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$200 Cheap Flights from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA)

View $200 flight on Tue, Aug 18, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

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Cheap Flights from Ottawa to Washington (YOW-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $200 for one-way flights and $340 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air Canada
Fri, Nov 20 - Sat, Nov 28
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$340 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Sat, Nov 28, priced at $340 found 6 days ago
Air Canada
Fri, Sep 4 - Mon, Sep 7
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$347 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Fri, Sep 4 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Mon, Sep 7, priced at $347 found 7 hours ago
Air Canada
Wed, Aug 12 - Sat, Aug 29
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$348 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$348
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $348 found 6 days ago
Air Canada
Sun, Oct 25 - Sat, Oct 31
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$348 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$348
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Sun, Oct 25 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $348 found 1 day ago
Air Canada
Fri, Nov 20 - Sat, Nov 28
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$354 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Sat, Nov 28, priced at $354 found 6 days ago
Air Canada
Fri, Sep 4 - Mon, Sep 7
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$355 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Fri, Sep 4 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Mon, Sep 7, priced at $355 found 7 hours ago
United
Wed, Aug 12 - Sat, Aug 29
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$363 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$363
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $363 found 6 days ago
American Airlines
Fri, Aug 14 - Mon, Aug 17
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$430 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$430
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 14 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Mon, Aug 17, priced at $430 found 18 hours ago
Porter Airlines
Fri, Aug 21 - Mon, Aug 24
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$486 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$486
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select Porter Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 21 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Mon, Aug 24, priced at $486 found 19 hours ago
WestJet
Wed, Sep 2 - Tue, Sep 8
YOW
Ottawa
DCA
Washington
$1,200 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,200
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select WestJet flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Ottawa to Washington, returning Tue, Sep 8, priced at $1,200 found 5 days ago

Alternative airports near Washington

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall BWI. Average driving time to city center is 40 minutes. Flights from $762
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $762
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $425
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $425

Find the cheapest month to fly from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $259 - $573 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Macdonald-Cartier Intl. to Ronald Reagan Washington National

Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA) with a range of airline options on this international short-haul route. Explore and compare choices from full-service carriers to discover the best flights to Washington that fit your budget and schedule. Whether you're planning to visit iconic landmarks or vibrant neighborhoods, you can easily book flights from Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for routes from Ottawa to Washington, featuring both non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover points include Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class options.

  • Air Canada: This comprehensive airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $140 and $365. It represents about 64% of the departures on this route, featuring a typical non-stop flight duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • United: Another full-service airline, United offers non-stop options with one-way fares that usually range from $150 to $435. It makes up roughly 36% of the flights on this route, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from Ottawa to Washington can enhance their journey by upgrading to business class, with Air Canada providing premium service on this route.

Best time to fly from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Ottawa to Washington are January, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 79.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 47.8°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $196. Flight availability peaks in January, June, and July, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February and May have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $196, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May and March typically offer average one-way fares of around $211.
  • Most flight options: January, June, and July have the highest number of flights from Ottawa to Washington, with approximately 9 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January35.1°F (1.7°C)High9$250
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Average7$238
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Average8$213
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Average8$241
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Average7$209
June74.3°F (23.5°C)High9$220
July79.5°F (26.4°C)High9$196
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Average8$242
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Low8$259
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Average8$279
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Low8$251
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Low8$251

*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.

Alternative route from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA)

  • Ottawa to Washington (YOW-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The cost of one-way economy tickets for this route generally falls between $150 and $505, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights on this route. Major airlines operating here include United and Air Canada. Additionally, there are options for business and first-class service available for passengers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington (DCA)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically available when booking at least two months in advance, though most travelers tend to book two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures between 5 AM and 12 PM usually offer lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in cheaper rates, while Sunday remains the most popular travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Ottawa with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Washington city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, National Airport Station (a metro station) is just 0.2 miles away on foot, providing quick access to the metro. For longer journeys, Alexandria Station (a train station) is about 3.8 miles from the airport by car, and Washington Seaport (a seaport) is located approximately 4.8 miles away, also reachable by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $200 and cheap return flights from $340 Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $218 and $831, and return flights often range between $362 and $1172. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $376. This is about 11% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January often has lower travel demand. Other budget-friendly months to consider are February and May.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can fly direct from YOW to DCA on Air Canada, with around 7 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Air Canada is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $284. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Air Canada offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Air Canada typically offers the lowest fares. Air Canada also offers the most daily flights from YOW to DCA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
When traveling from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington, DC (DCA), January and February are the best months to fly. You can find return flights for around $376 in January, which is ideal as it's typically less crowded. February also offers good prices, making it a great time to visit the capital without the hustle and bustle of peak season.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Macdonald-Cartier Intl. (YOW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by Air Canada. This seasonal service is available in February, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Washington, DC. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Direct flights from YOW to DCA usually take about 1 hour 50 minutes, traveling roughly 453 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 40 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Business class seats are offered on the YOW to DCA route with Air Canada.First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • WestJet

How much is a business class flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $798 - $1,218. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Washington from Macdonald-Cartier Intl. (YOW)?
When traveling from Macdonald-Cartier Intl. (YOW) to Washington, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ), Liberty Intl. (EWR) before reaching Washington. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Macdonald-Cartier Intl.
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Air Canada, American Airlines, Porter Airlines, United, WestJet
Roundtrip price
$340
Distance
452 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 35 mins

Book with confidence

Ottawa to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Ottawa to Washington

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Ottawa to Washington are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Ottawa to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Ottawa to Washington: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Ottawa to Washington

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Ottawa to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $200 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Ottawa to Washington flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Ottawa to Washington airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Ottawa to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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