour drive west of Ottawa via Highway 17.

Can you fly to North Bay, Ontario?
Yes. Visitors can fly into North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB), located just minutes from downtown.

Is there a train to North Bay?
Passenger rail service is expected to return with the Northlander, which will connect Toronto with communities across Northeastern Ontario.