Montreal-Ottawa travel time is 13% faster by train than car, and 30% faster than air. Average fare is $48.50 CAD ($35 USD). For comparison, a flight would be $167 to $186 each way, 4X more expensive and 30% longer end to end.
Numbers are more comparable on the Toronto to Ottawa and Toronto to Montreal corridors, with train travel coming in approximately the same time end to end as a flight but 25% less expensive. This corridor is highly competitive and similar distance to SF/LA.
Rail does in fact satisfy your requirements for short trips.
Montreal-Ottawa travel time is 13% faster by train than car, and 30% faster than air. Average fare is $48.50 CAD ($35 USD). For comparison, a flight would be $167 to $186 each way, 4X more expensive and 30% longer end to end.
Numbers are more comparable on the Toronto to Ottawa and Toronto to Montreal corridors, with train travel coming in approximately the same time end to end as a flight but 25% less expensive. This corridor is highly competitive and similar distance to SF/LA.
Rail does in fact satisfy your requirements for short trips.