How to Get to Prince Edward County Without the Guesswork
Posted on [Date] • By A+A
How to Get to Prince Edward County Without the Guesswork
Prince Edward County isn’t far — but it’s not right off the highway either. It sits just out of the way, surrounded by water and farmland, in a spot that makes you slow down before you even arrive. That’s part of its charm. But if it’s your first time heading in, it’s good to know your options.
This post covers how to get to the County, what kinds of transportation people use, and a few tips to make your arrival smoother.
Driving In: The Easiest Way to Get Here
Let’s start with the obvious — most people drive. Whether you’re coming from Toronto, Ottawa, or Kingston, the car is still the most flexible way to get around. There are no direct trains or airports in the County itself, so driving puts you in control.
If you're coming from Toronto, the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll take the 401 east, then exit at Belleville, Trenton, or Highway 49 depending on where in the County you're heading. For Ottawa, it's about 3.5 hours going southwest through Kingston.
Once you hit County roads, expect slower speeds, scenic stretches, and fewer gas stations. It’s not remote, but it’s definitely rural.
Tip: Fill up your tank before crossing into the County. There are gas stations in Picton and Wellington, but not many in between.
Public Transport and Rideshares: Still Limited
Public transit into the County is minimal. There’s no train service, and buses don’t run directly into the smaller towns. VIA Rail stops in Belleville, but from there you’ll need to rent a car or grab a ride to get into the County.
Uber and Lyft don’t run widely here. Even in peak season, rideshare options are limited and not reliable for back-and-forth travel between wineries, towns, or accommodations.
Local taxi services exist, but they’re often busy or slow — especially on weekends. Some private drivers and shuttle companies offer custom drop-offs, but those need to be booked ahead.
Best practice: If you’re not driving yourself, plan well in advance. And confirm your pickup times — don’t assume anything runs on a loop.
Renting a Car or Booking a Tour: Good Middle Options
If you’re taking the train or bus to Belleville or Kingston, renting a car is your best move. Most major rental companies are available in both cities. Some even let you drop off in another location, which can help if you’re heading to or from Toronto.
If you don’t want to drive once you arrive, a private wine or sightseeing tour can take care of transport for the day. These tours usually pick you up from where you're staying and handle all the planning — wineries, cideries, or scenic stops.
Common mistake: Relying on cabs or hoping to walk everywhere. Prince Edward County is spread out, and while towns are walkable, the County itself is not.
What to Know Once You’re Here
The towns — Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield — are all small and easy to explore on foot. But getting between them requires a car or bike. Distances may look short on a map, but it’s all back roads and farm lanes.
There’s no central transit system. A few seasonal shuttles run during events or long weekends, but don’t count on them for everyday travel. If you’re here for a few days, having your own vehicle — or someone who can drive — will make things way easier.
Parking is free in most areas, though it can get tight in peak months. Main streets fill up by mid-morning in summer. Early birds get the easier spots.
Best practice: Stay in one town and plan small day trips outward from there. That way, you don’t waste time zigzagging across the County.
Getting to Prince Edward County isn’t hard — but it’s not a city-style trip, either. It takes a bit of planning, a car if you can get one, and an understanding that things move slower out here. But that’s also why people come.
So figure out how you’re getting here, plan ahead for how you’ll get around, and give yourself time to ease into it. The County starts feeling different the moment you turn off the highway — and that’s when the good part begins.