How to Get From Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa 2023 Guide

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Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to downtown Ottawa is a simple and quick trip.

There are plenty of transportation options available to meet your budget, time constraints, and mobility needs.

The Ottawa airport bus, for example, will get you from the Ottawa airport to city center for less than $4.

And if you’d like to make the trip as fast as possible, an Ottawa airport taxi can get you there in 20 minutes.

This guide covers every transportation option available for traveling from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa, so you’ll be prepared to get to your destination in Ottawa as soon as you step off your flight!

And, you can use these same transportation options for traveling from downtown Ottawa to the airport, too.

👉 I recommend booking private transportation here!

How far is Ottawa Airport from Downtown Ottawa?

The Ottawa airport is quite close to downtown Ottawa. In fact, the trip can be made in as little as 15 minutes by car.

Travel time from the Ottawa Airport to downtown Ottawa will vary just based on what type of transportation you take, and what route the vehicle travels from the airport to the city center.

What is the distance from Ottawa airport to Downtown Ottawa?

The distance from Ottawa International Airport to downtown Ottawa is 14 kilometers, or 8.6 miles.

Bus From Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa’s bus system, called OC Transpo, operates two airport buses, the 97, and the 6.

97 Bus to Downtown Ottawa [Cheapest]

The main Ottawa airport bus is the 97, which runs from the Ottawa airport to the city center every 15-30 minutes.

The route is available 24/7. During the daytime, bus 97 runs every 15 minutes, and at night, every 30 minutes.

This bus route serves the airport using low-floor, fully accessible buses that can accommodate mobility devices.

Travel time from Ottawa international airport to downtown Ottawa is about 40 minutes.

Bus 97 transits through the Ottawa neighborhoods South Keys, Alta Vista, Faircrest, Hurdman’s Bridge, and Sandy Hill, making it a convenient route if you’re staying in one of those neighborhoods.

The route ends right downtown, outside the Rideau Centre. From there, it’s a short walk to the Byward Market, Rideau Canal, and other central locations.

You can also transfer to another local OC Transpo bus to reach your final destination in the city.

You can see the 97 bus schedule and fares, right here!

6 Bus to Downtown Ottawa

OC Transpo bus route 6 also makes the trip from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa. This bus runs every 30 minutes, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the city center.

Bus 6 transits through the Ottawa neighborhoods South Keys, Alta Vista, Old Ottawa South, The Glebe, and Centretown, making it a convenient route if you’re staying in one of those neighborhoods.

The 6 bus route ends right downtown, near Parliament Hill and Confederation Park. From there, it’s a short walk to the Byward Market, Rideau Canal, and other central locations.

Where to find the airport buses?

The stop for OC Transpo buses is on the Arrivals level of the airport, Level 1. Go to pillars 13-16 to catch bus 97 or 6.

How much is the bus from Ottawa airport to Downtown?

The adult fare for OC Transpo airport buses is $3.75 CAD.

To purchase a ticket, you’ll head to a fare machine that’s located near the airport exit.

Alternatively, pay cash when you board the bus, or pay using your preloaded Presto Card.

Train from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa

It’s also possible to take bus 97 to Hurdman Station, where you can transfer to Ottawa’s commuter train line, the O-Train.

You’ll get off the 97 at Hurdman Station, and board Line 1 of the O-Train. The train takes you downtown to the Rideau Center, with a stop at Lees Station and the University of Ottawa.

The train continues past the Rideau Center through Ottawa’s neighborhood Centretown, stopping at Parliament, and onward to Tunney’s Pasture.

Travel time from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa on this transit route is about 40 minutes.

Ottawa Airport Shuttle

There are about 15 Ottawa hotels that offer a convenient shuttle service to and from Ottawa YOW.

Shuttle transfers depart from Level 1 (Arrivals) of the Ottawa airport, but the drivers will usually meet you in the Arrivals hall to assist with your luggage.

How much are Ottawa airport shuttle prices?

Ottawa airport shuttles organized through a hotel are typically free.

Hotels in Ottawa with Airport Shuttles

Uber from Ottawa Airport to City Centre

The quickest travel time from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to downtown Ottawa is by Uber, which takes 15 to 20 minutes.

One benefit of Uber is that you can schedule your ride using the Uber app, so it’s there as you exit the airport.

Where do I get Uber from?

There is a designated rideshare pickup area at the Ottawa airport.

Travelers using Uber will head to Pillars 12 and 13 on the Arrivals level to be picked up by their driver.

Ottawa Airport Taxi

Ottawa has several cab operators, including West-Way Taxi, Capital Taxi, and Blue Line Taxi.

Cabs are always waiting at the airport, and so the wait to hop in one won’t be long. An Ottawa airport taxi to downtown Ottawa will take 15 to 20 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Ottawa airport to downtown?

The average taxi from the airport to downtown Ottawa will cost between $35 to $50 CAD, depending on where your drop-off point is in the city.

