Getting to Ottawa:

The Macdonald-Cartier International airport (YOW) serves the National Capital Region for airline services.  The airport has flights from Air Canada, Porter, Air North, Air Transat, Canadian North, Flair, Sunwing, United, Westjet and Air France.  While there are direct flights from most Canadian cities to Ottawa, many passengers find that they have to travel through another hub and connect.

Ottawa is a part of the Windsor-Quebec Via Rail corridor.  The train station, located in the city’s east end, and is 4km away from downtown.  Via Rail offers a discount if you book your travel on a Tuesday using the code TUESDAY.  (Your actual travel on this discount does not have to be on a Tuesday) The train station is connected to the city’s public transit through the O Train and several buses.

Ottawa is also served by several intercity bus companies, offering connections to Kingston, Toronto, Montreal and other destinations.  Flix Bus, Megabus, Red Arrow, Rider Express, and Orleans Express.

Arrival points in Ottawa vary as there is no central bus station. Many of the bus firms stop at the Ottawa VIA Rail Train Station.

Transportation in Ottawa

Taxi

Ottawa has several taxi companies in operation.  A ride from the airport to downtown Ottawa should cost about $50.  Blue Line Taxi and Capital Taxi are the two main companies.  Uber is legally operated in Ottawa as well.

Public Transport

OC Transpo is the municipal transit company.  It operates a bus and the O-Train.  Fares for adults are $3.85 cash.  You can also use a Presto card or a credit card, and the fare will be $3.80. O-Payment is when you use your credit card, Apple Pay or Google pay for transport.  The card also acts as a transfer between buses.  Day passes are also available for purchase for $11.90.

The airport will be a part of the new O-Train south extension.  At the time of writing, the extension is scheduled to be opened in late 2024. The O Train connects the airport both to Carleton University and to downtown Ottawa, where most of the recommended hotels are located. Carleton, downtown and the airport are also served by regular bus routes.

If you are travelling to locations across the river in Gatineau, the area is served by the STO.  Some OC Transpo routes have stops in the Gatineau downtown, and you can transfer between services without paying a separate fare. Fares are $3.80 for adults.  Day passes are $8.25.