$113 Cheap Flights to Ottawa

Flights to Ottawa at a glance

Traveling to Ottawa is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Just compare flight times, prices, and select the option that best fits your budget and schedule, all while planning to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport in Ottawa: Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• Flights per week: 600+ flights arriving at Ottawa airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Ottawa: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport in Ottawa

Ottawa, a vibrant metropolis, is ideal for city, family, and outdoor vacations. Travelers flock to this destination for its rich offerings in culture, business, and recreation. The city is conveniently served by a major airport, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

• Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW): Situated in Ontario, this airport caters to both domestic and international travel, providing connections to over 10 domestic cities and more than 65 international locations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to business class, first class, or premium economy for enhanced comfort, subject to the specific routes and airlines. Key airlines operating here include Air Canada, United, and Porter Airlines.

Top routes to Ottawa

• Newark (EWR) to Ottawa (YOW), with one-way fares starting at around $110
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Ottawa (YOW), with one-way airfare from around $90
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Ottawa (YOW), with one-way fares starting at around $130
• Orlando (MCO) to Ottawa (YOW), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Ottawa (YOW), with one-way fares starting at around $95

Cheapest routes to Ottawa

• Winnipeg (YWG) to Ottawa (YOW), with low one-way fares from around $55
• Fort Myers (RSW) to Ottawa (YOW), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Toronto (YYZ/YTZ) to Ottawa (YOW), with cheap one-way fares from around $65
• Edmonton (YEG) to Ottawa (YOW), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Ottawa (YOW), with affordable one-way prices from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Ottawa

• Air Canada: Operating flights to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Air Canada represents roughly 38% of arrivals in Ottawa. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $330, with premium services potentially including business class based on the route.
• United: United Airlines serves Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and contributes about 32% of Ottawa's arrivals. The typical one-way fare is approximately $340, and premium options may feature first class depending on the specific route.
• Porter Airlines: With flights to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Porter Airlines accounts for around 19% of arrivals to Ottawa. One-way fares average about $220, with premium cabin service possibly including premium economy depending on the route.
• WestJet: WestJet operates into Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), making up roughly 5% of arrivals to Ottawa. The average fare for one-way flights is around $220.
• Air Transat: Serving Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Air Transat is responsible for about 4% of Ottawa's arrivals. One-way tickets generally cost around $310.

Best time to fly to Ottawa

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Ottawa are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Ottawa can reach up to 69.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 55.6°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $282, roughly 7% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? June, July, and May offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $285 to $298, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Ottawa

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Ottawa is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Ottawa hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Ottawa flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Ottawa

Ottawa welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ottawa efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, several key transport links are easily accessible by car: Greenboro Station, a metro station, is located about 3.6 miles away, while Ottawa Fallowfield Station, a train station, is approximately 7 miles from the airport, and Ottawa Seaport, a seaport, is around 9.2 miles away.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ottawa, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Ottawa is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Ottawa on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Ottawa

• Gatineau: Gatineau is located in the area of Ottawa and offers a blend of city life and romantic experiences. Visitors can indulge in body treatments and spa services while exploring significant landmarks like the Canadian Museum of History, which showcases the nation’s past. The historic civic government building and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica are also must-see attractions. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby nature reserves, making Gatineau a perfect destination for both culture and leisure.
• Cumberland: Cumberland is located around the area of Ottawa and is a great choice for families and outdoor adventurers. With a variety of activities like visiting a water park or enjoying recreational areas, there's something for everyone. Key attractions such as Petrie Island Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor fun, while the Canada Aviation and Space Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history. Winter visitors can also enjoy skiing in the area, making Cumberland a versatile location throughout the seasons.
• Carp: Carp is located in the area of Ottawa and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor adventures. Travelers will find delightful experiences at the local public market and the Carp Fairgrounds, which host various events throughout the year. History buffs can explore the Diefenbunker, a fascinating historic site, while Carleton University adds a modern touch to this charming village. Carp is an excellent destination for those seeking a blend of city life and outdoor activities.

Tips for short-haul flights to Ottawa

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more affordable option. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Ottawa

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination in order to minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Ottawa

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Ottawa on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Ottawa. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Ottawa. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Ottawa, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Ottawa

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Ottawa in 2026 starts from $224, while one-way tickets start from from $113. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Ottawa. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Ottawa

Air Canada, United, American Airlines, WestJet are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Ottawa. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Ottawa and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Ottawa, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Ottawa. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Ottawa plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Ottawa

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Ottawa.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Ottawa are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Ottawa. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Ottawa for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Ottawa. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Ottawa flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Ottawa. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.