Where do I get the taxi from?

The taxi stand at Ottawa airport is on Level 1 (Arrivals). The queue for a taxi starts just outside the center door.

Rental Car from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa

If you prefer to self-drive, picking up a rental car is convenient at the Ottawa airport.

There are several rental car agencies that provide cars at the Ottawa Airport, with prices starting at 30$ per day.

For the cheapest rental car option, go to DiscoverCars. They aggregate all your car rental options, finding you the best deals.

Having a car for your visit to Ottawa isn’t just convenient for getting to and from the Ottawa airport. It will make it more convenient to travel to Ottawa’s various tourist sites.

Private Transportation from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa [Most Convenient]

It is also possible to book a private shuttle service to collect you at the airport, and bring you to your final destination in Ottawa.

Your private shuttle will meet you in the Arrivals hall at YOW to assist with luggage.

This is a convenient option, especially since private shuttles operate 24 hours a day.

But, it can be a bit pricey, making it a better option for groups of travelers versus solo travelers.

The trip from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa will take about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your final destination within the city.

✅ You can book your private transportation in advance here.

Prices vary by group size, but start at $55 CAD.

Pro Tip: Booking a private transportation like this one allows you up to 1 hour of stops along the way for grocery shopping, etc. I love this as a celiac person who needs to stock up on local gluten free snacks when I arrive anywhere!

FAQs:

What is the cheapest way to get from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa?

The cheapest way to get from Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa is by bus. You’ll take OC Transpo route 97, or route 6, which costs $3.75 per adult and takes about 40 minutes to travel from YOW to the city center.

What is the fastest way to get from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa?

The fastest way to get from Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa is by car.

It’s convenient to hire an Uber, taxi, or private shuttle for the trip, which takes between 15 and 25 minutes.

Your driver will pick you up on level 1 of the airport, just outside the Arrivals hall.

Is there a direct bus between Ottawa Airport (YOW) and Downtown Ottawa?

OC Transpo runs a direct bus between Ottawa airport and downtown Ottawa.

Route 97 is the main Ottawa airport bus.

The bus runs 24 hours a day, every 15 to 30 minutes, connecting travelers arriving at the airport with the city center.

How far is it from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa?

The distance between Ottawa airport and downtown Ottawa is about 14 kilometers, or 8.6 miles.

This distance between the airport and city is about a 15 minute drive, or 30 to 40 minutes using Ottawa’s public bus system, OC Transpo.

How do I travel from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa without a car?

Without a car, you can travel from Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa by taking public transport.

OC Transpo route 97 and route 6 take about 40 minutes to travel from YOW to the city center.

The trip costs $3.75 CAD per adult.

How long does it take to get from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa?

Travel time between Ottawa airport and downtown Ottawa ranges from 15 minutes by car, to 40 minutes by public transport.

Ubers, taxis and private transfers are the quickest way to get from YOW to the city center (15 – 25 minutes), and taking OC Transpo is the cheapest option ($3.75).

Where do I catch the Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa bus from?

You can catch the Ottawa airport (YOW) to downtown Ottawa bus on the Arrivals level of the airport, Level 1.

Go to pillars 13 – 16 to catch the OC Transpo bus number 97 or number 6.

A ticket for the bus ($3.75) can be bought in the Arrivals hall before you exit, or you can pay in cash as you board the bus.

Where does the Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa bus arrive?

The Ottawa airport bus arrives at Rideau station, an underground station that serves some of Ottawa’s most popular destinations.

From Rideau station you are a short walk away from the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market and more!

The entrance and exit to Rideau station is next to the William Street Plaza, in the northwest corner of the Rideau Centre.

Can I drive from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa?

Yes, the drive from Ottawa airport (YOW) to downtown Ottawa takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

You’ll take the Airport Parkway (route 79 N), turn right onto Chamberlain Ave. (Ottawa 62), take the ramp on the left onto Trans-Canada Hwy (ON-417 E), and then take exit 118 for Nicholas St towards Gatineau, following it until you reach the city center.

Best Hotels Near Ottawa Airport

I HATE having to get to the airport crazy early or when I land in the middle of the night and having to navigate to the downtown.

That’s why I’m intimately acquainted with the best Ottawa airport hotels even though I live in Ottawa.

I want to share my 4 favourites with you (& they all offer free shuttles!):

Verdict: What’s the best way to get from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa?

The best way to get from Ottawa Airport to downtown Ottawa will depend on your budget and how much time you have.

Ottawa airport taxi, Uber, or Ottawa airport shuttle is the fastest way from Ottawa airport to city, and it is more economical than a pre-booked private transfer.

If you’d like to keep the trip as economical as possible, then the OC Transpo bus is the best way to make the trip.

Are you planning a trip to Ottawa? Learn Where to Stay in Ottawa: A Guide to the Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

👉 I recommend booking private transportation here!

More things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.