✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW/CYOW) is the primary airport serving Canada's capital, located about 10 km south of downtown Ottawa, Ontario. Named after Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Etienne Cartier, it opened in 1928 and today offers domestic, transborder, and limited international service. It is the capital region's main gateway and features U.S. border preclearance for flights to the United States.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors use the free cell phone waiting lot instead of circling the terminal-park there until your arriving party calls, then pick them up at the arrivals curb.
🚖 Getting There
OC Transpo Route 97 bus connects the terminal with downtown Ottawa and several O-Train stations, offering a low-cost public transit option. Taxis and rideshares are readily available; a taxi to downtown typically costs roughly CAD 35-50 and takes 20-30 minutes. By car, the airport is reached via Airport Parkway and Highway 417, with rental cars and parking on site.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Ottawa Airport from downtown?
A: It is about 10 km (6 miles) south of downtown Ottawa; driving usually takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Q: Which airlines serve YOW?
A: Major Canadian carriers include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Flair, with U.S. connections typically offered by American, Delta, and United affiliates.
Q: Does YOW have U.S. customs preclearance?
A: Yes, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier has U.S. border preclearance, so passengers flying to the U.S. clear customs and immigration before boarding.
Q: How early should I arrive at YOW?
A: Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours before U.S. or international flights, especially during morning and evening peaks.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash