Taxis in Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, a city that is cultural, historical, and home to many exciting things for travellers to enjoy. From visiting Parliament Hill to learn about Canadian Democracy, to ice-skating down the Rideau Canal or exploring the numerous museums, you’ll have plenty to explore while in Ottawa. It is one of the most visited cities globally because it offers something for every traveller. We recommend taking an Ottawa taxi to get to your destination as soon as you arrive in Ottawa to ensure a smooth kickstart to the experience.
Different companies provide 24/7 taxi services in Ottawa, and these Ottawa cab companies are readily available in the city centre. You can easily find a cab at a designated taxi rank or hail one off the street. Ottawa cabs are required to attach the ‘City of Ottawa’ licence plate at the back of their vehicles to indicate they’re official and licensed by the city’s Licences and Permits department. You can also identify a licensed taxi from the roof sign, which often indicates the taxi company or car number.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YOW) ➙ OTTAWA CITY CENTER | 90 € | 108 € | 15 MIN |
| OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YOW) ➙ GATINEAU | 110 € | 132 € | 26 MIN |
Ottawa Taxi Prices
Various companies provide taxi services in Ottawa, and their taxis are all metered. They charge a base fare and a set price per kilometre.
Here’s how your taxi fare will be calculated in Ottawa:
Base fare: €2.90 (CAD 4)
Price per km: €1.35 (CAD 1.86)
Waiting time fare per hour: €17.50 (CAD 24)
The taxi fares don’t change throughout the day, but there may be additional charges for tolls where those are applicable. Also, you may find that if set fares are offered by drivers, the prices between the different companies may vary.
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How to get a taxi in Ottawa
It’s easy to get a taxi in Ottawa because they are readily available throughout the city centre. Taxis can be found at a designated taxi rank, whilst you can also hail one from the street. The taxi ranks are conveniently located near major city attractions and popular spots like hotels, shopping malls, and stations. If you’re travelling from/to the suburbs, it’s advised to book a taxi ahead of time to ensure availability and promptness. Some Ottawa taxi companies have online platforms where you can easily book your taxi, whilst you can always consider Welcome for your rides from/to the airport or within the central business district for efficiency and reliable local drivers!
Lastly, there are several taxi companies you can call to request a pickup; some popular ones are Blue Line Taxi and Capital Taxi Ottawa and you can reach them on +1 613 238 1111 and +1 613 744 3333 respectively.
Pre-book your Ottawa Taxi Transfer with Welcome
An excellent option for travellers who want a hassle-free trip is to pre-book their Ottawa taxi transfer with Welcome. This is an easy way to have a trained driver wait for you at your preferred location and arranged time, all at a competitive fixed rate. We recommend booking in advance with Welcome Pickups for a top-rated, personalised, door-to-door service and no hidden fees. Last but not least, you’ll also have access to 24/7 customer support should you have any questions about your transfer. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the breezy ride!
Tips for your taxi in Ottawa
- Most taxis in Ottawa accept credit card payments. It’s good to always check with your driver before starting your trip and also to have cash available, especially for shorter journeys.
- Always remember to check your taxi has the official City of Ottawa license plate.
- Tipping your cab driver in Canada is a common courtesy; a 15% of the final fare is usually expected, or 10% for shorter trips.
- Standard Ottawa taxis don't have child seats readily available, but should you need one you can request it when pre-booking your journey online or over the phone. You can also fit your own for free.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in Ottawa
The City of Ottawa is for everyone, which is why there are also wheelchair-accessible taxis. However, you may not be to find these taxis roaming the streets, so it’s best to request a taxi via phone or pre-book your ride online. If you want to book a mobility scooter or wheelchair-accessible taxi with large walkways, spacious seating, and ramps, you can contact West-Way Taxi at [email protected] or +1 613 727 0101 and specify you need a fully accessible vehicle. You may also want to check if you’re eligible to register with Para Transpo – a service offering pre-booked door-to-door shared rides.
Ottawa Taxi Safety and Complaints
If you are pleased with the taxi service you receive, you can compliment the driver directly and tip them accordingly. However, complaints often require proper investigation, and if you’re not satisfied with the taxi service received, you can report your experience to the associated taxi company or call the City at 311. When reporting, you’ll be required to provide the driver’s license number, time of the day and location of your pick-up, and the taxi plate number (located on the right side of the rear bumper). It’s always worth asking for a receipt because it contains all the information you need.