Traveling Through YOW — Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport serves 1 terminal, 8 airlines. Everything you need to know before you fly — terminals, transit, tips, and more.
📋 Key Facts for Your Trip
Essential info before you fly through YOW
✈️ Airlines at YOW
Terminal assignments — always confirm with your airline before travel
| Airline | Terminal(s) |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | Main Terminal |
| Air Transat | Main Terminal |
| Porter Airlines | Main Terminal |
| WestJet | Main Terminal |
| Flair Airlines | Main Terminal |
| Sunwing Airlines | Main Terminal |
| United Airlines | Main Terminal |
| Delta Air Lines | Main Terminal |
🚗 Getting To & From YOW
Ground transportation options for Ottawa
Rail / Train
OC Transpo O-Train Line 4 (Trillium Line) connects directly to the airport terminal. Route 97 also connects to O-Train lines 1 and 2. A new route 105 provides 24/7 service to St-Laurent station.
Bus / Shuttle
OC Transpo bus services (Route 97, Route 105, and Route N98 after midnight) connect the airport to various parts of Ottawa.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available at the airport.
Taxi
Taxis and airport limos are available 24/7. Approximate fare to downtown Ottawa is CAD 30-40.
Parking
Long-term parking options are available, including covered parking and surface lots. Pre-booking is recommended. · Short-term parking is available directly at the terminal for convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Rental Cars
Several rental car agencies are located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
🍽️ Inside YOW
Food, lounges, and shopping at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
Food & Dining
Before security: Limited dining options available before security, including cafes and quick-service restaurants. · After security: A variety of food and beverage options are available after security, including restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Lounges
Aspire Lounge (accessible via Priority Pass and other lounge programs)Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (for Air Canada and Star Alliance eligible passengers)
Shopping
Duty-free shops are available for international travelers. Other retail options include newsstands, gift shops, and specialty stores.
💡 Frequent Traveler Tips for YOW
Insider knowledge to make your time at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport smoother
- 1 Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport has a single terminal building, making navigation straightforward.
- 2 The O-Train Line 4 provides direct access to the airport, offering a convenient public transit option.
- 3 Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for convenient airport transfers.
- 4 Pre-booking parking online can help secure a spot and potentially offer better rates.
- 5 The airport is bicycle-friendly in temperate seasons, with connections to downtown via the Capital Pathway.
Track Your Flight from YOW — Automatically
TripTrack shows your terminal, gate, and real-time delay status the moment you book. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically — no manual entry.
Frequently Asked Questions — YOW
How many terminals does YOW (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport) have?
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport has 1 terminal: Main Terminal. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before travel, as assignments can change.
Does YOW have free WiFi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminal.. For real-time connectivity updates and to stay on top of gate changes, download TripTrack — it tracks your flight automatically.
How early should I arrive at YOW?
For domestic flights, check-in closes 2 hours before departure (recommended). For international flights, check-in closes 3 hours before departure (recommended). As a general rule, arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate.
What airlines fly from YOW?
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is served by 8 airlines, including Air Canada, Air Transat, Porter Airlines, WestJet, Flair Airlines and 3 more. See the full airline and terminal list above.
How do I get from YOW to Ottawa?
Ground transportation options from Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport include rail/train (OC Transpo O-Train Line 4 (Trillium Line) connects directly to the airport terminal. Route 97 also connects to O-Train lines 1 and 2. A new route 105 provides 24/7 service to St-Laurent station.), bus/shuttle service, rideshare apps, taxi. See the Getting To & From section above for details.
Is there parking at YOW?
Yes, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport offers parking options. Long-term parking options are available, including covered parking and surface lots. Pre-booking is recommended. Short-term parking is available directly at the terminal for convenient pick-up and drop-off. Rates and availability change — check the airport website for current pricing.
How can I track my flight from YOW in real time?
TripTrack automatically tracks your flights from Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport — showing real-time gate changes, delays, and terminal info. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically. Available free on iOS and Android.