Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is the main international airport serving Ottawa.
- Distance to downtown
- 10.1 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 8 min
- Terminals
- 1
Flights to Ottawa, Ontario
Discover Ottawa, the capital of Canada: A Gateway of Heritage and Local Culture
OntarioEastern Daylight TimeYOW
- Best round-trip fare
- $177.00
- Nonstop from
- 43
- Best time to visit
- Jun, Aug, Sep
- Updated
- 2026-10-28
Ottawa travel overview
Ottawa is the capital of Canada (country/territory code: CA), has an official capital/administrative population of 1,017,449 (2021, scope: Official capital area), operating in the America/Toronto time zone. As the primary civic, administrative, and cultural gateway of Canada, Ottawa brings together national museums, historic monuments, civic architecture, and vibrant local markets. Visitors can explore heritage neighborhoods, sample authentic regional cuisine, and connect conveniently to wider regional attractions.
- State
- Ontario
- Population
- 1,017,449 (2021)
- Time zone
- Eastern Daylight Time
- Average stay
- 2–3 days
- Nearest airport
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
- Straight-line distance
- 10.1 km
Popular flights to Ottawa
Find the most popular routes to Ottawa, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) | 67 min | Air Canada|WestJet|Porter Airlines | 91 | $215.00 | View route |
| Toronto (YTZ) | 57 min | Porter Airlines|Air Canada | 80 | $305.00 | View route |
| Halifax (YHZ) | 125 min | Air Canada|Porter Airlines | 47 | $298.00 | View route |
| Montréal (YUL) | 52 min | Air Canada|Air Transat|Jet Aviation | 42 | $500.00 | View route |
| Calgary (YYC) | 239 min | Air Canada|WestJet|Porter Airlines | 24 | $298.00 | View route |
Airports serving Ottawa
Candidate airport code(s) associated with Ottawa include YOW; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Ottawa.
Best time to visit Ottawa
No data
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
JuneAugust – September
No data
Seasons
WinterNo data
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SpringNo data
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SummerNo data
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AutumnNo data
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Top things to do in Ottawa
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Ottawa itinerary.
Ottawa Central Historic Quarter and Civic Plaza
Explore the central civic plaza, local heritage buildings, and community museums of Ottawa in Canada (CA-ON).
Parliament Hill & Federal Precinct
Explore the signature civic landmarks and historic core of Ottawa, experiencing the urban layout and heritage of Canada's capital.
National Gallery of Canada & History Museum
Discover archaeological artifacts, folk art, and historical exhibits chronicling Ottawa and Canada on a half-day cultural visit.
ByWard Market Culinary & Local Produce
Sample authentic Canada dishes, fresh local produce, and street-food specialties across Ottawa's lively markets and dining streets.
Ottawa city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOW Airport to Central Ottawa Ground Transfer | Travelers arriving or departing Ottawa via YOW | 15–50 min | CAD 3–40 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between YOW and central Ottawa; from CAD 3.0 per person by public transit up to CAD 40.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way YOW to central Ottawa: public bus per person vs taxi per car in CAD. |
| Airport to Ottawa Center Ground Transfer (YOW) | Arriving/departing passengers and travelers with luggage | 20–60 min | CAD 5.44–38.08 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated one-way fare in CAD; lower bound reflects public bus/rail and upper bound reflects official airport taxi/express. |
| Ottawa Urban Public Transit Network | Budget travelers and daily sightseeing commuters | 10–45 min | CAD 1.36–5.44 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated single-ride urban transit fare in CAD; varies by zone distance or transit card discount. |
| Ottawa Official Taxis & Ride-Hailing | Families, small groups, and evening travelers | 10–35 min | CAD 6.8–24.48 · per vehicle; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated 5–10 km urban ride fare in CAD; peak traffic or late-night surcharges may apply. |
Where to stay in Ottawa
When staying in Ottawa, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and YOW airport connections.
Central Ottawa and Transport Hub Area
Centered around Ottawa's main commercial streets and transport links, offering convenient access to dining, services, and transfers to YOW.
Downtown & ByWard Market
Located in the primary sightseeing and civic core of Ottawa, offering easy access to national museums, historic plazas, and local dining.
Ottawa trip planning
Spend your first day exploring central Ottawa, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.
- Daily budget
- CAD 130–290 · estimated per person/day in CAD; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about CAD 130–290 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Ottawa (in local currency CAD, excluding flights).
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In Canada, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary at sit-down restaurants and for taxis; check whether a service charge is already included.
- Power outlets
- Canada uses 120 V, 60 Hz power with standard Type A and Type B outlets.
- Accessibility
- Main terminal facilities at YOW and modern buildings in Ottawa generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
Explore more destinations
Continue planning with cities near Ottawa.
Popular routes from Ottawa
Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to YOW airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions about Ottawa
Which airport codes and payment preparations should I note when visiting Ottawa, Canada?
Ottawa is associated with candidate airport code(s) YOW; local transactions use CAD, so carry both a major payment card and some CAD cash for local transit and markets.
What is Ottawa's role in Canada, and what special selection notes apply?
Ottawa serves as the capital of Canada. Selected under the capital-first rule. Primary air access is via YOW in the America/Toronto time zone.
What is the typical daily budget in Ottawa, and what currency and power outlets are used?
Local transactions in Ottawa use CAD, with an estimated daily budget of 129.2–299.2 CAD per person (budget to mid-range). Power standard: Type A and B outlets, 120V/60Hz.