How to get around in Ottawa?

How To Get Around In Ottawa?

What are the best ways to get around in Ottawa?

How to get around in Ottawa? One of the most common question when traveling to a new city. Figuring out how to get around efficiently and cost effectively is important when traveling to a new city. Visiting a new city can be a ton of fun, but pricey if you don't know your way around. We have created a list of some of the most popular transportation options available in Ottawa during your sports trip. Plan the ultimate trip with the help of our travel experts and don't get caught unprepared when traveling to a new city!

How to get around in Ottawa

The best way to get around Ottawa is on foot. Ottawa is not a very large city, and its downtown is very condensed, making it very walkable. If you’re in for an Ottawa Senators game during the winter, perhaps bring your skates or consider renting because the Rideau Canal turns into a skating sidewalk in the frozen months. All of the city’s main attractions, restaurants and nightlife are all within walking distance to each other in Downtown Ottawa. If you’re in for an Ottawa Senators game, they actually play about 15 minutes outside of Ottawa, so using rideshare services is a great option for getting down to the game

How to get around in Ottawa?

Here is a list of options on how to get around in Ottawa:

  • Bus
    • Mainly used to get to the residential areas

  • Rideshare
    • Uber
    • Lyft

  • Car Rental
    • Elite Sports Tours can assist you with a car rental reservation during your trip. One of the more efficient ways to get around without racking up huge fees.

  • Taxis
    • Can be difficult to hail on the street, best to get one at a hotel.



These are some of the best transportation options when trying to figure out how to get around in Ottawa.

Airport (YOW) to Downtown Ottawa

# of Ottawa Airports: 1

  1. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

How to get to and from the Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is one of the largest airports within Canada and the most commonly used for tourists traveling to Ottawa. This international airport is one of the busiest in the country serving 5,106,487 passengers in 2019. 

Located just 10 kilometers south of Downtown Ottawa, it is quite easy to get to and from YOW. If you are flying in for a Senators game be sure to leave your self-plenty of time, traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to be late to the game!

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Ottawa from YOW so you can start your sports getaway!

∙  Public Transit: You can get to downtown Ottawa via the local bus system, along Line 97. Your total transportation time is about 30 minutes. The bus would cost you only a couple of dollars making it by far the cheapest option though that is balanced with a longer commute. Tickets are purchased at the ticket machine located on the first level of the airport. Keep in mind being that it is a city bus service there wouldn’t be that much room for luggage. If you wanted to take the bus, the pickup location is at the outer curb of the arrivals level, pillars 13 – 16. 

∙  Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown Ottawa may be your best bet in terms of convenience. Taxis from YOW are metered to downtown Ottawa, it is roughly a 20 minute drive, depending on traffic of course. Therefore you can expect the trip to cost you from $35 - $50 CAD. YOW has a taxi queue located outside the center door of the level 1 arrivals.

∙  Sedan Service/Limo: YOW is serviced by many different limousine companies. You pay for the added luxury of riding in a limo in Ottawa, with the average trip costing $100 - $150 CAD. The companies have options at your disposal including classic limos, sedans, SUVs and buses. Similar to a cab this option is just a 20 minute drive to downtown Ottawa, of course depending on traffic. Limousine companies pick up at pillars 12 & 13 of the inner curb.  

∙ Rental Car: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative to secure a rental car for you before your trip! YOW offers nine different car rental options, including Enterprise, Budget and National. The rental car companies can be located at the parkade (P1) on level 1.

∙  Ride Sharing: Both ride sharing giants Uber & Lyft service YOW to downtown. Ride sharing combines ease with affordability making for a perfect option when choosing how to head to Ottawa from the airport. The ride takes just 20 minutes and you can expect it to cost from $19 to $23 CAD, though this of course can vary depending on time of day, etc. If you are going to request a ride the companies can be found at the pillars 12 & 13 of the outer curb on the arrival level. 

∙  Hotel Shuttles: There are various hotel in downtown Ottawa that offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from YOW for their guests. Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative about your hotel’s shuttle service, if applicable. Pick-up times can be coordinated by communicating your flight information with your hotel. Hotel shuttles pick up at pillars 13 – 15 of the inner curb.

For getting to Downtown Ottawa from YOW we recommend taking an Uber or Lyft. The new way of transportation offers you ease of service combined with affordability. Alternatively, the bus route is a great option if you are packing lightly and want to save as much money as possible.

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