Travelling from Toronto to Ottawa: what you need to know
Start your journey at one of Toronto's main airports, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Toronto Island Airport (YTZ). Explore your options for booking a flight from Toronto to Ottawa departing from either of these.
When it comes to where you'll disembark, Ottawa's chief entry point is Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
Around 1 hour is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Toronto to Ottawa flight.
Toronto and Ottawa share the same timezone, UTC-5.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 111 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Toronto to Ottawa is with WestJet at 23:45. Choose the first YYZ to YOW departure operated by Air Canada at 00:30 to fit in more activities on your first day in Ottawa.
To ensure you board your Toronto to Ottawa flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Toronto to Ottawa
To pick up cheap Toronto to Ottawa flights, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Toronto to Ottawa is easy if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest fares across every month and score a fantastic deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Toronto to Ottawa is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Toronto to Ottawa flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Toronto
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Set off from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a nonstop flight from Toronto to Ottawa. From YYZ, you can land directly at Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct Toronto to Ottawa plane tickets out of YYZ. Claim your seat with one of these carriers:
The journey from central Toronto to YYZ takes around 25 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 21 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Toronto Pearson International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Toronto to Ottawa or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of all flights departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport, 68% touch down on time at their destination.
Toronto Island Airport (YTZ)
Consider booking your direct flight from Toronto to Ottawa out of Toronto Island Airport (YTZ). Nonstop services from YTZ will get you to Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
Book your direct Toronto to Ottawa plane ticket with Air Canada. This is one of the main carriers operating this route out of YTZ.
YTZ is around 3 kilometres from central Toronto. It'll take 10 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Toronto Island Airport the day before your flight from Toronto to Ottawa:
Toronto Island Airport has an on-time performance of 70%. This figure provides insight into how often flights that leave from this airport make it to their destination on schedule.
John C. Munro Hamilton Airport (YHM)
The journey time to YHM from the centre of Toronto is around 1 hour 50 minutes on public transport. If you're going by car, it'll take you about 1 hour 10 minutes to cover the 72 kilometres or so.
No need to rush or worry about public transport schedules — staying at a hotel near John C. Munro Hamilton Airport puts you one step ahead. Super 8 by Wyndham Mt Hope Hamilton Intl Arpt on and Homestead House Bed & Breakfast are fantastic choices, especially if you've booked an early Toronto to Ottawa flight.
Flights that take off from YHM touch down at their destination within the expected time frame 68% of the time.
Arriving in Ottawa
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is approximately 11 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 35 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near YOW if you have a late flight from Toronto to Ottawa. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Ottawa International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Alamo or Budget and explore beyond Ottawa's main sights.
Reserving your vehicle from Ottawa International Airport about two weeks in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND)
If you're staying in Ottawa's centre (or just want to see the sights straight away), the city is around 14 kilometres from Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND). Look for any visitor information desks to get directions after disembarking your flight from Toronto to Ottawa.
There are some great places to call home for the night near YND. Unwind after your Toronto to Ottawa flight at one of these well-located options:
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from YND in advance so you can simply grab the keys and be on your way.
Best time to go to Ottawa
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from Toronto to Ottawa. July is the busiest month to travel to Ottawa. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in November.
Lock in a Toronto to Ottawa ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Ottawa to range from 14ºC (57ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -19ºC (-2ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF). Search for cheap flights from Toronto to Ottawa around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Ottawa
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Ottawa right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Toronto to Ottawa:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa are attractions you won't want to skip in Ottawa.
Explore more of Canada
You've seen Ottawa, now it's time to discover more of Canada. Journey around 354 kilometres southwest to Toronto to check off its leading sights. From CN Tower to Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Islands, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Montreal is another well-known destination in Canada and is around 161 kilometres east of Ottawa. No journey is complete without visiting Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Cirque du Soleil.