Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
Also known as: Ottawa Airport, YOW Airport, Ottawa International Airport.
Private transfer from YOWSee pricesSee pricesAbout Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the airport for Ottawa, Canada's capital, and the neighbouring city of Gatineau in Quebec. It sits about 14 km south of downtown Ottawa, at 1000 Airport Parkway.
Air Canada is the largest airline, with WestJet and Porter Airlines also flying across Canada. United flies to the United States, Air France flies to Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Canadian North and PAL Airlines add seasonal and regional routes, for about ten airlines in all.
The airport has one terminal on three levels: arrivals and baggage claim on Level 1, gates on Level 2, and check-in, security, US preclearance and the O-Train station on Level 3. Passengers flying to the United States clear US immigration and customs in Ottawa before boarding.
From the airport, most travelers head into downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, the government offices in Gatineau, Kanata's technology park, or the Gatineau Hills.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Ottawa International Airport Authority
- Main airline
Air Canada
- Airlines
About ten airlines
- Rail link
O-Train Line 4, opened January 2025
Arrival tips for Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
If you arrive from outside Canada, you clear Canadian border services first, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. Visitors from visa-exempt countries need an approved eTA before flying to Canada.
All flights arrive at the single terminal. Collect your bags on Level 1, where the arrivals hall, car rental counters and ground transportation exits are.
Taxis and rideshare pick up outside the arrivals level, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall. The O-Train Line 4 station is on Level 3; trains run to South Keys, where you change for the rest of the network. OC Transpo's Route 97 bus also serves the airport. Signs are in English and French. Ottawa is on Eastern Time, and winters are very cold and snowy.
Ground transportation
A taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car is the most direct way into the city; the O-Train and bus are the budget options.
Compare providers for your exact address
Enter your hotel to see the price and every provider serving it.
Book a transfer from YOWO-Train Line 4
The airport station on Level 3 links to South Keys in about 8 minutes. Reaching downtown takes nearly an hour with two changes, so it suits light travelers.
Taxi from Ottawa airport
Taxis wait outside the arrivals level. Door to door to downtown, the ByWard Market and Gatineau.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted zone outside arrivals. Fares rise at busy times.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, winter luggage and trips to Gatineau or Kanata.
OC Transpo Route 97
The 97 bus serves the airport but doesn't run overnight. Cheapest, but slow with luggage.
Terminals
Main Terminal
All flights. Arrivals and baggage claim on Level 1, gates on Level 2, and check-in, security, US preclearance and the O-Train station on Level 3.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Air France, Air Transat, Porter Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ottawa Airport from downtown Ottawa?
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is about 14 km south of downtown Ottawa. A taxi or car takes you straight to downtown, Parliament Hill or the ByWard Market; traffic is heaviest at weekday rush hours.
Is there a train from Ottawa Airport?
Yes. O-Train Line 4, opened in January 2025, has a station inside the terminal on Level 3. It reaches South Keys in about 8 minutes, where you change to reach the rest of the city; downtown takes nearly an hour with two changes.
Does Ottawa Airport have US preclearance?
Yes. Passengers flying to the United States clear US immigration and customs in Ottawa before boarding, so they arrive in the US as domestic passengers. Preclearance has set daily hours, so allow extra time.
Which airlines fly from Ottawa Airport?
Air Canada is the largest airline at YOW, with WestJet and Porter Airlines also flying across Canada. United flies to the US, Air France to Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Canadian North and PAL Airlines add seasonal and regional routes.
How many terminals does Ottawa Airport have?
One. All flights use the same terminal, with arrivals on Level 1, gates on Level 2, and check-in, security, US preclearance and the O-Train station on Level 3.
Can I get from Ottawa Airport to Gatineau?
Yes. Gatineau is across the Ottawa River in Quebec. Taxis, rideshare and pre-booked cars take you there directly from the airport.
What is the full name of Ottawa Airport?
Its full name is Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, code YOW. Most travelers simply call it Ottawa Airport or Ottawa International Airport. It serves Canada's capital and the neighbouring city of Gatineau in Quebec.
Is there a bus from Ottawa Airport?
Yes. OC Transpo's Route 97 bus serves the airport and connects with the city's transit network. It is the cheapest option, but slow with luggage, and it doesn't run overnight, so late arrivals usually take a taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car.
What happens when I arrive at Ottawa Airport from abroad?
International passengers clear Canadian border services first, using the primary inspection kiosks or Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app, then a border officer. Bags are collected on Level 1, where the arrivals hall, car rental counters and ground transportation exits are.
Are signs at Ottawa Airport in English and French?
Yes. Ottawa is officially bilingual, and all signs at the airport are in English and French. Staff serve passengers in both languages, so you can get by in either one from arrival to the taxi stand.
What time zone and weather should I expect at Ottawa Airport?
Ottawa is on Eastern Time and changes its clocks for daylight saving. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Ottawa winters are very cold and snowy, so dress for the cold before you step outside.