Flying from Ottawa to Brussels: what you need to know
Ottawa's main base, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), is where many great holidays begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Ottawa to Brussels.
Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are Brussels's major gateways.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Ottawa to Brussels flight.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Brussels
To find cheap Ottawa to Brussels flights, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your plane ticket from Ottawa to Brussels.
Finding a cheap flight from Ottawa to Brussels is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Ottawa to Brussels flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
YOW is about 11 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Brussels, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Of the flights that depart from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 58.21% land on schedule at their destination.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) to central Brussels takes around 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 8 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes about 40 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to BRU if you have a late flight from Ottawa to Brussels. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Brussels Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Alamo or Europcar and explore beyond Brussels's usual tourist stops.
Booking your ride from Brussels Airport around three weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Once your flight from Ottawa to Brussels has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Brussels is roughly 48 kilometres from Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 35 minutes or so.
After your flight from Ottawa to Brussels, kick back at a hotel close to CRL. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the rates and availability from Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty and Budget.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from CRL two weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Ottawa to Brussels. July is the busiest month for a trip to Brussels. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go in January.
Book an Ottawa to Brussels ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Brussels to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Brussels in January when temperatures average between -2ºC (28ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF).
More about Brussels
After booking your flight from Ottawa to Brussels, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Brussels:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis are attractions you won't want to skip in Brussels.
Explore more of Belgium
Brussels is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Belgium waiting to be discovered. Around 48 kilometres south of Brussels, a trip to Charleroi will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Parc Gobbe, Maison Dermine (art déco — 1921) and Parc Ligny.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in Belgium, head for Liege, roughly 88 kilometres east of Brussels. Gare de Liege-Guillemins, Curtius Museum and Montagne de Bueren are highlights.
