$128 Cheap Flights from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW)
Popular airlines from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
WestJetWestJet
Porter AirlinesPorter Airlines
Air TransatAir Transat
Air CanadaAir Canada
Cheap Flights from Calgary to Ottawa (YYC-YOW)
Alternative airports near Ottawa
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW)
January is typically the cheapest month to flyJanuary is typically the cheapest month to fly
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Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW) at a glance
Travel between Calgary (YYC) and Ottawa (YOW) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore various options, from full-service to budget-friendly carriers, ensuring you find the best flight from Calgary that suits your travel plans and budget. As you prepare for your journey, consider the key details for Calgary to Ottawa flights, and get ready to discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Canada’s capital city.
- Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$565, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
According to recent traveler bookings, these are the top airlines frequently selected for flights from Calgary to Ottawa, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with an approximate 1h 15m layover, and Edmonton International Airport (YEG), also around 1h 15m. This variety allows you to mix and match factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary for your needs.
- WestJet: This budget airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $100 and $570. It makes up about 35% of flights on this route, with a non-stop travel time of approximately 4 hours.
- Porter Airlines: A full-service option that offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way prices typically ranging from $105 to $515. It constitutes around 30% of departures along this route, with a usual non-stop flight duration of 4 hours.
- Air Canada: Another full-service airline, it provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $105 and $695. This carrier accounts for roughly 27% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight time of 4 hours.
- Air Transat: This full-service airline offers non-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $135 to $540. It represents about 8% of departures on this route, with a total journey time of around 4 hours.
Best time to fly from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Calgary to Ottawa are May, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Ottawa reach up to 69.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 60.4°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $159. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $159, roughly 38% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Calgary to Ottawa, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 15.3°F (-9.3°C) | Average | 8 | $272 |
| February | 17.2°F (-8.2°C) | Average | 8 | $159 |
| March | 27.9°F (-2.3°C) | Average | 7 | $282 |
| April | 41.4°F (5.2°C) | Average | 8 | $267 |
| May | 55.6°F (13.1°C) | High | 11 | $273 |
| June | 63.5°F (17.5°C) | Average | 9 | $256 |
| July | 69.4°F (20.8°C) | High | 10 | $302 |
| August | 67.5°F (19.7°C) | High | 9 | $252 |
| September | 60.4°F (15.8°C) | Low | 8 | $253 |
| October | 48.2°F (9.0°C) | Average | 8 | $184 |
| November | 35.4°F (1.9°C) | Low | 8 | $338 |
| December | 24.6°F (-4.1°C) | Low | 7 | $260 |
*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 routes from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW)
- Calgary to Gatineau (YYC-YND): Located approximately 14 miles from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Ottawa Executive Airport (YND) serves as a regional gateway.
- Calgary to Cornwall (YYC-YCC): Cornwall Regional Airport (YCC) is roughly 56 miles away from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), providing access to Eastern Ontario.
- Calgary to Mont-Tremblant (YYC-YTM): Mont-Tremblant International Airport (YTM) lies about 87 miles from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), ideal for ski enthusiasts.
How to find the best prices for flights from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Calgary to Ottawa is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) usually offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays provides both better rates and is the most sought-after travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Macdonald-Cartier International Airport from Calgary International Airport
Ottawa welcomes travelers from Calgary with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ottawa efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ottawa, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Macdonald-Cartier International 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 Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Greenboro Station, a metro station, is located about 3.6 miles away by car, while Ottawa Fallowfield Station, a train station, is approximately 7 miles away by car. For those traveling by sea, Ottawa Seaport is situated about 9.2 miles from the airport and can also be reached by car.
Calgary to Ottawa Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Calgary to Ottawa
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 Calgary to Ottawa are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Calgary to Ottawa with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Calgary to Ottawa
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Calgary to Ottawa: 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 Calgary to Ottawa
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 Calgary to Ottawa in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $128 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 Calgary to Ottawa 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 Calgary to Ottawa 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $128 and cheap return flights $258 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $145 and $1022, and return flights often range between $299 and $2035. 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from YYC to YOW is December when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
Choose from 3 airlines operating direct flights from YYC to YOW:
- WestJet operates around 24 direct flights from YYC to YOW every week
- Porter Airlines operates around 10 direct flights from YYC to YOW every week
- Air Canada operates around 7 direct flights from YYC to YOW every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
WestJet is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $400. 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.), 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Calgary (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Porter Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Porter Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Air Canada offers the most daily flights from YYC to YOW, 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
On average, there are around 6 nonstop flights per day from Calgary Intl. (YYC) to Macdonald-Cartier Intl. (YOW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) typically departs at around 12:05 AM. This is a seasonal service active in February, March, and April, allowing you to start your journey early and make the most of your time in Ottawa. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Ottawa (YOW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 21% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Ottawa with plenty of time to enjoy your day.
How long does it take to fly from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
Direct flights from YYC to YOW usually take about 4 hours, traveling roughly 1,788 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 3 hours 50 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the YYC to YOW route with Air Canada.
How much is a business class flight from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Calgary, AB (YYC) to Ottawa, ON (YOW) typically costs between $1,182 - $1,678. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $864 - $1,259. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) 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 Ottawa from Calgary Intl. (YYC)?
If you're planning to travel to Ottawa from Calgary Intl. (YYC), you can fly into Macdonald-Cartier Intl. (YOW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Edmonton Intl. (YEG), Vancouver Intl. (YVR), Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Intl. (YWG) before reaching Ottawa. 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) Ottawa 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 Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.)?
If you booked your Calgary, AB (YYC-Calgary Intl.) to Ottawa, ON (YOW-Macdonald-Cartier Intl.) 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 | Calgary International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ottawa International Airport |
Distance | 1,788 miles away |
Airlines serving | WestJet, PD, Air Transat, Air Canada |
Popular airline | WestJet |
Roundtrip price | $258 |
Average flight time | 3 hours 2 mins |