Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

International passengers clear Canadian immigration and customs on Level 1 before collecting checked luggage and exiting into the public arrivals hall.

• Follow signs to the primary inspection area upon exiting the aircraft.
• Complete your declaration at a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or present your ArriveCAN advance submission QR code.
• Present your kiosk receipt and travel document to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
• Proceed to the Level 1 baggage claim area to collect checked luggage.
• Hand your printed kiosk receipt to the border officer at the final exit control point.

• Bus

  Public Bus (OC Transpo)

  OC Transpo operates regular bus routes connecting the airport curb to central transit hubs and the O-Train network.

  Time:

  Typically 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Roughly CAD 3.75 - CAD 4.00

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Licensed taxis are available continuously at the curb directly outside the Level 1 arrivals exit.

  Time:

  Typically 20-30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Roughly CAD 35 - CAD 50

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  App-based rideshare services pick up from designated marked zones outside the arrivals area.

  Time:

  Typically 20-30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Roughly CAD 30 - CAD 45

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Major car rental agencies operate counters located inside the parkade directly opposite the terminal.

  Time:

  Varies by destination

  Typical cost:

  Varies by provider and duration

All flight connections take place within the single terminal, though international arrivals must clear border controls before continuing.

• Passengers connecting from international to domestic flights must collect their checked baggage and clear CBSA inspection before re-checking luggage.
• Passengers connecting to US flights clear US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facilities within the terminal prior to boarding.
• Allow at least 90 minutes for transborder connections due to mandatory pre-clearance screening.

Free Wi-Fi is available across all public and passenger areas of the terminal.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network from your device settings.
• Accept the standard terms of use on the pop-up portal page to gain immediate access.
• Power charging sockets and USB ports are integrated into seating in the departures concourses.

ATMs and foreign exchange services are available inside the terminal building.

• Automated teller machines supporting international card networks are positioned before and after security.
• Foreign currency exchange counters operate in the main terminal areas.
• Payment cards (debit and credit) are universally accepted for local transport, dining, and shopping across Ottawa.

Dining facilities include cafes, quick-service food outlets, and full-service options.

• Pre-security food and beverage choices are located near the main public areas and arrivals.
• Post-security concourses feature a selection of national chain outlets, local eateries, and bars.
• Operating hours align generally with flight schedules, with limited options available during late-night hours.

Airline lounge options are situated post-security for eligible passengers.

• The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in the domestic/international departures area post-security.
• Entry is restricted to business class passengers, eligible elite frequent flyers, and approved lounge pass holders.
• No independent pay-per-use lounges are currently operating in the US transborder area.

An on-site hotel is connected to the terminal, supplemented by nearby airport hotels.

• The ALT Hotel Ottawa Airport is directly connected to the terminal building via an enclosed walkway.
• Several off-site hotels along the airport parkway run complimentary guest shuttle buses.
• Direct courtesy reservation phones are located near the Level 1 baggage claim area.

Baggage reclamation and support desks are located on Level 1.

• Luggage carousels are located in the Level 1 arrivals hall immediately past border control.
• Luggage carts are available free of charge in the baggage claim area.
• Airline customer service counters in the arrivals hall handle reports for delayed or damaged items.

Dedicated amenities for families travelling with young children are located throughout the terminal.

• Baby changing stations are integrated into public washrooms across all levels.
• Private nursing space is available for feeding and infant care.
• A dedicated play area for young children is situated in the post-security departures concourse.

• Free Terminal Wi-Fi
• ATMs
• Currency Exchange
• Nursing Room
• Accessible Washrooms
• Car Rental Desk
• Covered Parking

Local emergency number: 911

• Dial 911 from any handset for urgent emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire).
• First aid support inside the terminal can be requested via any airport staff or security personnel.
• Travellers who lose foreign passports should contact their nation's embassy or high commission located in downtown Ottawa.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International AirportOfficial airport source
• Government of Canada - Immigration and CitizenshipGovernment source
• Canada Border Services AgencyGovernment source
• OC TranspoOfficial transit source
• Ottawa Public HealthGovernment source