Travelling from Toronto to Ottawa: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Toronto to Ottawa. Explore the options for setting off from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), two of the city's main airports.
Touch down at Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). This is Ottawa's primary hub.
A direct flight from Toronto to Ottawa takes on average 1 hour 1 minute. Ottawa's timezone is UTC-4 — the same as Toronto.
The busiest route for flights from Toronto to Ottawa is from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Take your pick of 148 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off first thing, the earliest flight from YYZ to YOW is the 00:30 Air Canada option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 23:30 with Air Canada.
To ensure you catch your flight from Toronto to Ottawa, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months like August and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Once you've booked cheap flights from Toronto to Ottawa, get your travel documents in order. A passport or visa isn't necessary since you're flying within Canada. As long as you have another valid form of identification, such as an ID card or driver's licence, you're good to go.
Flying from Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
You can get a direct flight from Toronto to Ottawa jetting off from Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Start your journey at YYZ and land at Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
At YYZ, you can choose from various airlines operating direct flights from Toronto to Ottawa, such as:
YYZ is around 27 kilometres from central Toronto. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 26 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 49 minutes.
Looking for a handy hotel near Pearson International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Toronto to Ottawa, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Rather fly from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)? This terminal also offers nonstop flights from Toronto to Ottawa — get ready to travel straight to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
Porter Airlines has direct flights from Toronto to Ottawa departing from YTZ. Book your favourite window seat and arrive at your destination in one go.
With public transport, you can travel from central Toronto to YTZ in around 39 minutes. The airport is roughly 3 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 35 minutes.
Start your vacation sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Toronto to Ottawa, take things easy in one of these hotels close to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport:
Arriving in Ottawa
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND)
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND) to the centre of Ottawa is around 22 minutes by car. It's approximately 24 kilometres away.
It takes roughly 1 hour and 41 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Toronto to Ottawa. Reserve one of these accommodation options near YND instead:
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
The centre of Ottawa is located around 13 kilometres from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Once your flight from Toronto to Ottawa has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 19 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take about 43 minutes.
After your flight from Toronto to Ottawa, unwind at a hotel near YOW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Toronto to Ottawa
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Toronto to Ottawa is C$78. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$168. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
To secure cheap flights from Toronto to Ottawa, reserve your journey 9 months before your departure date.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Toronto to Ottawa. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time searching for cheap flights from Toronto to Ottawa every day.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Toronto to Ottawa.
Best time to go to Ottawa
Visit Ottawa during high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, schedule your flights from Toronto to Ottawa in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
When booking your flight from Toronto to Ottawa, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Ottawa, with the temperature ranging from 13ºC to 27ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -19ºC and -2ºC. Search for cheap flights from Toronto to Ottawa sometime then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Ottawa
Start your Ottawa trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Toronto to Ottawa, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada are essential stops on your Ottawa itinerary.
Complete your Ottawa trip with a car rental
Check out our lineup of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Toronto to Ottawa. Whether you're searching for a compact ride, roomy sedan or anything in between, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the best deal.