Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Reykjavik: what you need to know
Reykjavik is four hours ahead of Ottawa, where Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located. Reykjavik runs on the UTC+0 timezone.
To avoid rushing for your YOW to Reykjavik flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak month such as August? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
The journey from central Ottawa to YOW takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a hotel close to YOW? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
58.21% of flights departing from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport make it to their destination on time.
The address for YOW is 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Reykjavik
The best price we've seen for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik flight is 244 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 467 €. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from YOW to Reykjavik, book ahead. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
Scoring cheap tickets from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to access the lowest fares across the month and pick up an epic deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from YOW to Reykjavik couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a new discount appears.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to the centre of Reykjavik takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel close to KEF if you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik. Select one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Pick up a Keflavik International Airport rental car and discover Reykjavik and beyond with your own wheels. Ice Rental 4x4, FairCar and Flizzr are well-known companies to choose from here.
For the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Keflavik International Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from YOW to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik International Airport (RKV)
After your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 5 minutes by car. Central Reykjavik is roughly 2 kilometres from Reykjavik International Airport (RKV).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 25 minutes or so.
There are some great places to call home for the night near RKV. Unwind and get cosy after your YOW to Reykjavik flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Reykjavik International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Europcar, RAS Car Hire or Hertz and be on your way in a flash.
Lock in the best price by booking your ride from RKV three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Reykjavik
Travel to Reykjavik during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
The warmest month in Reykjavik is July, with temperatures ranging between 8ºC (46ºF) and 15ºC (59ºF). Lock in your Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from YOW to Reykjavik in December when temperatures average between -6ºC (21ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Reykjavik
Start your Reykjavik trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Reykjavik, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Perlan, Hallgrimskirkja silhouette and National Museum of Iceland are leading attractions which should be on every Reykjavik itinerary.
Explore more of Iceland
Akureyri is just one of the many cities in Iceland waiting to be discovered after you've seen Reykjavik. Around 241 kilometres away to the north-east, popular attractions include Akureyri Art Museum, Hof Cultural and Conference Centre and Nonni's House.
Vestmannaeyjar is another sought-after destination in Iceland and is around 121 kilometres south-east of Reykjavik. No journey is complete without seeing Heimaklettur, Beautiful Puffin and Shore View and Skansinn.