Ottawa International Airport is situated around 13 km from central Ottawa. There are four transport options to choose from when making the journey from Ottawa Airport to Downtown: an Ottawa Airport taxi, a private transfer, a train, or a bus.
If you opt for an airport taxi or private transfer, both of which offer fast, door-to-door service, you can expect to arrive in the Downtown area within 15 minutes in light traffic.
If you’re on a budget, you can take the train. Although it will take around 50 minutes and you’ll need to switch services along the way. Another cheap option is to take a 25-minute bus, which only operates at night when the train stops running.
4 options to get from Ottawa Airport to Downtown
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €37.80 | 15min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A private transfer is an excellent option for all travelers, especially those in town on business or in large groups. | ||||||
Taxi | €19.90 | 15min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are ideal for travelers seeking a timely and private trip to their destination. | ||||||
Train | €5.20 | 50min | 06:00–00:35 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Taking the train may be a worthwhile option if you're on a budget and have plenty of time to spare. | ||||||
Bus | €5.20 | 25min | 00:33–05:44 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The bus is useful for budget travelers arriving late at night or in the early hours of the morning. | ||||||
Ottawa Airport taxis are available 24/7 from outside the terminal building, making them a reliable transport option no matter how early or late your flight lands. A taxi from Ottawa Airport to Downtown will generally take 15 minutes in light traffic.
Official cabs are easy to spot, as they have company-specific signage on the roof and an ID number on the side.
What is the cost of a taxi from Ottawa Airport to Downtown?
Taxi costs for Ottawa Airport to Downtown rides are based on meter readings. This means that your exact drop-off point, traffic conditions, and the time it takes to reach your destination will affect your final fare.
The average price of a taxi from Ottawa Airport to Downtown is about €19.90 (CAD 30), though rates can vary between companies.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Taxis depart from the designated rank outside the Arrivals Hall on Level 1 of the airport. You won’t have any trouble finding the rank, as it is located directly outside the main exit.
Convenience
Traveling from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa by taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get to your hotel. Cabs are available no matter when you arrive at the airport, though you may face a short wait if you land during peak times when demand is higher.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreCost-conscious travelers might prefer to take public transportation from Ottawa Airport to Downtown. If you choose to take the train, you can take the Line 4 O-Train service to “South Keys Station”.
From there, you’ll need to switch to Bus Line 6 to continue toward Downtown Ottawa. The total journey time is approximately 40-50 minutes.
How much is the train from Ottawa Airport to Downtown?
The combined fare for the train and bus from Ottawa Airport to Downtown is €2.60 (CAD 4.05).
You can purchase your train ticket from the vending machines in the airport or by tapping your debit or credit card at the gates in the station. You’ll have at least 90 minutes of travel time included in your fare. As such, both journeys are included in one ticket, provided you travel within the given time frame.
Trains from Ottawa Airport operate from 06:00 to 00:35, and Bus Line 6 runs between 04:35 and 23:18.
Where do I get the train from?
Follow the signage in the airport to find the train station, which is situated on the third level of the terminal, at the South end. When you arrive at the South Keys Station, you’ll have to walk outside to find the bus stop.
Convenience
Although the Line 4 O-Train is modern and reliable, traveling from Ottawa Airport to Downtown by train is not the most convenient option. Because the train line doesn’t extend to the city center, you’ll be required to take a bus from the South Keys Station. This can be challenging if you’re short on time or carrying a lot of luggage.
Timetables
4 O-Train
Timetable
Bus Line 6
Timetable
Useful Tips
Another option is to take the bus from Ottawa Airport to Downtown, though direct services are quite limited. Bus 98 departs each night when the 4 O-Train isn’t in operation, stopping at various spots near the Downtown area, such as “Rideau Street”.
How much is the bus from Ottawa Airport to Downtown?
One-way tickets for the bus from Ottawa Airport to Ottawa cost €2.60 (CAD 4.05) each and are available from the driver as you board the bus.
Bus line 98 operates from Ottawa Airport between 00:33 and 05:44.
Where do I get the bus from?
Bus Line 98 departs from the bus stop at the north end of Level 3 of Ottawa Airport.
Convenience
While the 98 bus is efficient and affordable, the restricted schedule means it’s not suitable for most travelers. Plus, depending on the location of your hotel, you may need to walk or take a cab to reach your final destination.
Timetables
Bus Line 98
Timetable
Useful Tips
Taking a private airport transfer from Ottawa Airport to Downtown is the best option if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. Well-regarded providers, like Welcome Pickups, offer top-tier services that make traveling to your hotel seamless and straightforward. We guarantee fixed prices, on-time pickups, and plenty of other travel extras, including:
When you choose us, you’ll start your trip with the peace of mind of knowing you won’t have to stress about taxi fares or public transport timetables. As you venture toward your hotel, you’ll get insider information and local tips from your driver.
How much is a private transfer from Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa?
One of the many perks of traveling by private transfer is that your payment will be taken care of ahead of time. This means that on the day, you won’t have to pay any extra, regardless of the traffic conditions.
Groups of up to three people can secure a spacious sedan for €37.80 (CAD 59), while a larger vehicle that can carry up to six passengers will come to €50.60 (CAD 79). If you’re in a party with as many as 12 travelers, you can make the trip from Ottawa Airport to Downtown in one of our minivans for €75.60 (CAD 118).
Booking and paying for your trip takes no more than a few minutes with our website or app. Simply enter your details and your specific transfer requirements to receive your fixed quote, which won’t be subject to change. Once you’ve paid, your ride will be confirmed.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
Where do I get a private transfer from?
You won’t even have to leave the airport to meet your Welcome Pickups driver, as they’ll be waiting to greet you in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it to help you identify them easily. After a warm welcome, your driver will help you with your bags and direct you outside to your waiting vehicle.
If you get delayed, there’s no need to panic, as your driver will receive live updates with your new expected arrival time using our flight monitoring function.
Convenience
Arranging an airport transfer from Ottawa Airport to Downtown is the best way to ensure your ride to your hotel is smooth and hassle-free. Not only will you avoid the long line at the taxi rank and uncertain fares, but you’ll also enjoy door-to-door service and travel with a hand-picked, English-speaking driver with local knowledge.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€51Starting from 17 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 6 passengers
€68Starting from 11.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€102Starting from 8.5 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Ottawa Airport to Downtown?
When traveling from Ottawa Airport to Downtown, taxi costs depend on multiple factors, such as the exact distance to your destination and the total travel time. On average, a cab for the 15-minute journey will set you back €19.90 (CAD 30).
Is there a train from Ottawa Airport to city?
While there’s no direct train from Ottawa Airport to Downtown, you’ll have the option of taking the Line 4 O-Train to South Keys Station. From there, you can switch to Bus Line 6 to reach the center.
Does the Ottawa-O-Train go to the airport?
The 4 O-Train connects Ottawa Airport with South Keys Station, which offers links to the Downtown area.
How far is Ottawa Airport from Downtown?
From Ottawa Airport to Downtown, the distance is a little under 13 km, taking approximately 15 minutes by car.
Adam Ryan
Adam is a travel writer with a soft spot for strange borders, street foods he can’t pronounce, and sleeper trains. He’s aiming to visit every country in the world, but somehow keeps ending up back in Southeast Asia.
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